Jessica graduated from Nottingham Trent University with a degree in Business and Economics and an MSc in Project Management, before working in the rail industry for two years. She felt, however, that the rail industry wasn’t for her and decided to find a new role. Despite her experience of working on complex projects, the rigid nature of STEM recruitment processes meant that finding a role was not easy.
Jessica joined Binnies pilot STEM Returners Programme, after 6 weeks Jessica was offered a permanent role at Binnies as a project manager in the asset management team. Here’s Jessica’s story:
TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOU
I’m Jessica, 27, originally from East London but have lived in the midlands for the last 10 years. I love that I get to call Nottingham my home!
Not surprisingly, I went to Nottingham Trent University (back in 2014) and completed my undergrad in Business and Economics and my MSc in Project Management here. It was the best 5 years of my life.
In terms of my hobbies and interests, its rugby. If I’m not working, I’m either training, playing or watching rugby. I currently play both rugby union for Loughborough lightning and rugby league for Salford red devils.
WHAT IS YOUR WORKING BACKGROUND? IF YOU LIKE TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER BREAK
I was lucky enough to secure a Project Coordinator graduate scheme at Nottingham Trent University as soon as I graduated. I then progressed into a Assistant Project Manager role in the railway industry . I stayed there for nearly 2 years, gaining promotion into a Project Management role. Here, I managed BAU projects which varied in complexity, monetary value and time scale. It was very valuable experience, but the railway industry wasn’t for me, as well as the organisation. I wanted to lead and manage projects with my personal style and didn’t have the ability to do that, which is why I took a little break. For me it was about being happy rather than having a PM role.
WHAT BARRIERS HAVE YOU FACED WHEN APPLYING FOR ROLES?
Not having too much commercial experience post MSc. As well as this, I don’t have specific technical experience. Specialising in PM rather than coming from say an engineering background and then becoming a PM put me on the back foot a little. Mostly, you are employed based on industry experience and I haven’t worked say within the water industry for 10 years. My skills specifically are planning and managing no particular projects.
WHY DID YOU APPROACH STEM RETURNERS?
I felt that I was struggling to find a role that fit my personality. Especially being quite young and having limited experience, I needed someone to take a chance almost and that’s what STEM Returners did for me.
HOW DID STEM RETURNERS HELP?
They matched me with the perfect role. It fits my management style and leadership style. The Binnies team is a great fit, and STEM Returners identified that. They also kept me engaged throughout what was a particularly long process with Binnies.
WHAT WAS THE END RESULT?
I originally got a 12-week contract with Binnies. Before the 6-week mark, I was offered a permanent contract with a pay rise. I couldn’t as for a better start to employment.
HOW HAS THIS CHANGED YOUR CAREER?
This has been the most positive career move. Prior to this I was feeling unconfident in my abilities as a PM. In my role with a previous employer, I was micromanaged to the point of losing my self-esteem. Binnies and the Asset Management Team give me the flexibility to deliver projects confidently. I feel empowered and I have never been more happy in employment
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ABOUT THE PROGRAMME OVERALL?
I had a smooth experience that was very personalised. Still to this day, I keep in contact with the recruiter. The checking in is a lovely touch and not something you really experience with other recruiters.
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