With the support of the STEM Returners programme, Neelakshi was able to secure a permanent role with Cubic Transportation Systems as a System Test Engineer. Neelakshi joined the programme in February 2023, and has now almost completed her first year back to work after a 6-year career break, where she took time out to have her children, overcome health complications post pregnancy and relocate to the UK.
TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOU
I’m Neelakshi, born and brought up in India. I have a Bachelor of Engineering in Bio-Informatics from Vinayaka Missions University in 2011.
WHAT IS YOUR WORKING BACKGROUND? IF YOU LIKE TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER BREAK
Right after completing my qualification I had joined a leading pharmaceutical company in the same field and continued to work with them for a year and a half. I then changed my domain and switched to IT software industry in 2013 and started my IT career journey gaining a vast product knowledge until 2015 after which I shifted to a different company due to relocation of cities. I had then moved to a banking and payments domain company where I worked as Business Analyst/ Quality Assurance until Nov’2017. I took a career break by end of 2017 as a maternity break with decisions to plan for a family which got extended due to health issues post pregnancy and pandemic happened and right after that we as family relocated to UK.
WHAT BARRIERS HAVE YOU FACED WHEN APPLYING FOR ROLES?
After relocating to UK when I started to search for jobs, most of the time applications wouldn’t be accepted because of being away from workforce for a long time and many companies were not ok with the long career gap. Also, during the time when I was away from industry there had been a lot of advancement in terms of technology and new tools used by the companies. I had skilled up myself to most of the needs of the industry and had applied for various jobs even for trainee positions but either due to the long career gap or lack of work experience in UK, applications would be rejected.
WHY DID YOU APPROACH STEM RETURNERS?
I saw a job posting for Cubic Transportation Systems (CTS) via the STEM Returners programme.
HOW DID STEM RETURNERS HELP?
The STEM Returners Programme is full of hope. I had an initial conversation with Jazmine; who gave me positive vibes and boosted my confidence. She explained the entire programme and the procedure. After the first few checks were made, STEM Returners arranged for an employer interview with CTS. STEM Returners not only arranged an interview but also provided guidance and tips on cracking the interview process. Also, during the interview process, as the employer was aware of the fact that it was a returner programme, the panel was quite considerate and were not rushing through the process and never was the career break seen as a drawback or concern and my skills and experience was recognised.
WHAT WAS THE END RESULT?
I was offered a place on the programme based on my experience and skills and the way I had performed during the face-to-face interview rounds.
HOW HAS THIS CHANGED YOUR CAREER?
The STEM Returners programme has been extremely helpful for me and helped me back to work after relocating to a completely new place and without any work experience in the UK. After seeing a series of emails reading “better luck next time”, I definitely was frustrated and had almost lost all hope, but it was this programme which made it possible to boost my confidence and to get a job opportunity.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ABOUT THE PROGRAMME OVERALL?
STEM Returners have helped me to get back to industry after a long career break and have supported me in every step to get the job opportunity.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR RETURNERS LIKE YOURSELF?
To the fellow returner, I know that this entire process of applying for jobs and getting rejections again and again is quite frustrating but please don’t lose hope. I have also been in that situation and exactly know how it feels, but then with hope and dream of being at work again have resulted in me getting the role. Please don’t lose hope and keep trying and have trust in the STEM Returners 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