Grainne O’Brien
Senior HR Business Partner, Energia Group
Carina Milnes
Senior Project Manager, Energia Group
Lyndsey Ivory Rogan
Head of Finance Transformation, Energia Group
From unexpected career transitions to challenging misconceptions, three women share their experiences of working in STEM and explain how education and visibility play crucial roles in encouraging more women to embrace the field.
How did your career in STEM begin?
Lyndsey: There is a misconception that you need a technology degree to work in STEM, but I am proof that this isn’t true. It is a very broad and welcoming space with multiple entry routes. I didn’t go to university; I worked my way up through multiple companies. I’m an accountant by trade, and Energia opened new doors for me. I was able to take my accounting skills and transfer them to harness technology and re-engineer our business processes, making the working life more manageable for our teams.
Carina: I fell into the industry by chance, and I’m so happy I did. From a background in management, I moved into project management in technology and have been very successful in the sector. This brought me to my current role as Senior Project Manager in our Technology and Innovation Team.
Why should women want to join your company and the STEM industry?
Lyndsey: We drive innovation and focus on building solutions to problems on a global scale. At Energia, renewable energy is at the core of our work; you’re a part of something bigger — something meaningful with a positive impact on communities. You benefit from working with this professional network of people with such an impressive knowledge base.
Carina: There are so many opportunities in this fast-growing sector, with multiple career paths. Energia offers these opportunities making me feel empowered to grow my career.
Grainne: There’s a real sense of belonging at Energia Group. Our Women in Energy network highlights this connection, bringing employees together at events and through International Women’s Day celebrations — recognising the achievements of the incredible females who work here.
There’s an environment where everyone feels valued. We are committed to providing an inclusive workplace through our Employee Value Proposition, including reward offerings and development opportunities. We have female health policies on pregnancy loss, fertility treatment and menopause and full pay for maternity leave.
Pursue your interests, use resources such as
Grainne O’Brien
career advisors — and network to find your niche.
What barriers or biases do women in STEM careers face?
Carina: For me, the idea of barriers just feeds into a stereotype that boys are better at engineering, science and maths. However, looking at current statistics from schools, this isn’t true. So, I don’t see any barriers for women, only opportunities.
Lyndsey: I think the stereotype that it’s a male-dominated industry puts women off, but it shouldn’t. In my career, I haven’t faced any barriers; I have only been embraced by all genders who promote and elevate each other. People respect you for your input, values and professionalism and not your gender, in my experience.
How can STEM roles be promoted more to empower girls at school level?
Grainne: Careers in STEM should be showcased from primary school level. We engage with schools across the island, facilitating tours to our wind farms, for example, so students can learn about the industry and hopefully energise them by highlighting the impact our careers can make.
Carina: It’s all about visibility. When I was younger, I didn’t see women in roles like this, but it just takes one to inspire you. The more women showcase their careers and share stories, the better.
What advice would you give to women considering a career in STEM?
Carina: Go for it — that’s my biggest and most important piece of advice.
Grainne: If you enjoy STEM, there will be an opportunity for you. Pursue your interests, use resources such as career advisors — and network to find your niche.
Lyndsey: Push forward, you can be everything you want to be. There is always a way to get to your goals. If you even have an inkling of interest in this area, dip your toe in and give it a try.