State school, hard work, and going for GOLD

Big Sisters in STEM

You could rightfully say these two guests are the definition of go-getters. A natural fire burns in their bellies to over-achieve, which is textbook big-sister behaviour. However, we also explore how this is driven by personal circumstance too, and how 'time-poverty' impacts working class students getting into STEM.

First off, meet Catherine Sayer. As a 'Draper's 30 Under 30' Fashion Buyer (and Manchester Alumni, ofc), she is nothing if not dedicated. Catherine read the Drapers Magazine list as a undergraduate student, vowing to one day make that roster through hard-work, knowledge of her craft and yielding a 'faking it until you make it' attitude. Now recently crowned alongside industries figureheads like Love Island's Molly-Mae Hague, Catherine is in a whole other league of climbing the career ladder.

Meanwhile, let us introduce you to second-year Chemical Engineering student, Aram Ameen, who is not going to shy away from talking about intersectionality in STEM and networks for working-class students! She's President of the 93 Degrees Club (who recently hosted TED, btw?!), which delivers opportunities, spaces and employee connections to state-school educated girls. She's an oldest child AND a big sister - you could just say she's a professional problem solver.

We chat to Aram and Catherine about everything: transitioning into Sixth Form, achieving HUGE life goals and learning to swim - not sink - when life gets overwhelming.

So, put your headphones on, grab a coffee and get comfy as we share stories, perspectives, and have a good old laugh while we're at it. You thought you didn’t have sisters to turn to for advice? Oh, yes you do.