STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It is a term used to describe academic and career fields that are centered around these subjects. The STEM fields are known for their high demand for skilled workers and for the role they play in driving innovation and advancements in society.

Artemis wants to encourage and support more women to pursue STEM education and careers, and to address barriers that may discourage or prevent women from participating in STEM fields.

To celebrate the International Day Of Women & Girls in Science Day on 11th February 2023, we’ve interviewed a few of our female team members; to uncover their experiences, highlights and hurdles encountered within the STEM industry.

 

When did you join Artemis?

Hanna: April 2009

Nikki: I joined Artemis in February 2014

Reetta: I joined Artemis in January.2022

 

What is your job title/role at Artemis?

Hanna: Quality Engineer (very much still in training)

Nikki: Key Account Director, I am accountable for the sales function, but my passion is collaborating with our customers to drive solutions.

Reetta: I am a KTP associate in Thin Films Process Engineering. I'm actually hired by the University of Plymouth and I am working on a Knowledge Transfer Partnership between the University and Artemis Optical. This government backed project is there to support companies like Artemis to grow and fine tune their knowledge with the help of academic input and research. 

Where did you attend higher education?

Hanna: City College, Plymouth.

Nikki: I obtained a First Class Honours at Plymouth University in BSc Professional Management Practice.

Reetta: I did all my schooling back in Finland, where I am from. After graduating high-school I went to study Physics at the University of Jyväskylä in Central Finland with the aspiration to become a nuclear physicist. I soon decided to concentrate on industrial applications instead of nuclear physics. I took a gap year before graduating, during which I moved to Plymouth, and then finished my degree the following year by self study and flying over for the exams. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Physics with Chemistry and Mathematics as my minor subjects.

 

What was (or is) your favourite subject in school and why?

Hanna: Maths, because it came naturally to me.

Nikki: Not one subject stands out, but English, Business Studies, PE, and Chemistry.

Reetta: I always loved Physics, as I felt that it helped me make sense of the world. It follows rules and is logical; it doesn't require you to remember details because if you've understood it, you can work it out (in theory).

 

Where was you last job? How long were you there?

Hanna: I worked in invoice admin for The Range’s at their Plymouth HQ for about a year.

Nikki: My last role was a Customer Support Specialist at UTAS (now Collins Aerospace) and I was there for 4 years.

Reetta: My previous engineering role was with Plessey Semiconductors in Plymouth. I was with them for just shy of 4 years and made my way from a Graduate Process Engineer to Senior Process Engineer in the Thin Films department during my time there.

 

Have you worked anywhere else?

Hanna: Before The Range I worked at an accountancy firm and also a local fish & chip shop, whilst I was at college.

Nikki: Yes, my career started at BAE SYSTEMS which eventually became UTC Technologies when I left in 2014.

Reetta: I have also worked as a cleaner and a baker. Both jobs where you can really quickly see the work you are doing, which I find very satisfying.

 

What does STEM mean to you?

Hanna: Breaking the stereotype view on what women can or should do.

Nikki: STEM is an initiative to increase awareness on the importance of roles within technology and engineering disciplines, particularly linked to real-world applications. It’s particularly focussed on diversity and inclusion to strengthen its knowledge based and sustainability.

Reetta: For me STEM gives a path to widening your own understanding of the world around you and that way widening your own world. Being able to understand why things happen, takes away a lot of uncertainty and gives you permission not to worry about things. Everything happens for a reason (maybe not in a very hip, cosmic sense but in the real, physical sense) and accepting that, even if you don't always know the reason behind it, there is one, can give you an awful lot of reassurance and take away worry.

 

Describe the first time you heard about STEM, why was this an appealing thing to be a part of?

Hanna: I wasn’t very aware until recently but there’s a feeling of empowerment of women being a part of the STEM field.

Nikki: STEM was not an option when I was at school, I joined BAE SYSTEMS as an admin apprentice because that was seen as the right choice for my gender. STEM has made positive transition in attitude to actively promote scientific and engineering roles to women and minority groups.

Reetta: I only heard the term STEM in 2016 when I looked into becoming a science teacher. For me it is great that these fields of study work together like this as they all stem from the same foundation. It's very appealing to me to work towards finding out how things work, how to improve them and how to utilize this information to the betterment of the task at hand.

 

When was the first time you became actively involved in STEM? Do you recall a specific project or initiative?

Nikki: Artemis sales approach is to work in collaboration with our customers to design and develop a coating that will meet a detailed set of requirements. It is within this interaction my interest in STEM initiated as I recognised that I need to expand on my skill set to be able to offer a better service.

 

Do you feel you have equal opportunities to men within the company?

Hanna: Yes, I think there are equal opportunities throughout Artemis.

Nikki: Historically, I struggled to gain equality to men who operated similar roles within Artemis I am the most senior female and hope that this motivates others within the company to push for similar.  I would say that I have had to work harder to obtain the position but within my current peers I am respected.

