With women underrepresented within STEM industries, Yasmin, Commercial Graduate at INEOS talks about her journey into a STEM Career.
Firstly, can you tell us about how you first got into STEM?
Ending up in STEM felt like a natural progression for me. I discovered my passion for STEM subjects in school, and it also helped that my father had studied civil engineering at university. It was a combination of competence and exposure, both of which I believe are equally important in anyone’s journey. My parents introduced me to the world of work at a young age. They run a recruitment agency and have a long list of clients in the energy, FMCG, and communications sectors. As a result, I was introduced to the likes of Total Energies, Nestle, Coca Cola and Vodafone at only 10 years old. I believe this influenced my inclination towards chemical engineering.
Did you pursue any further study after completing your degree?
I actually started working just a month before completing my master’s program, so didn’t pursue any further education. However, it would be unfair not to recognise the positive impact of the industry experience I gained throughout sixth form and university which significantly contributed to my readiness for the professional world.
Can you tell me about your career path?
I completed my A-levels in Maths, Chemistry, and Biology before moving on to study Chemical Engineering at Newcastle University. I then pursued a degree in Advanced Chemical Engineering with Finance at Imperial College London. My first internship was with the UN International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in Geneva. I was 18 at the time and the youngest in the office! I contributed to a project advocating for migrant children during the 2018 European migrant crisis, which was honestly a rewarding experience. Additionally, I took a year off during my university studies to work at EDF’s nuclear power plant in the North of England, where I gained relevant and valuable engineering experience.
Why did the INEOS Commercial Graduate Programme appeal to you?
The five-year rotational development programme appealed to me for two main reasons. First, during my time with EDF, I quickly realised that I had a strong interest in commercial projects. As a result, I wanted to ensure that my graduate role would be aligned with these interests. Second, I was excited about the prospect of living in different countries and learning new languages while upskilling myself as a young professional. Opportunities like this are rare, there’s nothing quite like it! I’m currently in Germany on my second rotation for the next two years and hope to confidently say, “Ich spreche sehr gut Deutsch!” by the end of my time here.
What advice would you give to women and girls looking for a career in STEM?
Addressing the world’s problems requires a diversity of perspectives, making it essential for women to be equally represented in STEM alongside men. I believe women in STEM have a unique opportunity and responsibility to serve as mentors and sources of inspiration, helping to nurture a sense of possibility and confidence among aspiring women and girls. My advice is to remain confident in your abilities, embrace opportunities without hesitation, and collaborate with like-minded women, supporting each other throughout your journeys.
Are you interested in learning more about graduate opportunities at INEOS? Click here to find out more: Graduates | INEOS Careers
