Amidst the changing landscape of education in the United Kingdom, where there is an encouraging upward trend in women studying STEM, the persistent gender gap within the STEM workforce sadly looms large.
Only 26% of the workforce comprises women, and this disparity is further exacerbated by an 18% average decline in the number of women in STEM between graduation and employment.
Leyton UK is passionate about bridging this gender gap within the STEM workforce. We firmly believe in the untapped potential of women in STEM and are committed to providing a platform where their talents and aspirations can thrive.
In this article, we discuss our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, explore why being a Technical Consultant is an excellent STEM path for women and highlight the work of some exceptional women who have thrived in STEM roles at Leyton UK.
Women in STEM at Leyton UK
Our team comprises individuals with diverse scientific and technical backgrounds, each contributing their expertise towards fulfilling the company’s mission while pursuing their professional growth.
Dr. Jessica McGlynn joined our science team in October 2020. As she approached the end of her Ph.D. in chemistry, her journey was full of uncertainty as she grappled with what to do after graduation.
Today, as a Senior Technical Consultant, she stands as an inspiration for those tackling the same question. At Leyton, she found an alternative STEM career path that allowed her to apply her scientific knowledge outside of a lab, helping innovative companies claim R&D Tax Relief.
“My background is in chemistry, so I started in the science team and haven’t looked back since. I’ve been working with a wide range of clients ranging from farming to big chemical companies. Everyday is different. Everybody is interesting. It’s been brilliant so far.”
Listen to Jessica discuss her journey from university into a STEM career at Leyton UK.
Maria Kowal, with her Ph.D. in Microbiology, is another example of a successful woman in STEM at Leyton. As a Technical Consultant, Maria applies her scientific expertise to assist companies with their R&D tax claims. Her work involves interviewing technical staff from client companies, performing research, and creating reports for HMRC demonstrating the companies’ R&D activities.
By doing so, she plays a crucial role in securing corporation tax reductions for these companies, further demonstrating that there are diverse ways to apply a STEM education.
You can learn more about Maria by listening to her share her experience as part of the LGBTQIA+ community from our Pride Month celebration podcast.
Head of Consulting Elena Karadzhova’s journey at Leyton UK is a testament to our ongoing commitment to diversity. Elena began her journey at Leyton UK and found herself in a consulting team that was typical of the broader gender imbalance within STEM—being largely male-dominated. Elena’s role in advocating for diversity and equal opportunity has helped to transform the consulting team, resulting in a 60/40 gender split in favour of women.
This change exemplifies the potential for positive change in STEM fields, emphasising the importance of equal opportunities for all, regardless of gender.
“I’m exceptionally proud of our culture of meritocracy, and I don’t think that’s just a fancy term we like to throw around,” Elena asserts. “I like to believe that we truly live that, regardless of gender. Career advancement is purely down to the individual and their capability, skill set, ambition, and drive.”Listen to Elena discuss her perspective as a female Senior Leader at Leyton UK.
STEM graduates can thrive as Technical Consultants
At Leyton UK, we recognise STEM graduates’ diverse interests and potentials, offering exciting roles that enable them to apply their skills in unconventional ways. We firmly believe that diversity enriches our problem-solving capabilities and fosters innovation, making us more successful as a team.
Working as a Technical Consultant offers a dynamic work environment outside of the typical lab or industry setting. Our team of consultants work hand-in-hand with clients, reviewing and analysing their latest R&D projects to secure funding for future development across a spectrum of industries. As such, the role helps drive scientific and technical innovation, contributing to industry and even economic growth in the UK.
We understand that transitioning from a STEM degree to a consultancy position might seem like a leap. But a STEM background has already laid a strong foundation of knowledge, analytical thinking and an innovative mindset – all of which are perfect for success in the role.
Join us in driving change
Having a diverse team enhances our capacity to innovate and increases our collective intelligence. We embrace diversity, and we are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all our employees. Through mentorship and coaching programs, training and leadership development initiatives, and a diverse, inclusive workplace, we empower women to overcome the barriers that have historically hindered their representation in STEM careers.
While we are proud of what we’ve achieved so far, there is still much work to be done, and we are actively seeking talented STEM graduates and professionals to join us in propelling change forward while achieving their own career aspirations.Are you interested in a career at Leyton? Discover how to empower your career.
