Event Review: London STEM Women Graduate Careers Event – 19th February 2025

We are back for 2025! The London STEM Women Graduate Careers event marks our first in-person event of the year, and what a start it was! Held at the QEII Centre, a central location in Westminster, we are proud to have provided an ideal networking space for 425 of London’s most passionate students and graduates to connect with 19 exhibiting employers.

As the employers enjoyed a networking lunch, the students and graduates filled the theatre for their first talk of the day.

The Exhibitors

The 19 exhibitors represented a range of industries, including:

• AWS
• British Airways
• CBOE
• Dassault Systemes
• Engie
• Global Banking School
• Intopic
• Lift Schools
• MathWorks
• McAleer & Rushe
• National Grid
• Network Rail
• Nvidia
• Pick Everard
• Reply
• UL Solutions
• Uniper Energy

Opening Session with Inspiring Talks from Women in the Industry

Following a warm welcome from STEM Women, three insight talks were given by speakers representing Network Rail, Uniper Energy, and National Grid, the event’s sponsor.

Erinn Sapsford, Senior Project Manager at National Grid, shared insights about her career and the importance of creating positive experiences for women in male-dominated environments. She shared how there has never been a more exciting time to join National Grid, and they are looking for the right people in such a high-demand professional skilled environment. Erin highlighted National Grid’s strength-based recruitment strategy, they are hungry for ideas and diversity.

Toni Thomas, Head of HR at Network Rail, discussed shaping the future of rail in a life-changing industry that creates jobs, improves lives by connecting people and creates investment for new areas. Toni showed awareness that there is more work to be done for equity, diversity and inclusion and that the company wants to bring women into all areas of the business, investing heavily in opportunities that can make a difference. Her thoughts told us that women in STEM bring vital ideas, so much opportunity, strong leadership and a different perspective.

Uniper was represented by Michelle Zietsman, Project Engineer and Nilam Magdani, Asset Optimisation Analyst. They shared their career journeys and showed how different or unexpected they might be. Nilam encouraged the students and graduates not to be disheartened if they don’t go into the route they think they want, to keep an open mind and to be flexible and adaptable because it led her back to where she wanted. Michelle shared how her graduate placements allowed her to move around Uniper in all different functions and diversify her skill set. Uniper is eager to be a part of the developing industry and encourage women to be part of that change.

Finding the Spark

The afternoon had students and graduates meeting and engaging with employers and employers sharing all about the opportunities they offer and meeting the next generation of their industries. STEM Women shared tips for the attendees to add meaningful connections on LinkedIn and grow their network.

Advice from the Panel Discussion

Later in the afternoon, the all-women representatives from National Grid, Network Rail, and Uniper returned for a panel discussion. Students and graduates asked questions and learned more about their real experiences and career journeys and received advice on how to shine on a CV, improve confidence, and the importance of being yourself.

When is the next London STEM Women event?

We return to London on 11th June 2025 at the QEII Centre, where employers will join us to meet and connect with London’s STEM students and graduates. Exhibitor bookings are open now!

Find out more on our dedicated event page: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/london-stem-women-graduate-careers-event-tickets-1073037697639?aff=MillyFeb25Blog 

Be Part of a STEM Women Event in 2025

Visit www.stemwomen.com/events to see a full list of upcoming event dates and locations and secure your spot. Stay up to date by following us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X.

For exhibitor enquiries, contact info@stemwomen.com, or download our Spring/Summer exhibitor brochure today.

Join us next time for an unmissable experience!

Written by: Milly Cooke, Events & Marketing Executive