Like many other career returners, Helen faced barriers when trying to return.
Helen joined a STEM Returners programme with Ørsted after a friend’s recommendation. After a supported placement, Helen has now been offered a permanent position at Ørsted as a Senior Geologist
Read Helen’s story to find out more about returning to STEM:
TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOU
I grew up in Somerset and moved to London for university where I did a BSc in Environmental Geoscience followed by an MSc in Structural Petroleum Geoscience. I moved out to rural Shropshire six years ago, I’m a parent of two lovely children and a spotty greyhound. I enjoy running when I find the time and gardening is my way to relax. I have a thing for giant plants.
WHAT IS YOUR WORKING BACKGROUND? IF YOU LIKE TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER BREAK
I worked for an oilfield services company for eight years after university. I learnt a huge amount there and met some amazing people, but for a few reasons decided it was time to leave in 2018. I was always motivated to work in renewable energy, but there were still so few jobs for geologists in that sector. I decided I would make a complete change and went to work for an independent STEM college, helping students with their university choices and organising summer schools.
WHAT BARRIERS HAVE YOU FACED WHEN APPLYING FOR ROLES?
Trying to shift between two different industries and having had a five year career gap at the same time. I also needed a role that would enable me to have some flexibility to work around my family life. There were several other practical factors that needed to align such as finding a science role that paid enough for me to cover my bills. This was surprisingly hard.
WHY DID YOU APPROACH STEM RETURNERS?
I am lucky enough to have a friend who went through a STEM Returners Programme and was able to secure a permanent role at the end of her placement. They are an extremely genuine and supportive organisation but still it helps to have someone you’ve known for a long time say good things about them. I hope by reading this from someone that has been through the programme that you will feel some of the confidence that I did in the organisation.
HOW DID STEM RETURNERS HELP?
They form a platform and concept for employers to feel positive and reassured about getting involved with, which helps to bridge the gap. They were very supportive in helping me go through the application and interview process. They would often call me up to see how things were going and leave me feeling encouraged.
WHAT WAS THE END RESULT?
I feel very privileged to say that I have recently been offered a permanent contract with my new company. I am really happy there. I love the people I work with, company values and the work that I’m doing.
HOW HAS THIS CHANGED YOUR CAREER?
Completely! I keep thinking how lucky I am. It is everything that I was hoping for and more.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ABOUT THE PROGRAMME OVERALL?
It’s a great structure to help align the goals of both employer and employee. In the simplest of forms it plays a similar role to a recruitment agency, but it’s far more than that. It challenges employers to think beyond any hiring biases that they may have and really see how they can hugely benefit from having a passionate, hard working and un jaded employee join them as opposed to just a diversity, equity and inclusion box tick.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR RETURNERS LIKE YOURSELF?
If you feel you possibly can, take the leap. For me, despite all the brilliant support I had it was still a gamble as it meant giving up a reasonably comfortable job and security this offered. I knew that it was the right decision for both ‘heart and head’ because I needed to be doing something that inspired me. Also, I knew that if I wasn’t offered a permanent position at the end of the placement then I would still have gained a lot of experience that would make the task of applying for other roles a lot more achievable.
If you are looking to register your interest in joining a STEM Returners programme please visit Returner Registration – STEM Returners or view our current programme opportunities here