We’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions about STEM Returners, our programmes, and how we can support you on your return to STEM.
Find Clarity, Support, and Guidance
Returning to a career in STEM can bring many questions, and we’re here to provide the answers. Whether you’re curious about how the programme works, what support you’ll receive, or how to prepare, this FAQ section is designed to address your concerns and guide you through the process.
At STEM Returners, we understand that every journey back into the industry is unique. That’s why our programmes are tailored to meet your needs and provide the resources, mentoring, and opportunities to help you succeed.
Who are STEM Returners and what is a STEM Returners Programme?
STEM Returners is a Diversity and Inclusion Consultancy offering consultancy services in the STEM sector (Science Technology Engineering and Math).
The STEM Returners Programme is an element of our consultancy services, paid work placements for career break professionals to support return to work in the STEM sector.
Is there a maximum length of career break to be eligible for a STEM Returners Programme?
No, we work with anyone struggling through standard recruitment channels to return to work, there is no minimum or maximum length of career break. As a Diversity and Inclusion Consultancy we strive to be fully inclusive and supportive in our consultancy services.
How long is a STEM Returners Programme?
Most of our host organisations have programme periods of 12 weeks, however, some are 6 months or even offer straight-to-permanent opportunities with standard company probationary periods (if one applies to the company). Your Returner Support Advisor will be able to advise you on the nature of the programme within each host company.
What happens after the programme period?
The programme is designed with host organisations to be a permanent job opportunity on successful completion of the programme period. We are pleased to report that the programme leads to a permanent role in 96% of cases.
Where can I find programme opportunities?
All our programme opportunities are available to view here [insert link to placements]
The opportunity pages are updated on a weekly basis, so it’s worth looking regularly for suitable programme opportunities for you. You are welcome to apply for more than one programme opportunity. You can also register your interest in joining a STEM Returners Programme here [insert link to returner registration form]
I rarely get feedback from my job applications through standard recruitment channels, will my application for a STEM Returners Programme be any different?
Yes, we work hard with our host organisations to encourage timely and detailed feedback at application and interview stages, as we know how important and beneficial feedback is to confidence and process in a return-to-work journey. We do our best to be ‘different’. Your Returner Support Advisor will stay connected with you during the application process for the programme and beyond.
I am currently working in a role outside of my STEM field, do I qualify for the Programme?
Yes, we know that STEM sector career break professionals are often working part time or outside of their chosen field/area of qualification or experience. This is not a barrier to apply for a STEM Returners Programme. The same applies for self-employed roles or volunteering.
I do not have a Science, Technology, Engineering or Math degree, but I am interested in a place on a STEM Returners Programme to help me return to work, can I still apply?
Yes, you may still apply. Our host organisations are STEM sector based but often roles outside of STEM are included as opportunities, such as support function roles in Project Management, Finance, or other areas. You may find these roles a good fit for your skills and experience.
I need to work part time as I have caring responsibilities but am ready to return to STEM, can I still apply for a STEM Returners Programme?
Yes, you may. We work proactively with our host organisations to be as flexible and inclusive as possible, many of our programme opportunities and long-term permanent roles can be performed part-time or with flexibility to accommodate everyone’s working patterns. Where possible we will list the working pattern and location of role on the inclusive advertisement for the role. Please feel free to discuss your ability to work when and how with your Returner Support Advisor.
I will need some adjustments to be able to interview for the programme, how do I communicate this?
STEM Returners believes in diversity and inclusion in teams and the value that a diverse team brings to organisations. Please chat with your Returner Support Advisor about any adjustments you may need to interview for a role. We are happy to support and actively welcome you to apply and be fully supported in your return to work.
What do I need to do to apply for a place on a STEM Returners programme?
Your Returner Support Advisor will work with you to provide information on how to apply for a specific programme with a host organisation. Although there may be some variances, mostly you will need to research the organisation and complete a candidate introduction with 5 or so set questions, focused on your relevant skills for the role, your motivations to apply and the achievements you are proud of before or during your career break.
You will also have a supportive and relaxed interview with a member of our team, to discuss your career break if you are happy to discuss it and any adjustments you may like to interview or perform your role. We aim to communicate in a way that celebrates all diversity, so this can be done via telephone or video interview.
It has been a while since I had a job interview and I may be a bit out of practice, can you help?
Yes, we have a dedicated programme careers service with trained and experienced coaches to work with you to prepare for interview and many other areas. We also provide written, verbal and video guidance, depending on your preferred learning style.
What advice do you have to help me prepare to return to STEM?
You will be able to work with your Returner Support Advisor and our programme careers coaches to prepare to return to STEM. We are experts in this area and can offer you a wealth of advice and signposting to areas such as understanding your transferrable skills, short courses to support your return-to-work journey and much more.
I think it would be helpful to have a Mentor to support me on my return-to-work journey, can STEM Returners help me find one?
Yes, we have a dedicated Mentoring Platform, which is supported by many technical professionals and leaders within our host organisations and beyond. You will have the opportunity to use the platform and connect with a suitable Mentor for you while on the programme. When ready, you may also wish to be a Mentor for a career break professional in the future.
When will my STEM Returners Programme start if I am successful?
Our host organisations tend to work with returners to agree on a mutually supportive start date for your programme after a successful interview and offer. Occasionally, programmes have set start dates for cohorts of returners to be supported as a group, but this will be made clear before you apply.
What support can I expect to receive during my Returners Programme?
You can expect support during your programme from both STEM Returners in the form of programme career coaching and mentoring. You can also expect a supportive experience returning to work from your host organisation. More information about this will be provided during your onboarding process.
Will STEM Returners stay connected with me once I am back at work?
We love to stay connected with our professionals once they are back to work. You can contact your Returner Support Advisor whenever you like via email or telephone to keep them updated on your career progress.
We also love to celebrate the success of our returners with the use of returner stories and testimonials.
You can also join us on our socials and our Returner Community via Facebook is a supportive and vibrant community of returners available for you to join and share your experiences and celebrate your success with others on their own return to work journey or thriving back in their careers.
I would like to support STEM Returners, what can I do?
Thank you for wanting to support our programme, please join us on our social channels, LinkedIn, Facebook, and X and stay connected with us, by liking, sharing, or commenting on our posts!
You may like to become a Mentor for the programme, discover more by visiting [link to SR Mentoring page]
Please contact hello@stemreturners.com if you have any further questions.
Still have questions?
If you didn’t find the answers you’re looking for or want to learn more about how our programmes can support your return to STEM, we’re here to help.
Get in touch with us directly to discuss your situation, explore opportunities, or ask us anything else that’s on your mind.
