Tracy had always been passionate about science and maths, but after taking a long career break to focus on family, she found re-entering STEM more difficult than she expected. Lacking recent experience and feeling unsure of her abilities, she hesitated to apply for roles—until she got the opportunity to prove herself at SSE. This is her journey back into the industry.
Tell us a little bit about you.
I started my career in Quality Assurance working in Kent, but I was born in Scotland. The Company decided to send me to college to do an HNC in Industrial Chemistry on a day release basis which I thoroughly enjoyed. However, I wanted to return to Scotland and decided I would do a BSc in Quality Management specialising in Operations Management to build on my Quality background. I always loved learning and my passions were the sciences and maths.
What is your working background? If you like tell us about your career break.
After graduating from Strathclyde University, I gained employment within the food industry as a Quality Engineer and continued to build my skills within Quality Management. After a few years I started a family and decided to take a career break helping my husband with his IT consultancy business and looking after my children. When I decided it was time to return to work and kickstart my career the pandemic happened. I found it was really difficult to find a job and having had a significant career break in the industry, my confidence was at an all-time low.
What barriers have you faced when applying for roles?
Mostly the roles advertised tended to be looking for recent experience and since my previous role worked with the ISO standards, I felt my skills were out-of-date which actually discouraged me from applying for roles at the level I left the workplace.
Why did you approach STEM Returners?
I decided to upload my CV to a jobs board and made it public to allow potential employers and recruiters to see my profile. I was contacted by STEM Returners to ask if I would be interested in a role within SSE.
How did STEM Returners help?
I was a bit reticent as I felt my career break would have an impact on my ability to do the role and I didn’t have experience of the Utilities sector. However, I had a telephone conversation with a Returner Support Specialist from STEM Returners who completely put me at ease and encouraged me to apply.
She was really supportive and even the half an hour conversation made me believe I was capable of doing the job.
What was the end result?
I completed a candidate introduction form detailing my career highlights and some research on the company which led to an interview. This was particularly nerve-wracking as it had been so many years since I’d interviewed for a job, and it was on Teams which I wasn’t familiar with.
The interviewers were so lovely and completely put me at ease. Afterwards I had such a positive feeling about the company and the team. About a week later STEM Returners contacted me to say congratulations you’ve got the job and with 5 weeks until the end of my placement they offered me a permanent role.
How has this changed your career?
I was over the moon to hear I had the job as I felt the company was such a good fit for me in terms of their culture and ethics. They have been so supportive throughout, and I feel I’m making a valuable contribution to climate change which has always been something I feel passionate about.
What would you say about the programme overall?
I would say the programme is ideal for anyone who’s had a career break and wants to return to a STEM role. STEM Returners gave me the opportunity to return to a role similar to the level I was before my career break in a top company. I never believed this would be possible. They have been supportive and encouraging through the whole process.
Do you have any advice for returners like yourself?
My advice would be to go for it. Don’t second guess yourself, your skills and experience are sought after, and STEM Returners are there to guide you through the transition. I’m so grateful for all their help and I’m now working for a fantastic company in a role I really enjoy.
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.
