Taking a 10-year career break to focus on family and retrain as a teacher didn’t stop Charlotte from making a return to engineering.
With years of experience in the defence sector, she still had the skills and drive—but needed a way back in. After spotting an ad for the STEM Returners Programme by chance, Charlotte took a leap. That leap led to a senior role at BAE Systems, a promotion, and a new chapter in her career.
Here’s Charlotte’s story.
Tell us a little bit about your experience before joining the Programme.
I was working at the local Primary School as the IT Manager/SEN Coordinator and had recently been thinking about returning to an Engineering role. Initially I had dismissed the idea as I really wasn’t sure what training I would need to come back into the industry or what entry level positions would be suitable.
There was also a lot of doubt over whether I would be considered after such a long absence. I had taken a career break 10 years previously, after my first child started school and had retrained as a High Level Teacher, teaching Computer Science. Before my career break, I worked in the Defence industry leading multiple Configuration and Data Management programmes, a demanding role which took me away from home frequently. When this started impacting my daughter, I made the choice to find a more flexible role.
How did you find out about the STEM Returners Programme?
I came across the STEM Returners Programme by chance. I was sat waiting to collect my daughter from school and checking through my emails. There was one from her school with a link to a wider communications piece. I had a few extra minutes and clicked on the link and there on the second page was an advert for the STEM Returners Programme.
Why did you apply for the BAE Systems STEM Returners Programme?
After seeing the advert, I went home and started drafting up my application.
I was excited by the idea of restarting my career, something for me after many years of being a mum. I didn’t send the application straight away mostly due to having self-doubt as to whether I would qualify.
How has the Programme helped you restart your career?
A member of the STEM Returners team contacted me straight away and discussed my application. I remember the call and remember feeling so nervous but all my worries were put aside almost instantly and I felt encouraged that my application would be of interest. I was then contacted again with a list of possible roles and employers who would like to have an informal chat.
I chose to progress the role with BAE Systems because I had worked for them previously, knew the company well and the location was perfect. The meeting went well and I felt there was a strong appreciation and understanding for my nervousness and the support required to return to engineering. I was offered the role immediately and started 3 months later. I joined BAE Systems at a senior level, managing a small team and working on a very exciting project and I still pinch myself sometimes that I’m here and that’s all thanks to the programme.
How do you feel about the support offered by BAE Systems as a company?
The support offered by BAE Systems has been great, I have regular reviews with my line manager, training opportunities and have a great development plan to work towards.
What advice would you give to someone trying to return from a career break?
Looking back now, I held the unfounded belief that the skills I had gained during my time away from engineering weren’t applicable but actually I couldn’t have been more wrong. I also suffered with self-doubt but taking that first step, whilst the hardest, was the best decision I could have made. The STEM Returners Programme is designed and tailored to meet the needs of the individual. Having the introductory period helps both the employee and employer make the right and informed decisions in terms of moving forward. Take the chance and the programme is there to support you every step of the way.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re ready to return to or transition into a fulfilling STEM career, we’re here to help you succeed. Explore our current opportunities and find the opportunity that’s right for you.
