Caron Malone - Electrical engineering graduate
What degree did you study?
I studied a MEng in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Queen's University Belfast and graduated in 2011.
What motivated you to choose this degree?
I've always been interested in computers and technology and preferred the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) subjects at school. My dad was an engineer so I always had that influence from him and when it came to deciding my course at university I knew I wanted to do a course that would include physics, mathematics, computers and technology.
How did you get your current job?
When I was in my second year of university I applied and was successful in getting a scholarship through the Power Academy with NIE. This scholarship meant that NIE sponsored me through university with a bursary and book allowance each year, paid work placements every summer and contributed to my university fees.
I also spent my year placement with NIE working in the plant and technical department. This meant that I was familiar with the company and they were also familiar with me by the time I came to apply for a job with them in final year.
I had my interview at the start of final year and within a week I was told I had got the job. It was a big relief knowing that I had a job once I had finished university.
Describe your role at NIE
I'm currently working with the major transmission projects group on the proposed Tyrone to Cavan Interconnector and have been involved in the engineering aspects of the project, working closely with the project managers and assisting with the project management. It’s a great learning opportunity for me as I’m very interested in project management.
Does your job allow you to have a career you are happy with?
Yes there are plenty of opportunities and recent company restructuring has created a much more achievable route for progression and there are always opportunities to develop yourself more. As the company is so big it also means that there is a job to suit everyone and regular Performance Planning and Review (PPR) meetings are there to help you develop.
What are the best things about your job?
The best thing about my job is that there is something new every day and it always keeps you on your toes. In my role I get to see much more than just the engineering side of things such as the financial, legal and environmental parts of the project. These are parts of NIE that as an engineer I never really had an appreciation for and it has been such a great learning experience.
Would you recommend Electrical and Electronic Engineering as a career and, if so, why?
Yes I would. It's so interesting and diverse and as we live in a world where technology is advancing so fast it is a career that will never become boring.
Most young people have an interest in electrical and electronic engineering through their use of computer and designing websites and often don't realise that these subjects are part of electrical and electronic engineering.
It's also one of the few university courses at the minute that has a high employment rate because there is such a lack of electrical and electronic engineers not only in the UK but also across the world.
What advice would you give someone considering this job?
My advice to someone considering a job in the power industry would be to think big. The power industry is going through some dramatic changes with the introduction of smart grids, electric cars and distributed generation.
There is so much to learn and do and we are just at the beginning of understanding how all these things will work, it will be the new minds and people who can think outside the box that will be critical in coming up with the solutions.
Get some helpful advice for NIE's applications process