Graduate Economist Review

I use economic assessment methods to problems in the energy sector to help us move towards Net Zero. Day-to-day, I spend some of my time in meetings with others in the team, some of my time building models or doing economic or data analysis in Excel, and some of the rest of my time reading reports and other material relating to the problems we are working on.

I was given a good amount of responsibility. I was expected to take ownership of work I was assigned (which started off quite light at the start and increased as I went through the programme). I was always appropriately supported in the work I was given.

Yes, I have developed my skills in data analysis, in using Excel, in presenting and writing to various audiences. I have picked up skills in economic analysis and modelling, including cost-benefit assessment. I have grown in working in a professional context. I have also learned a lot about the energy industry and energy system we have.

I was given a good amount of support. Starting off in the energy industry is quite hard because there is a lot to learn, but the teams I've been in have been pretty good as answering my questions and helping me learn. I have been given good support as well by the early careers team who run the graduate programme.

The company culture are good. I have really felt like I belonged at NESO, which is very important. There is a good culture of work-life balance. Other the other hand, at times things can be quite slow and process-heavy because of the size and type of the organisation. There is a real feeling that we are doing important work for the UK to achieve Net Zero.

I have really enjoyed my graduate programme and am excited to stay with NESO at the end of it.

Yes