What was your dream career when you were younger?

I have never really had a dream career but now, in my current role, I can’t imagine doing anything else.

What subjects did you study at school?

English, Maths, Art & Design, Media Studies, Admin - Highers

Who or what has been your biggest inspiration?

The amazing people I work with are my biggest inspiration. The hard work and dedication they bring to the job every day.

How have the subjects you studied at school helped you in your career?

I am often surprised that I need to remember back to what I learned in Maths to be able to help me with problem solving at work, or working out my Return on Investment on a marketing campaign. The creative subjects, Art & Design and Media Studies, have definitely helped me progress in my career as it is important to understand the creative process in Marketing and be able to work effectively with creative agencies.

Please briefly describe your STEM journey since leaving school.

I fell into my STEM journey when I started working for Howden, an engineering company, straight from school. I didn’t know what career path to take and wasn’t ready to go to university, so I got an admin job to give me some work experience. Working with various different departments including Legal, HR and Marketing, supporting them with admin and odd jobs here and there, I decided I wanted to pursue a career in Marketing. Through hard work, good connections and a bit of luck, I landed an office-based apprenticeship type of role within Howden as a Marketing Assistant. From there, Howden put me through my professional qualifications and after 9 years, I continue to work for Howden.

What skills do you utilise most in your career? 

Being a non-engineer in an engineering company means that communication is very important and being able to adapt to different situations and different characters. Also being able to think outside the box, constantly innovating and searching for new ways to work more effectively

What advice would you give to any young people considering a STEM career? 

My advice to anyone considering a STEM career is to look beyond the conventional roles. You do not need to be an engineer to work in an engineering company. It is challenging and rewarding at the same time, and I personally learn something new every day.