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Rebecca Shewry

Specialist Weather Forecaster - Met Office

How did you first become interested in STEM as a career?
I grew up in rural Suffolk and had an interest in nature, and how things work from a very young age. This progressed further whilst I was at school with Geography and Science being my favourite subjects. I always had a keen interest in weather and climate, and it just seemed like a natural progression to make it in to a career.

What pathway did you follow to get to where you are?
I took A Levels in Geography, Biology, Chemistry, and ICT at school before undertaking a BSc in Physical Geography at the University of Reading. I always enjoyed studying weather/meteorology throughout my schooling and degree, and so decided to try and make it into a career. From Reading I went on to complete an MSc in Meteorology and Climatology at the University of Birmingham. This led me to a career as a Weather Forecaster at the Met Office. I first started at the Met Office headquarters in Exeter where I undertook an 18-week training programme and on-the-job training. After qualifying I took up my role as a forecaster providing forecasts to the aviation industry, winter road maintenance and various commercial companies. I now work from our London Office providing multi-media services for television, the internet, and mobile devices.

What inspires and enthuses you about your work and STEM?
In my job every day is different and this keeps things interesting and me on my toes. I know my team and I play a vital role in enabling the public to make informed decisions about their day-to-day activities, and this inspires me to work harder and continue to improve and learn.

My role as a STEM Ambassador is very important to me as I want to encourage young people to be enthusiastic and excited about Science - much like I was. I feel it is also important to promote the Met Office as a STEM career choice to encourage the next generation of weather forecasters and climate scientists.

"Every day is different and this keeps things interesting... We play a vital role in enabling the public to make informed decisions about their day-to-day activities, and this inspires me."