Restarting a Career After a 13-Year Break – Dr. Claire Smith’s Advice for Returners

Doctor of Science Claire Smith took a 13-year career break to raise twins and care for terminally ill family members. Now, 2.5 years after returning to work, she explains how she started afresh with a career at Amentum. 

I am a scientist by training, with a background in Chemistry. In 2010, I completed a PhD in organic chemistry on the identification and development of new antibiotic drugs. However, shortly after reaching this milestone, I gave birth to twins, who became the main focus of my life and energy. I opted to put my career on hold while I raised my children and I feel privileged to have been present for them during their formative years, sharing in every moment. Sadly, when my children were still young, both my mother and grandmother were diagnosed with terminal illness within a short space of time. I became closely involved in their care during their final years, and building a career was the last thing on my mind. Being a full-time parent and carer could be tough, emotionally draining and frequently exhausting, but I wouldn’t have wanted things any other way.

Thirteen years later, with my children flourishing at secondary school, I began to feel directionless and missed the intellectual challenges I’d enjoyed during my studies, as well as my financial independence. The prospect of embarking on a career felt incredibly daunting – I had a set of excellent qualifications behind me, but at the age of 39, I had never applied for a job before! My self-confidence was low, and I feared I would have little to offer a prospective employer after such a long break. Thankfully, I soon found a wonderful support network in my friends and former PhD supervisor, who helped me construct an engaging CV, polish my application and interview skills, and gave me the courage to take the plunge.

As feared, I faced a constant barrage of rejections and unacknowledged applications but was determined to keep trying. One day a friend sent me a link to information about an online talk given by STEM Returners. I signed up and found out more about the programmes on offer. I finally felt like I fitted in somewhere, that there were real opportunities out there for people like me, and that my skills and life experience could be of value to an employer. Not long after, I received a call encouraging me to apply for a role as a Project Engineer at a predecessor organisation to Amentum. After completing an application form, I was invited for an interview. The interview panel was friendly and accommodating and put me at ease. Just two days later, I was delighted to receive a call from STEM Returners with an offer of a 12-week placement. 

It was hard to know what to expect when I arrived in the office on my first day. Despite feeling nervous, I was determined to approach my new role with an open mind, ask questions, be curious, and above all, be kind to myself! I was immediately overwhelmed by the caring and inclusive culture within the company; everybody I met was so friendly, patient and eager to help, and understanding of my background and circumstances. I soon began to find my feet surrounded by a network of supportive colleagues, working on engaging projects, adding value and receiving positive feedback on my work. 

I was offered a permanent contract at the end of my STEM Returners placement and haven’t looked back. Within a few months of accepting a permanent role in the company, I transitioned into a technical role, drawing on the transferable skills I’d developed during my PhD. I am now a Lead Consultant within Amentum’s Energy and Environment International (E&E-I) business, specialising in radioactive waste management and working on diverse projects for both UK-based and international clients. I continue to learn and gain experience every day while building networks and strengthening relationships. The flexibility offered by Amentum to own and shape my own career means that I have the scope to explore new areas and get involved with projects that interest me, driving my ongoing professional development. It’s a role with the potential to keep evolving and challenging me, and I feel optimistic about the future.

I would highly recommend the STEM Returners programme to anyone who has taken a career break and feels intimidated by the prospect of returning to work. There is help and support available every step of the way, from people who recognise your unique skillset, experience and perspectives. My STEM Returners mentor was a great source of wisdom and insight during the early days of navigating the transition back to work, and provided a “safe space” to ask questions and receive balanced feedback. Meanwhile, my “buddy” assigned within Amentum during my initial placement was on hand as a friendly face to assist with the myriad of new systems, processes and terminology associated with my new role in the first few weeks, so that I never felt alone or out of my depth.

My advice for career returners would be to always fully recognise and value your own skills and attributes, however long you’ve been out of work. Remember that the life experience you’ve gained during your career break is an asset; be prepared to surprise yourself with your own capabilities - you don’t know until you try!