At ESR Technology, we believe in the power of mentorship and sharing real-life experiences to inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists — considering careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).
Recently, Emily Seddon, one of our Graduate Safety and Risk Consultants, had the opportunity to return to her former school, Bellerive FCJ Catholic College, an all-girls secondary school in Liverpool, as a guest student alumna. She was invited to take part in an informal Q&A session with Year 10 and 11 students who are beginning to explore their future career paths.
The event brought together six former students, all now working in a variety of STEM roles, from assistant construction managers to data analysts at major banks, each having taken a unique route into their careers, including university degrees, apprenticeships, and vocational pathways. The session aimed to highlight that there is no one “right” path, and success can come through many different journeys.
Emily spoke to the students about her own experiences: from choosing A-levels based on a genuine interest in physics, through university life, to securing a place on ESR Technology’s graduate scheme. The students were especially curious about what university is really like, how to manage the transition from school to higher education, and how to navigate the often daunting job market after graduation.
Many students admitted they were unsure about what they wanted to do or where they saw themselves in the future, which Emily expressed she could deeply relate to. Her message to them was clear and encouraging: “Base your choices on what you enjoy”. For her, that meant following her interest in physics, which has led to a rewarding start to her career in Process Safety and Risk consultancy.
As many students had never heard of ESR Technology before, she also introduced them to the world of safety and risk consultancy—a lesser-known but vital area of science and engineering supporting high hazard industries in the UK and around the globe. She shared how graduate schemes like ESR’s provide a supportive and structured way to build skills, gain experience, and grow into a professional role.
Emily found that it was a rewarding experience, not only to answer students’ questions but also to help ease their concerns, highlight the range of opportunities available in STEM, and perhaps inspire some future engineers and scientists. She has now taken on the role of science ambassador for her former school, continuing to offer support and insights for similar events in the future.
At ESR Technology, we are proud to support our employees in giving back and being visible role models. Encouraging young people to explore STEM is something we are passionate about, not just during events like this, but in everything we do.
