Exam results day 2025 - From unexpected turns to career success
With results day approaching, it can feel as though every decision will define your future. But the reality is, your first choice may not be the one you ultimately follow, and that can lead to remarkable opportunities.
We spoke with two of our STEM Ambassadors, Mark Goudie and Bea Lloyd, whose careers in engineering and technology began in unexpected ways, and why that worked in their favour.
Mark Goudie’s journey from law to engineering leadership
Mark’s career began with ambitions of becoming a lawyer. A year-long industrial placement with EDF changed his perspective entirely.
“I saw how rewarding engineering could be, real-world impact, and practical problem-solving,” Mark recalls.
That experience redirected his path, leading him to become a Power Academy scholar and, eventually, a Fellow, Trustee, and Chair of our Awards & Scholarships Committee with us. His career highlights include supporting the London Olympics with Atkins Réalis and delivering major infrastructure projects at SP Energy Networks.
“There’s pressure to make the perfect decision, but careers evolve. Focus on your next step.”
Mark’s journey shows how adaptability and curiosity can open unexpected, rewarding opportunities.
Bea Lloyd’s path from marketing graduate to Senior Software Engineer
At school, Bea had no interest in IT. She pursued a Business Management and Marketing degree and set her sights on a marketing career. A rejection from her “dream job” became a turning point.
“I started learning HTML in my spare time, just for fun,” she says.
That interest led to a software apprenticeship, where she excelled despite competing with computer science graduates. Today, she is a Senior Software Engineer, co-founder of the Women in Engineering network in Bristol, and a member of the WISE Young Professionals’ Board.
“No one cares about my background as much as I did. I’ve learned to own the value I bring.”
Bea’s advice? Trust your instincts, try new things, and don’t be afraid to take an unconventional route.
Rethinking the ‘perfect’ career path
Mark and Bea’s experiences highlight that careers in STEM are rarely linear. They are shaped by curiosity, resilience, and the willingness to embrace change.
So, whether your results are what you expected or not, remember: there are many routes to success, and the path you didn’t plan may lead to the most fulfilling destination.