Graduate Commercial Analyst Review

Item: Graduate Commercial Analyst at National Energy System Operator (NESO)
Rating: 5
Author: Anonymous

at National Energy System Operator (NESO)

Placement (10 Months+)

Economics, Business Management, Data Analysis

CV34 6DA

Review Submitted: December 2024

Overall Rating

5 /5

The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!

5/5 - Overview of Role

5/5 - Skills Development

5/5 - Support and Guidance

5/5 - Company Culture

5/5 - Overall Experience

5/5 - Future Career Prospects

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis.

For my first placement, I am in Market Change Delivery team. The MCD team plays a crucial role in driving market performance and ensuring the successful implementation of various initiatives. There are key 3 key ancillary services that we work on in MCD, these are: Response, Reserve and Reactive, these all play a different role in helping system security. They propose changes to legal documents, allow industry feedback, assess this feedback, and submit the changes to Ofgem for approval. This process ensures fair and competitive market development. They hold in-person and online events to understand market needs and implement changes that benefit stakeholders, increase competition, and reduce costs.

Were you given much responsibility during your placement / internship?

Yes. I have also done a placement year here where I managed a team of 6 analysts for a month whilst my manager was on leave. You are treated as a normal employee and are given several opportunities to take on additional responsibilites.

Please rate how meaningful the work you were doing was

5/5

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills, or developed your existing skills?

I have learnt some basic python when working on a cost-benefit analysis assessing auction timings. I have developed a lot of soft skills including time management, organisation, document writing, presentation skills and general communication skills. There is plenty of opportunity to learn skills that are outside of your role. Coding was something that I had wanted to develop and everyone is so supportive and encouraging. They also run a 'Coding Cafe' as well as having access to LinkedIn Learning.

How would you rate the training provided during your experience?

5/5

How would you rate your development of industry-specific skills during the experience?

5/5

How would you rate your development of personal / soft skills during the experience?

5/5

Please rate how these skills have helped you in your career development

5/5

Support and Guidance

How much support and guidance did you receive during your placement / internship?

Plenty. You have a placement manager who you will work with in a team. You also have a talent coordinator who will support you throughout your 18 month grad scheme. You also have a buddy who is a previous grad as well as the rest of your cohort. My experience has been so great because of the amazing friends I have made within NESO. Everyone is friendly and it has such a welcoming and kind culture. It is one of the best things about NESO.

How would you rate the support and guidance from your line manager?

5/5

How would you rate the support and guidance from the wider team?

5/5

Company Culture

What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?

The company culture is great. It is arguably the best part of NESO. Everyone has a true passion about paving the way to a better future and achieving Net Zero. That passion comes across in the way that people are so happy to help you, share ideas with you, explain their role and how keen they are to learn about yours. It is a very welcoming place and there are lots of Employee Resource Groups that celebrate us as individuals such as Emerge (new starters), Pride at NESO, Faith at work, DiverseAbilities etc..

How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?

5/5

How would you rate the social opportunities?

5/5

How would you rate the diversity initiatives?

5/5

How would you rate the charity, sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives?

5/5

Overall Experience

To what extent did you enjoy your placement / internship?

I love my placement year so much that I have come back on the graduate scheme. Now half way through my first rotation on the graduates scheme (3 x 6 month placements), I recognise how much I have achieved so far and I am excited for what is to come.

Please rate your level of enjoyment on your placement / internship

5/5

Please rate how your experience met your expectations

5/5

Future Career Prospects

Please rate the future employment prospects at National Energy System Operator (NESO)

5/5

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend National Energy System Operator (NESO) to a friend?

Yes

What advice would you give to others applying to National Energy System Operator (NESO)

Be yourself. Learn about NESO's role and responsibilities and how you can help support our initiatives. NESO website has plenty of information about who we are, what we do and general energy sector information. Do not expect to know everything as there is so much to learn.

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