News and Views

Dr Michael Jeschke works at Siemens Subsea in Ulverston and is an Enterprise Adviser at John Ruskin School through Cumbria Careers Hub. Here, he shares what it is like to work for Siemens – a global powerhouse focusing on the areas of electrification, automation and digitalization – and his experience as an Enterprise Adviser.

Tell us about your day job… what does it involve?

I’m a Materials Expert within Siemens Subsea, which is a division of one of the world’s largest producers of energy-efficient, resource-saving technologies – with a base right here in Cumbria. Siemens Subsea deliver pioneering technologies for subsea electrical and fiber-optic connector systems for subsea power and communications. Siemens Subsea are a division within Siemens who are a leading supplier of systems for power generation and transmission as well as medical diagnosis, so in infrastructure and industry solutions the company plays a pioneering role. I manage a materials database, create technical specifications, help the business operate to global standards, sit on a global standards committee for plastics and elastomers, qualify new innovative materials for our products, optimise processes, liaise with suppliers and chair our STEM Council.

What’s the best thing about your job?

I always learn something new every day.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a scientist.

What’s your education and careers history?

I have a degree in Chemistry from Durham University, an MSc in polymers from Lancaster University, and PhD in polymer networks from Durham University and an MBA from the University of Northumbria. Prior to my role at Siemens, I was a Technology Manager at Technical Fibre Products Ltd.in Kendal and Senior Project Leader Innovia Films, Wigton.

Who is your role model and why?

My chemistry teacher from school who had worked for Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) for 25 years before becoming a teacher. He made the subject so enjoyable and was truly inspiring.

If you could pick anyone to Give an Hour to young people, who would it be and why?

Anyone who’s prepared to give their own time to young people to inspire and encourage them to follow a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) career. There’s a STEM skills shortage in the UK and youngsters need as many volunteers as possible showcasing what a fantastic career it is to help plug the gaps.

Why did you volunteer to become an Enterprise Adviser?

I wanted to support a local school that we previously didn’t have good links with.

What do you enjoy most about being an Enterprise Adviser? 

Building a strong, collaborative relationship with a new school.

What would you say to someone else about the value of Give and Hour or being an Enterprise Adviser?

Just go for it, you never know what it’s going to be like unless you give it a go.

What would you say to any young person thinking about their future?

Keep your options open, develop as many employability skills as possible and opportunities will arise.

There is a range of opportunities in Cumbria for business-people and organisations to engage and benefit from partnership with local schools and colleges.

Give an Hour invites individuals to volunteer one hour to share their career story and inspire the next generation; The Enterprise Adviser Network – which Kathryn is a part of – involves senior business volunteers giving approximately 8 hours a month to a specific school or college and to work strategically to strengthen and support career programmes; and becoming a Cornerstone Employer allows businesses to represent their sector and give a Cumbria-wide view. Together, they aim to ensure all young Cumbrians are prepared and inspired for the world of work.

If you’re interested in getting involved, or would like more information, please email Craig Ivision, Head of Skills: Craig.Ivison@thecumbrialep.co.uk.