"I was a little girl growing up in Kent in the mid-80s when SSTL was formed. From the age of 11, I lived in Australia for five years – people still say they can hear the accent when I talk about my time there. I only ever saw one snake in the wild, and I ran for my life!
Back in the UK, I completed a GNVQ in IT – I knew I wanted to work in an office and thought it would be useful. My first job was waitressing in a local Kent restaurant – they called me Skippy as I hadn’t long been back from Australia.
I moved to Surrey at 19 and started my first full-time role as a Receptionist for a building maintenance company, working my way up to Contracts Administrator. After five years, I moved into the insurance industry as a Sales Administrator and later into Underwriting – but space is definitely more interesting than insurance!
I joined SSTL in 2014 on a six-month contract and have now been here for 11 years. I started as a Project Assistant on the Galileo project, then became a Project Liaison, and as of March this year I’m now PA to both the Projects Director and the Production Director.
I enjoy working at SSTL – there are lots of great and interesting people. I’ve had many laughs along the way and enjoyed some brilliant celebratory events. The flexible working is a huge bonus for me as a working mum to a 9-year-old.
I love working in the space industry – it’s always fascinating. After visiting Goonhilly back in the early 2000s, I’d never have guessed I’d end up in the space sector. I always tell people I work for a company that builds satellites that launch into space – not the ones bolted onto houses!"
Thanks Jemma – your story reminds us how careers can take unexpected and exciting turns. We’re lucky to have your experience, energy and humour on the team!