A mother to two children and a wife to a husband who shared her industry, Katie Ireland had to take a tough decision and focus on her family life, leaving her role in the oil and gas industry behind.
Having worked at various organisations in the oil and gas sector for just over seven years, Katie’s life had always centred around her work.
“Being a geoscientist has always been more than a career for me – it defines who I am as a person.”
Eventually, an office change meant that she would be commuting to work over a significant distance, giving her less time to spend with her newborn child.
“I made the difficult decision to leave and focus on raising my children.”
“After our second child was born my husband decided he wanted to chase his dream of becoming an academic, so we moved north away from any industry connections I once had.”
“The break provided the perfect opportunity for me to exercise my love of geology – living on the coast and taking my kids on mini field trips.”
“Being a geoscientist has always been more than a career for me – it defines who I am as a person.”
However, as her children began to grow up, Katie’s desire to return to work grew stronger.
“My children became more independent and the need for my own independence also grew. I started looking into possible careers that would suit my interest, reaching out to my contacts to see what opportunities were available.
But unfortunately, returning to work after a break is made significantly harder by the outdated recruitment methods that much of the industry relies on when sourcing talent.
Instead of recognising that Katie’s time out had made her a more rounded geoscientist, the career break penalty meant she faced rejection when trying to re-enter the industry.
“My five-year career break had a major impact on how I viewed myself and ultimately my confidence. “
“My confidence was at an all-time low, my memory and ability to retain information was very poor and this didn’t come across well. It was hard to explain to others and so difficult for them to empathise.”
After being disheartened in her job search, it was a chance conversation with a former colleague, working in the renewables sector, that put Katie on the path to transferring her skills.
“She piqued my interest and got me thinking about retraining in order to enter this sector. While carrying out a general job search online, I came across the STEM Returners role with Ørsted and thought the term “STEM Returner” perfectly described what I was trying to do.”
With decarbonisation and the move towards renewable energy, Katie’s career path will be one that is well-trodden over the coming years in STEM.
“I had followed the transition that Ørsted had made from oil and gas-focused to being one of the leading renewables companies and felt that I too would like to follow in their footsteps. So, I took a chance and got a phone call from STEM Returners the following day.”
From the start of Katie’s application, it was clear that this could be her big opportunity to return to work, using the skills and experience from her previous roles prior to her break.
“The initial phone call with STEM Returners was game-changing for me- Karen rang up and was so enthusiastic and genuinely happy to have found me. Instead of the usual pitiful response, she saw potential in me and got me energised into believing that I could achieve this.”
“The team helped me through the application process with proformas and arranging the interview process.”
“The interview process itself was enjoyable because that oppressing worry that I would be judged on having a career break was taken away.”
With her confidence returned, Katie’s next step in her career was confirmed when she was offered a role on the Ørsted returners programme, something that changed her career path for good.
“The opportunity (at Ørsted) has changed my career in so many ways.”
“Not only has it allowed me to return to work after a career break, but it has given me the chance to transition from oil and gas to the renewables sector.”
“It is support like that which is priceless, having that kind of faith in someone really increases their self-worth.”
For many returners, the thought of stable employment in their chosen sector can seem a million miles away during those moments of rejection. For Katie though, she can now envisage a wholesome and positive future in the renewables sector.
“I was worried that I would only be able to apply for short term jobs/roles, but now I have a new career that I can see myself developing and learning in far into the future.”
“I am so grateful to Ørsted and my team for giving me the opportunity and I hope that I am able to add value and help them grow too.”
Looking back on her first steps in the STEM Returners programme, Katie is full of optimism for those looking to return, hoping they gain the same self-belief she did during the application process.
“Even if you think you can’t do it or if there isn’t an opportunity being advertised, get in touch with the team and they will help.”
“As Karen said to me during that first phone call – ‘if you don’t get this one, we will keep looking for you. We will get you back to your career’ – It is support like that which is priceless, having that kind of faith in someone really increases their self-worth.”