Stephanie, from Sheffield, is now a Principal Water Resources Consultant following a previous STEM Returners programme at Mott MacDonald.
Stephanie, who has a BSc Biological Sciences and a masters in Catchment Management and Dynamics, took part in the programme after struggling to gain employment through standard recruitment channels. This is Stephanie’s return to STEM story:
TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOU
I am from Sheffield in England and went to Lancaster University to do BSc Biological Sciences before starting a career in journal publishing. After a few years I decided to go back to university to do an MSc in Catchment Management and Dynamics in Leeds, during which I started working initially part time in a consultancy as a Graduate Hydrologist, which started my career in water resources. I soon took up an opportunity to work in Australia as a graduate though and returned back to UK after 5 years with an Australian passport.
I enjoy hiking, cycling, and was pretty keen on bouldering before I broke my ankle which shook my confidence and I’ve not climbed much since. Having a baby two years ago has also interrupted my taking part in many of my interests but I am now embracing much slower, shorter walks and flat bike rides!
TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER BREAK
After spending 5 years in Australia, I returned to work for a bottled water company for 4 years before deciding to go on a round the world trip, which we thankfully managed to complete just before Covid took over all our lives. Not long after returning, I got the opportunity with STEM Returners to work at Mott MacDonald. At the time I was pregnant and planned to go on maternity leave just as the 3 month trial period ended. I was offered a permanent role for when I returned after having my son, which I am still enjoying on a part-time basis now.
WHAT BARRIERS HAVE YOU FACED WHEN APPLYING FOR ROLES?
I found that my relatively unconventional route around and in and out of consultancy meant that I didn’t fit in an obvious/typical role which made it hard to get through initial CV screening and a chance to show what value I could bring. I had also taken time out to travel and didn’t want to go into a traditional senior role in water resources that I wouldn’t feel confident in undertaking.
WHY DID YOU APPROACH STEM RETURNERS?
I had seen the role online and I had always seen Mott MacDonald as a company I would like to work for. However, due to reasons above and the fact that I was pregnant at the time, I didn’t apply initially. STEM Returners actually approached me having seen my CV and how it matched the role.
HOW DID STEM RETURNERS HELP?
They were a direct contact between myself and the company that allowed me to be completely honest from the start with my experience and skills and explain what I could bring to the company as well as what I would like their support on to develop my skills further. I didn’t feel pressure to over-sell myself as I felt the programme was also about identifying how the company can support you to meet the requirements of the role.
WHAT WAS THE END RESULT?
When Natalie got in touch I was really excited as Mott MacDonald still wanted to talk to me despite all the things previously mentioned and as STEM Returners pointed out, that is what the programme is about.
HOW HAS THIS CHANGED YOUR CAREER?
It has given me an ‘in’ back to consultancy which I had almost given up on. I wouldn’t want to change my experience so far; it has given me a perspective and skills different to many other people in my position. This role has given me the opportunity to find and show what I and others like me can bring to a consultancy environment, despite not following the same technical path as my peers.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR RETURNERS LIKE YOURSELF?
Go for it – the programme is such a great opportunity to show what value you can bring to a company through direct communications instead of CV sieving that may even discard your application for the experiences that would make you the best candidate. Be honest in your own expectations and what you would want from the team/your role. For me the programme gave me the opportunity to do that up front, without the feeling that I had to oversell or exaggerate my experience and skills.
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