Calum studied physics at the University of Edinburgh before getting a postgraduate diploma in Sustainable Energy Systems at the University of the Highlands and Islands. He joined TNEI in September 2020 as a Graduate Consultant. His role is to support developers with the connection of their project to the electricity grid, on a range of projects including wind, solar, and battery storage. This can involve anything from carrying out grid connection feasibility studies in the early stages of a project, to preparing grid connection applications for clients.
What made you apply for a Graduate Consultant role at TNEI?
I’ve always been passionate about climate change and the environment, and I felt that a career in the renewable energy industry would be an extremely rewarding way to use the skills and knowledge I had developed during
TNEI was the perfect fit for my personal strengths and ambitions. I was excited by the opportunity to join a rapidly growing industry and play a part in the transition to net-zero, one of TNEI’s guiding principles.
The smaller size of TNEI appealed to me more than some of the graduate schemes that larger companies run, as it was clear that this would mean more opportunities for one-on-one support and mentoring.
How would you sum up your role as a graduate consultant?
Interesting and varied. The wide range of projects you can work on as a graduate at TNEI means that each day can bring different challenges. You are constantly learning and using the knowledge you pick up to solve problems for clients.
What skills have you learned/developed since joining?
Even as a graduate you are given project management responsibility, and so there have been many opportunities for me to develop those particular skills. Working on larger projects within multi-disciplinary teams has also been a great experience, allowing me to see how other parts of the industry work.
In addition to this, the support and guidance I get from my colleagues every day has allowed me to build up a good knowledge of the electricity system in Great Britain, as well as the wider energy industry.
Did you have any concerns about the job before you started?
I think it’s natural for anyone starting their first job as a graduate to be a little apprehensive about it, but the atmosphere at TNEI is so friendly and supportive and everyone made me feel welcome from my first day. The people at TNEI are extremely knowledgeable and having the ability to ask questions and continually learn allowed me to easily settle in as part of the team.
What is the best thing about working for TNEI?
The best thing about working for TNEI is the people. The smaller size of the company means that you quickly get to know everyone in the company, which leads to a great culture and relaxed atmosphere. Even though I joined at a time when the country was in lockdown and everyone was working from home, my colleagues still found ways to make me feel welcome such as virtual social nights (which thankfully eventually became in-person ones!).
This culture also makes it easier to develop from a professional point of view, as the level of knowledge and expertise within the company is a fantastic resource to draw on. This is something which I think will ultimately benefit me as I progress my career.
How often do you engage with clients?
Engaging with a diverse range of clients is a huge part of my role and it quickly became something I do every day. One day I can be working on a major infrastructure project like the Moyle Interconnector, and the next I can be supporting the development of a community wind farm. I think getting this hands-on experience of talking to various people in the sector is invaluable for someone early on in their career, and is something you may not get the chance to do at a larger company.
Is there anything that has surprised you?
The amount of responsibility you get from an early stage as a graduate. I very quickly found myself managing projects and talking to clients. I think that getting this experience early on in your career is really beneficial going forward.
What advice would you give anyone who is thinking about applying to be a consultant at TNEI?
Never be afraid to ask questions.
TNEI’s 2022 graduate recruitment is underway. If you are interested in a career in renewable energy and want to work on exciting projects amongst some of the top talent in the industry, check out our current Graduate Vacancies on our careers pages.
