Lisa McClean - Electrical engineering graduate

What degree did you study?

Masters in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Queen’s University, Belfast

What motivated you to choose this degree?

From an early age I was interested in how things worked. I chose mathematics, physics and technology for my A-Levels as I enjoyed them the most.

My motivation for this degree came during my technology A-Level where the task was to design and manufacture an electronic product. 

I really enjoyed this and after hearing a talk from an electrical and electronic engineer at a careers fair, I knew this was the degree for me.  

How did you get your current job?

While I was at Queen’s I applied for NIE's Power Academy scholarship and achieved the scholarship with NIE in 2007.

As part of the Power Academy scholarship I completed several summer placements and a year long placement with NIE where I had various roles and increased my electrical knowledge and understanding of NIE's activities.

When I finished university I applied for NIE's graduate programme. Having had 18 months of work experience with the company it really helped in answering the questions. 

Describe your role at NIE

I'm currently based in the transmission planning department where I help plan the future network.  This involves modelling the network, carrying out analysis and researching what other power companies are doing. 

Does your job allow you to have a career you are happy with?

Yes I really enjoy my job.  It's definitely not boring and there are exciting challenges ahead to ensure that NIE helps to facilitate the Government's target of 40% of electricity consumption from renewable sources by 2020. 

What are the best things about  your job?

Without a doubt the people I work with. I came into the organisation as a person who had very little confidence as an electrical engineer. I was overwhelmed at times by the importance and complexity of some of the projects I was given to do.

With some encouraging words from my manager and the fact that my colleagues where always there to help me, my confidence as an engineer soon started to grow.

Would you recommend Electrical and Electronic Engineering as a career and, if so, why?

I would definitely recommend a career in electrical and electronic engineering. Electricity is needed for everything in today's world and there is a wide variety of job roles that can come from this degree. I would also encourage any girls considering this degree to go for it. I have found that some of the top engineers within companies like NIE are women.

What advice would you give someone considering this job?

I would advise that you try and get a scholarship or work experience in the field that you are interested in.  I found that work experience increased my confidence as an engineer and it helped me a lot with my studies at university.

Get some helpful advice on NIE's applications process.