After stepping away from work to focus on her health and family, Tolu faced the challenge of balancing childcare with her desire to return to a career she enjoyed. Despite setbacks and rejection when requesting flexibility, she found new confidence and support through our STEM Returners Programme, which helped her continue her career as a Project Manager.
Hear from Tolu, below.
“I never considered myself a STEM candidate and it still makes me chuckle that I am here, working in STEM as a Project Manager. I have always been into ‘the humanities’ and excelled, so I studied English Literature at University. Studying English Literature gave me the freedom to explore and experience a range of industries, (such as: real estate, social impact, education, tech, healthcare, engineering etc.), without feeling boxed in at an early age. However, I would say I fell into STEM without realising 2 years after having my son.
Having my son shortly before the pandemic began, undoubtedly came with a lot of uncertainty and change on the horizon. I needed to make an income as I was used to doing so from an early age and for my independence. However, with the mode of work changing and businesses greatly affected, it meant BAU skills I once had were becoming irrelevant. I decided to do some research into industries that were able to navigate the COVID-19 storm and offered flexibility for a mum. I saw options for remote working in project management with good paying roles and decided to upskill.
After I upskilled in some Agile/project management courses, I was lucky to put the newly acquired knowledge to use and landed my first role as a project coordinator. This role introduced me to the world of STEM and project management. I was lucky to work for an agency that could rotate employees off projects during the pandemic across different industries.
I worked for a number of years, earning well and growing in my career, till I fell ill and experienced a lot of terminal illnesses within my family. This broke my confidence and priorities changed to rebuilding structures that would enable consistent healing and ensuring my son was attended to. Days turned to months and months turned to years.
Eventually, I was able to overcome my mental health challenges and decided to get myself out there. I missed the intellectual challenges and hitting personal and corporate targets. I decided to refresh my mind on previous skills and started applying for roles. It took a while but I was able to land a role that moved things forward. After contracting a few times, I hit a roadblock in finding a new role as jobs were demanding more responsibility and time which I could not consider due to childcare responsibilities and maintaining my health.
I would be successful in a few interviews, get some responses but the minute I was transparent about asking for flexibility due to childcare, I was told ‘I was no longer a perfect fit…’ or ‘other candidates had the edge they were looking for…’. However, one day I received an email from STEM Returners stating they had seen my CV and thought I would be a ‘good fit’ for a Project Management role they were recruiting for. I got in contact and after the initial conversation and getting a sense of the purpose of STEM Returners, I honestly thought it was a scam and too good to be true! I was hesitant but took a plunge of faith and went ahead to apply and engage in the programme.
The process was smooth and moved at a good pace. I was offered an interview and given feedback in a timely manner. I was offered the role and have since experienced a few internal promotions and new responsibilities.
I highly recommend STEM Returners for anyone who thinks it is impossible to return to work after personal challenges. Being a parent should never be a barrier to achieving one’s full potential or evolution. STEM Returners have the right approach by getting to know each candidate and doing their best to find a good fit for them. I encourage any returner to push past any negative experience they may have felt during their job search process and give STEM Returners a chance.”
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.
