Graduate Data Scientist Review

As a Data Scientist, my day-to-day roles are to analyse and find patterns within large volumes of data. This includes the utilisation of tools such as PowerBI and Python. All of this requires me to learn everyday the working of the electricity systems across GB. With the collaboration of my math skills, computer science skills and the knowledge of the electricity systems, I analyse, present insights, and forecast future trends with varied amounts of available data.

NESO seems to always make sure to talk about their goals, and how their values are supporting the net zero goals. When we put in our objectives for each placement, they have to be linked to one of the wider goals. Hence I feel like I am directly contributing to the business' goals. In my role, I have been given work but always told the importance of it and how it fits in a wider organisational sense. I am always told to look at how my small piece of work can help the people higher in the organisational ladder. Hence, I feel very responsible during this placement.

University had taught me most skills that I needed to have for this job, but my work challenges me to constantly improve on these skills. I have been learning ML algorithms that I have never seen (like Prophet, for example), building on core statistical skills, and technical capabilities like Azure and PowerBI. NESO supports me on these endeavours by sponsoring for any certification exams, and provides free LinkedIn Learning courses.
We are also provided training to improve other soft skills, but sometimes they feel like an interference to your work. Some of them are very valuable trainings, others might not make much sense.

As a fresh face to not just the profession but to the industry, I had very little knowledge about NESO. Whenever I don't understand anything, my manager and my talent coordinator are always there for my help. May it be study resources, or general questions that I may have, they have always answered and gave guidance to me.

It is wonderful! I can see that NESO is very inclusive and cares about the wellbeing of their employees. There are very lenient rules about when to come to the office and work from home (except if there were any meetings that you HAVE to attend in the office but it is very rare). I've never had any of my managers even ask me a reason for taking any leaves. From my pov, it seems like the managers have good trust on their employees.
In addition to these, NESO also has employee resource groups and clubs to support employees.

I have enjoyed this scheme very well so far. I have had a cohort of people who are not just colleagues but friends, I've had managers that have trust in me and my abilities, and people who care about me and my welfare. I have developed many skills - technical and soft skills which I hope will help me in the later parts of my career. I am looking forward to enjoy the rest of the scheme too.

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