Catching Up With Our Second Year Graduates
At eSmart Networks, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of electrical engineers through our graduate scheme. This scheme offers recent graduates hands-on experience through tailored training and mentorship to develop the skills required for a successful career. Our graduates are exposed to various activities, from civil design and technical training to commercial project management, ensuring they receive a well-rounded understanding of the industry.
In September 2023, we welcomed three new electrical engineering graduates—Damian McCabe, Eoin McGeehin, and Jordan McCloy to our Technical Hub in Belfast. Over the past year, they have gained valuable insight into eSmart Networks’ diverse operations, equipping them with the expertise needed to thrive in this fast-evolving sector.
Greg Murray, Grid Connections Engineer, eSmart Networks said:
“The Graduate Scheme is fantastic for eSmart because it brings in fresh talent with new ideas and lots of energy. It allows us to nurture young engineers, giving them hands on experience to tackle the real world challenges we face, especially as the UK and the world move towards greater electrification. Our graduates also keep us on our toes with their insightful questions, and their presence highlights eSmarts commitment to long term growth and staying ahead in a rapidly evolving electrical industry.”
We asked Eoin about how he thinks this graduate development programme has benefitted his personal and career development.
The eSmart Networks Graduate Program has greatly benefited my personal growth and career development. On a personal level, it has boosted my confidence, communication, and leadership skills by exposing me to diverse challenges and dynamic team environments. Professionally, the program has deepened my industry knowledge in problem-solving and project management – skills that are crucial for my career progression as an Electrical Engineer.
Damian shared insights into the opportunities he has experienced through our program.
I have met clients at our head office, gaining exposure to the entire business. I spent a week shadowing the Triconnex Electrical Team and attended networking events with Distribution Network Operators, where I had detailed conversations with senior managers regarding their network—something I didn’t think I would be able to do whilst working for the company for a short period.
Within the Grid Team, I’ve been completing Grid Assessments and Offer Reviews for many different clients covering EV, I&C, Renewable, and Data Centre sectors. I’ve witnessed the challenges that projects face in obtaining power and have experienced some connection dates post-2035, which we have reduced one particular connection date this side of 2030.
Other than that, I have become the Senior Researcher, Videographer, Lighting Director, and Subtitle Producer for The Grid Podcast. This has led me to become the resident Connections Reform “nerd” within the Grid Team, and believe it or not, I’m looking forward to the next consultation.
Jordan discussed the topic of how the programme helped him transition from an academic environment to a professional one.
The graduate scheme was very helpful in bridging the gap from the university environment to the working world. From initial meetings with each of the different teams within eSmart for introductions to a weeklong training course in Chester on all things Power. I found being exposed straight away to “real projects” within the business was very beneficial to get that “hands-on” experience right from the get-go. Having a mentor has been beneficial to bounce off in the early stages of my career to still being able to reach out daily with all my questions.
We asked our Graduates to look back and provide advice to future participants joining our graduate development programme.
Eoin shared how it is important to fully embrace every opportunity for hands-on experience and networking.”I’d recommend making the most of site visits, projects, and interactions with industry experts, as they provide invaluable insights beyond the classroom. Also, don’t hesitate to ask questions from colleagues, particularly during the first few weeks. Finally, stay proactive and keep an open mind, as this will be key for development throughout your professional career.”
Damian discussed how to make the most of your experience, “ask questions and get all the exposure possible to the other teams to understand what everyone does in each team. When a project starts with us in the Grid Team, although it may take time, watching the project progress through our Pre-construction team and onwards to the Operational Team provides you with a sense of completion and success.”
Jordan’s advice would be “to fully immerse yourself and buy into it. Take every opportunity you are given because you will always learn something new.”
Discover our current career opportunities here.
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