I started at the ESO in the Technical Operations Policy team in National Control, which interacts with internal and external customers. My broadening placement was as an HVDC engineer for Viking Link, National Grid Ventures. I was working on control and protection with teams from NG, Energinet and Siemens and was involved with a range of work including site visits to Bicker Fen (where they are building the converter station to connect into the existing 400kV substation), technical specifications and documentation, grid code compliance and testing.

My final placement is in Market Change Delivery, Markets which is a non-engineering role in an area I knew little about before joining. I’m working with the project team for the new Balancing Reserve service, which aims to reduce balancing costs during winter. In my 6 months I will get to work through the project lifecycle, engage with external providers through 1-1s and webinars, and ensure the ESO is ready for product go-live.

What degree did you do and what made you want to come to the ESO?

I did an Integrated Master’s degree in Electronics and Electrical Engineering at the University of Edinburgh. I was attracted to the ESO because of the wide variety of work that is done here and how important it all is in our transition to net-zero - it’s a unique part of National Grid.

I also chose to come to National Grid because of the employee resource groups. I am part of WiNG and Pride and, since joining, I have organised events for International Women in Engineering Day and went to London Pride.

I did an Integrated Master’s degree in Electronics and Electrical Engineering at the University of Edinburgh. I was attracted to the ESO because of the wide variety of work that is done here and how important it all is in our transition to net-zero - it’s a unique part of National Grid.

I also chose to come to National Grid because of the employee resource groups. I am part of WiNG and Pride and, since joining, I have organised events for International Women in Engineering Day and went to London Pride.

 

 

 

What is your favourite memory or best thing about being on the grad scheme and why?

I had the opportunity to visit operational interconnectors as part of my Viking Link placement, to see how they work and speak to the operators there. I attended team workshops and events in Germany and Denmark. It was great to be able to meet colleagues face to face, hear of the progress being made on the project, and I also managed to fit in some sightseeing, as I was visiting both countries for the first time!

"You have so many opportunities to have new and different experiences while connecting with people from all over the business." 

The best thing about the graduate scheme is the flexibility to tailor your experience for what you want to get out of it – you choose your placements and what extracurriculars you want to be involved in.