Sue joined SSE’s STEM Returners Programme after taking a career break. You can read Sue’s return to work journey here:
What was your role prior to your career break?
I was a Project Manager specialising in metering businesses across electricity, gas and water, including British Gas, npower and Scottish Power. I delivered large, complex projects ranging from bespoke software applications supporting market competition, to asset management systems, data management solutions and billing Datamart’s.
Why did you take a career break?
It became clear that a caring role was required at home due to Alzheimer’s and I returned to Scotland.
How did your career break benefit you?
It gives you a different perspective on many aspects of life and also provides an opportunity to explore other avenues. I undertook some voluntary work and qualified as a Personal Trainer. I also wandered in the forest a lot with my dog, one of the benefits of being in the wilds of Scotland. I may have pioneered mindfulness before it was a thing.
How did you feel about returning to work?
It was daunting, mainly because many years had passed it was a challenge to get my head back into “work speak”. I was quite close to starting my own business as it had been a thankless task being rejected out of hand because of the gap. I thought it might not happen.
How did you hear about the STEM Returners programme at SSE?
I had come across the STEM Returners website and literally couldn’t believe my luck that SSE had a programme, up the road in Perth.
What made you decide to apply?
The STEM Returners team encouraged me to apply, and I had a belief that I would still be able to apply my previous work experiences. I had fond memories of working for big utility companies and so it felt like returning home. The flexibility of the role was really important to me. Flexibility just didn’t exist in the form it does now, and I am sure it will benefit many people trying to return.
Tell us a bit about the recruitment process?
As well as my CV, a questionnaire was required covering knowledge about SSE, Transmission, my proudest work achievements and how I might approach certain scenarios. The interview itself was not quite the same as the “normal” recruitment process and was designed to accommodate the fact I was a returner in so much as it did not rely so heavily on competency-based questions.
What role were you hired for?
I was hired as a Project Manager within Transmission.
How has your career progressed since?
The support that I received from my Manager has been a major factor in my successful return. Not only have I been supported in finding my feet but also encouraged to find ways to promote and utilise the experiences I have had across my career. In effect we are redefining my original role and that in itself demonstrates the benefit of the returner programme.
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.