With more than 15 years of experience before taking an 8-year career break, Katherine faced difficulties when trying to re-enter the workforce.
With the support of STEM Returners, Katherine has secured a permanent position within her organisation.
Here’s Katherine’s story.
What was your working background before your career break?
Before my career break, I worked for 5 years in corporate public relations and just over 10 years in investment banking and institutional broking where I worked in equity sales, investor relations and account management. I have an undergraduate degree in Communications and a diploma in financial investments.
Tell us about your career break. Why did you take a break?
How long was it for? I decided to take a career break after my second son was born in 2016. I probably envisaged taking 5 years off, but Covid came along and so it ended up being an 8 year break from corporate life. We had also decided to move to rural Devon – too far to commute to the City – so, a career switch was always going to be necessary.
What made you want to return to the industry?
I’d always planned to return to work at some point. I enjoy the camaraderie of a team, and I really missed that. And I see myself enjoying work for years ahead, so I’m interested to see where the world of work takes me.
What challenges have you faced when applying for roles? How did those challenges make you feel?
I had quite a few challenges to overcome. I needed a company willing to take on someone with a career gap, and a career switcher, and who could offer flexible working while the kids are still young. That’s just too many hurdles for the ordinary recruiter. I did apply for quite a few roles but didn’t receive many call backs. It felt like a challenge that might take some time! I decided to enrol in a software engineering degree at a local college, figuring I’d either find a job or earn a degree which might help find a job. Either way it would help me feel like I was making progress.
Why did you approach STEM Returners?
I saw STEM Returners on LinkedIn and thought my financial services background might be of use in some of the roles they advertised. But I was also very aware I was not (sadly) the engineering/ maths/scientist/data genius the world is looking for! The major attraction of STEM Returners was that it removed one big hurdle up front. I also suspected that companies supportive of returners would also be more open-minded about transferable skills. You just need an opportunity to get in front of someone who’s willing to look beyond the tick-box list and have a good conversation about what they’re looking for, and where you might be a good fit.
How did STEM Returners help?
I applied for a specific job listed on the STEM Returners website and got a call within a day. I had a good conversation about my career and situation with them and it gave me the confidence to apply. It did take many months before the company was ready to interview – and this was where I was glad to be busy studying – but I did get offered an interview and was very grateful for STEM Returners’ interview coaching. It was also helpful that the interview was designed intentionally for returners to be less formal than a typical interview.
What was the end result?
Well, the coaching obviously worked because very happily I was offered a 6-month contract which has since turned into a permanent role. I am absolutely delighted and cannot thank STEM Returners enough. The company employed a cohort of Returners and so it was also nice to meet people ‘starting again’ and just to know there were others going through the same thing.
How has this changed your career?
I am working in a totally different sector, but one which has endless opportunities. I’m working for a company genuinely committed to professional development so I feel very positive about the future of work. The 2025 work environment is completely different to the pre-Covid world of work. It’s been a big cultural and practical adjustment. I lost track of the number of times I accidentally hung up on my boss on MS Teams calls! It hasn’t always been easy, but it is good to be back as a proper participant.
What would you say about the programme overall?
It is a very worthwhile programme and if you can, use it. There was a lot of support; from the very first call back in which I was reassured that I would find that role, to the interview help and background support through the first six months. I think you also know that any company engaging with STEM Returners is likely to be a genuine investor in people. They have already committed to looking beyond the standard CV and that’s a powerful message.
Do you have any advice for returners like yourself?
Everyone approaches this challenge differently, but I’d share these three thoughts: Firstly, I found it helpful to be studying while looking for work. It gave me a sense of forward momentum and gave me something current to talk about. There is a lot of skills training out there – including free and online courses which are helpful for parents. Secondly, if possible, don’t worry too much about finding the perfect job or which exactly matches that of the level you had before your break. You might, and that’s great, but if not then it can help to think about a job and organisation that offers potential. You will find a way to rebuild your career over the medium to long term. It doesn’t have to be a linear journey – life rarely is. And thirdly, you are doing a hard thing which takes courage, so be proud of that and just keep going.
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.
