Women in STEM – a Coachmakers’ legacy

Dr Sophie Martin MSc PhD was our first Coachmakers’ JLR STEM Scholarship* winner. This is the latest instalment in her brilliant and stellar career so far, as told to Liveryman John Blauth.

“Choosing your next steps as a young person can be incredibly daunting. With the increasing pressure from social media and the growing scarcity of jobs and opportunities, future generations face a huge challenge when it comes to navigating their careers. However, by instilling a sense of confidence early on, young people are empowered to persevere and pursue their passions. This is where I believe the support of organisations such as Coachmakers makes a huge impact.

“When I was coming to the end of my A-levels, I faced the decision of choosing whether or not to go to university and, if so, what degree to study.

“Higher education was not the norm among my immediate circle of friends and family and in many ways, this decision felt like a shot in the dark. Nonetheless, I was sure about one thing and that was that I wanted to base my decision on what would bring me the most satisfaction, interest, and provide me with strong career prospects.

“Having developed a strong passion for maths, science and seeking an understanding of how things work, I felt that a degree in physics or engineering would be the best fit for me. I applied for the best: a four-year Integrated Master’s degree at Imperial College London and was offered a place. I also knew that as a girl of Dominican and Jamaican heritage, the chances were that this choice would mean I entered an environment where there were few people who looked like me. In came feelings of imposter syndrome and fears about what my university experience would look like, but I was determined not to let that stop me.

“When I was applying for university, I was encouraged to seek out other opportunities to broaden my skills and support the university experience. In partnership with Jaguar Land Rover, The Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers announced a bursary for young women intending to pursue degrees in STEM and I knew that this would give me the step ahead that I was looking for.

“Despite my reservations and self-doubt, acutely evident when I stepped into the interview room, a memory that has stuck with me for ever, I was fortunate to be offered the bursary in 2016. While I vividly remember the excitement I felt at the time, in hindsight, I couldn’t have known how impactful the award would be.

“Being introduced into the Livery network was an eye-opening experience into a world I had previously not known anything about. At the award dinner, I was introduced to many kind, influential and engaging people, and felt a strong sense of encouragement that would fuel me during the course of my degree. As well as the financial support to alleviate the stresses that come with navigating university life for all students, the bursary also provided me with the opportunity to undertake a three-month internship with Jaguar Land Rover at the end of my first year.

“This was unprecedented. So many of my peers struggled to find similar opportunities. The internship was invaluable because it increased my confidence and development. It meant that I was fully immersed in a hands-on engineering role, interacting with several teams as well as with other students from across the UK.

“As well as the placement, being connected to the company also brought several opportunities to engage with other students at outreach events and similar activities as a representative of The Coachmakers. This is something I have always enjoyed, and I have fond memories of being able to encourage younger students who, like me, were uncertain about their next steps.

“As I proudly near the end of my studies, achieving a PhD in artificial intelligence, I look fondly, appreciatively and gratefully on my experiences with the Livery.

“That these ancient City of London institutions, outwardly so grand and formal, actively encourage and engage with young people in so many industries and sectors is an exceptional distinction they bring to society as a whole and I believe that every single Livery member can be proud of what their companies bring to young people who have the desire to succeed and achieve. Thank you; believe me, these opportunities truly do change lives.”

*Launched in 2016 by PM Ian Smith, the late Liveryman Mike Moran, and Liveryman John Blauth, the Coachmakers’ Jaguar Land Rover STEM Scholarship for Women was a funded Scholarship that provided financial support for three or four years for first degree undergraduates reading for a STEM degree. A key feature of the Scholarship, in addition to the funding, was the provision of structured and mentored work experience placement.