Reetta: I have felt that within the University and Artemis Optical I have truly been treated as an equal. I haven't had to fight to get my voice heard or opinions recognised, which I would love to be able to take for granted but I don't. Both companies have been very good at making it a good place to work and feeling valued for the work one does.

 

Do you have any advice for women beginning their careers in the STEM fields? Possibly something you wished you had known when you first started?

Hanna: Believe in yourself and anything is possible. Be proud to be a women in STEM. I wish I had gained more qualifications earlier on my career path rather than starting later in life.

Nikki: There are no limits on where you can take your career operating within the STEM environment.  The very basic skill set from a STEM education can be applied to any discipline and if you do not make the right choice, you have the capability to change and adapt.

Reetta: I would recommend thinking through what it is that gives you satisfaction in what you do; whether it is feeling competent in what you do, having autonomy in your role or helping others. When you know what it is that makes you feel good, you can guide your path towards having a more fulfilling role and you can strive in the knowledge that you are good at what you do and hold your head high. Don't ever let anyone make you feel any less.

 

Are there any (YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, etc…) influencers out there who inspire you regularly?

Nikki: In my latest role I have a keen interest in leadership and strategy, and I regularly read HBR articles as a means of reflection and continued learning.

 

Which achievement do you look at and think “I’d love to go back in time and tell younger me that this was possible”?

Hanna: Passing my driving test! (it took me several attempts and disappointment, but I finally got there).

Nikki: Gaining first class honours, I spent the majority of my education questioning my ability and applying too much pressure to succeed.  I’ve often suffered from imposter syndrome but in hindsight it was a waste of energy, you just need to believe in yourself!

Reetta: I would love to go back and tell myself that it's possible to find a place where you feel like you are enough. 

That you don't have to stay if it's not the right fit for you and it doesn't mean you have failed if you go, it means you are striving for better. Sometimes it takes a leap into the unknown to find where you belong.

 

If you could go back and change one thing in your STEM path, what would that be?

Hanna: Gain more qualifications through university.

Nikki: Honestly, I’m not sure I would change my career path, I decided not to go into further education and opted for the apprenticeship route which exposed me to STEM and opportunities linked to on-the-job teaching.  I am a visual learner and having that experience has supported my development.

Reetta: I would appreciate myself and my skillset more.

I would go back and tell myself that it is possible to stand up for myself and put myself first without the world falling apart. 

 

What advice would you give to women and girls who are 1) Curious about STEM, 2) Questioning their STEM related studies, 3) Questioning their STEM related career?

Nikki: Just go for it, if you have an interest in STEM related activities you will have no regrets, the subject is so broad it will present a variety of opportunities to learn, adapt and grow.

Reetta: When I started working in the field I made a firm decision that "I'm not a female engineer, I am an female who is an engineer." I never wanted my gender to be the reason why I get or don't get picked for something. 

This being said it's not because I wouldn't be proud of being a woman, quite the opposite, but it is not what defines my ability to perform in a job. 

If you are interested in getting to be creative and innovative or logical and analytical and working on some truly amazing projects in a very vast field, STEM is a great path to go down. Don't let anyone else make you question your choices as they don't know what you are capable of. 

 

What’s your favourite TV show? Favourite book?

Hanna: Favourite book- the Silent Patient. Favourite TV show - I have several, but I did enjoy the person of interest series and the scandal series that were on Netflix.

Nikki: TV Show – easy Only Fools and Horses. Book – Any Martina Cole or Crime Thriller.

Reetta: My favourite book is The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. I have read it countless times and also collect it in different languages from places I have visited.

 

What’s your favourite sport or hobby?

Hanna: RumPum dance fitness! Very fun!

Nikki: I’ve lived by the ethos healthy body, healthy mind so I regularly go to the gym and enjoy walking.

Reetta: Baking and DIY are my all time favourite hobbies. I love creating things and baking allows me to express myself and show the people around me that I care. Renovating our house also gives me the opportunity to create a home and a safe haven for my family.

What is your favourite holiday destination?

Hanna: I like to travel the UK in our family caravan my children enjoy it a lot. Our favourite place so far is Cornwall. my favourite destination without the children has been Amsterdam.

Nikki: Anywhere hot with golden sands and clear blue water, my aim is to travel around Australia.

Reetta: I love going back home to Finland to spend time with the family at the summer house by the lake and to roam in the woods. I would also love to go back to Japan to explore more of that beautiful country.

 

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Hanna: I think what I wanted to be changed on a weekly basis. To many things to list! But at one point I wanted to own my own nighclub/bar.

Nikki: A police officer.

Reetta: A civil engineer / architect. I have always had a deep passion towards buildings and I wanted to work on them. 

 

Anything other interesting fact about yourself?

Nikki: I saved my husband’s life.

Reetta: I'm originally from Finland and I moved to the UK to be with my husband as he doesn't speak my language, so it was easier for me to come over. I have two miniature schnauzers and a 5 month old baby that make sure I don't have too much time in my hands.

I'm looking forward to nicer weather to be able to go and work on my allotment while the baby sleeps in the pram under the apple tree.