Power Academy Student Review

Compare the dynamic performance of the reduced network model provided to customers for their complex grid connection, against the unreduced (original) network model. Attend meetings with the team to discuss day to day operations. Deliver presentations about findings to other teams within ESO (electricity system operator) as well as ET (electricity transmission), taking the opportunity to expand my network. This also allowed to and learn more about the role of other engineers working in other parts of the company.

During the internship I was given the responsibility to perform validation of a reduced network model provided to customers and produce a final report. Furthermore I had to write a script that will be used by the team to improve the reduction process. It was quite a big responsibility as I was trusted to manage my own time and deliver something directly applicable to the work of my team. I also had the opportunity to run team meetings and present my work to other teams.

This internship has a strong focus on personal development, and it allowed me to consolidate existing skills as well as learn new ones. A set of personal development objectives is set at the start of the placement, listing actions to be taken to meet the objective asking for support where necessary. The objectives set, are then discussed during the interim and final reviews to determine whether any additional support is necessary or if all objectives have been met.

During the 8 week internship, there was lots of support available from both my line manager, my supervisor and the power academy coordinator. Regular meetings were scheduled with my supervisor to discuss project progress. He was always available to chat through issues giving his opinion and guidance. My manager was also very supportive and always keen to discuss more about projects carried out in the side of the business I was working in. Other members of the team were also always available to help if necessary.

The entire internship was run remotely due to COVID restrictions, so it was hard to get a feel of the real atmosphere of the company in the office. Nevertheless, even though working remotely, everyone in the company was very friendly and willing to take time to talk when possible. In the short 8 weeks I spent there I feel like I made some great relationships with colleagues and I am looking forward to returning next year.

I thoroughly enjoyed the internship as it gave me the opportunity to put into practice a lot of what I have learnt at university up to now, as well as learning new skills. It has also given me a new perspective in electrical engineering and the power industry in general. Returning to my studies, I now feel more confident. Furthermore, knowing I have had a real business impact on National Grid, made the experience even more rewarding.

Yes