A day in the life of a High Voltage Design Graduate - Hana El Chanti

Q: What did you study in uni and what made you want to apply for Transgrid's Graduate Program?  

My decision to apply for Transgrid's 2024 Graduate Program stems from my passion for the energy industry, particularly in the context of Australia’s shift towards renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure. 

The opportunity to contribute to such a transformative industry is what excites me the most. As a graduate, I see myself gaining exposure to real-world projects, while also developing my technical expertise in areas like high-voltage design, grid stability, and renewable integration. The structured workshops, mentorship, and projects offered through the Graduate Program will allow me to build a solid foundation for long-term career growth while simultaneously being part of meaningful projects that shape the future of energy in Australia. 

Additionally, the opportunity to collaborate with industry professionals and fellow graduates will help me build an invaluable network in this space, further enriching my career. I look forward to contributing to Transgrid’s mission of delivering safe, reliable, and sustainable energy to millions of Australians while continually learning and growing within the company. 

Q: What's the coolest thing about your job? 

As a High Voltage Design Engineer, the most exciting part of my job is working directly with HV equipment and substations—the very heart of our energy infrastructure. Designing and optimizing these critical assets is not only fascinating but vital to ensuring reliable power transmission across vast distances.

What really makes this job unique is the complexity of the HV systems I work on.

One of the coolest things about working with HV equipment is the scale of the projects. Substations are not just pieces of equipment—they are massive installations with the capability to control the flow of electricity for entire cities or regions. Walking through a substation and seeing the towering transformers, the intricate web of conductors, and the high-voltage switchgear is truly awe-inspiring. And knowing that the designs I contribute to are responsible for ensuring grid stability, even as we integrate more renewable energy sources like solar and wind, makes it even more rewarding. 

Moreover, substations are crucial as we transition to a more sustainable energy future. They are the points where renewable energy is connected to the grid, so every design decision we make directly impacts the efficiency and reliability of this integration. There is an immense sense of satisfaction in knowing that the HV equipment I work with is not only enabling energy to flow safely and reliably but is also shaping the future of Australia’s power system. 

Q: Do you have any advice for the new recruits and people that are considering joining our Graduate Program? 

My advice to new recruits and those considering Transgrid’s Graduate Program is simple: embrace every opportunity, stay curious, and be ready to contribute to something bigger than ever. Transgrid’s Graduate Program is more than just a stepping stone into the energy industry; it is a chance to be part of the critical transformation towards a sustainable future. The energy landscape is rapidly evolving, and being a part of Transgrid places you at the forefront of this change. 

• Take full advantage of the diverse rotations – each one will offer new perspectives, whether it is in high-voltage transmission, project development, network planning, etc.
• Be proactive in seeking out mentorship, not just to learn, but to challenge yourself and broaden your understanding of the industry.
• Do not be afraid to step outside your comfort zone—some of the most valuable lessons are learned through challenging experiences.
• Most importantly, network with your peers and the talented professionals around you. The connections you build here will not only support your personal growth but will also be pivotal as you progress in your career.

Transgrid is not just looking for graduates—they are looking for future leaders who can drive the energy transition. Seize the opportunity and make your mark. 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

This article has been adapted from Prosple, written by Hana El Chanti in August 2024 during her second grad rotation. Find more Graduate and Day in the Life stories on our Prosple page.

7:00 AM 

I prepared a healthy breakfast and made some coffee to get me all prepared for a very busy day ahead of me. I then got ready and chose my outfit for the day, styled my hair and put some light makeup on. 

8:00 AM 

I drive myself to the station, park my car at the carpark and catch the train. While I was on the train, I turned on my work phone and slowly started reading through my emails and responding. It makes me feel good to start my day with finishing off some emails so that when I reach the office I can dive right through my actual work and meetings. 

8:30 AM 

Today marks my third day as a High Voltage Design Engineer Graduate on the High Voltage Design team. I still had some projects to finalise from my previous role as a Project Developer Graduate, so I decided to come into the office early to tackle both responsibilities. My goal was to wrap up my Project Developer tasks while diving into my new responsibilities, particularly working on transformer rating advice. 

Transitioning into the HV role has been a bit challenging, especially with the volume of reading and training materials I need to go through for the various software tools the team uses for rating advice and substation design. Balancing these demands with the need to finalise my previous projects has been stressful, but I am committed to hitting the ground running in my new position. 

10:00 AM 

Since transitioning to the High Voltage Design team, I’ve been fielding calls from various Transgrid stakeholders, including the Environmental, Transmission Line (TL), Communications and Control and Automation teams. These conversations were essential to clarify specific aspects of the project so I could finalize the scoping report and move it into the review and approval process. 

Amid these discussions, I have been diving into the intricacies of my new role in the HV Design team. I have been studying documents on rating advice, learning to use the Transformer Load Simulator Software for transformer rating assessments, mastering PRIM for preparing rating advice documents, and familiarizing myself with Bentley EDMS for substation design and technical information searches. This dual focus is helping me smoothly transition into the HV Design team’s work while closing out my previous responsibilities. 

11:00 AM 

I had my first team meeting with the entire HV Design group and our HV Design Manager today. My manager formally introduced me to the team, and I immediately felt welcomed by everyone. The meeting was a great opportunity to connect with my new colleagues and get a sense of the team's dynamics. 

During the meeting, our manager covered key action items, provided weekly updates, and shared valuable feedback. It was a productive session that gave me a clear understanding of our current priorities and ongoing projects. 

One of the highlights was a presentation by a senior team member about a recent site visit. They shared insights from the visit, including detailed site photos and their learnings from the experience. It was fascinating to see the practical side of our work and hear firsthand about the challenges and successes they encountered. The presentation not only gave me a deeper appreciation for the hands-on aspects of our projects but also helped me feel more integrated into the team. 

12:00 PM 

One of my peers sitting next to me reminded me it was lunchtime. With me, I dislike taking breaks in between my work but taking a break is key. I grabbed my lunch and joined the graduate engineers for lunch in our lunchroom and we all had a chat about how our morning went. It was nice to hear what everyone was working on in the morning. 

1:00 PM 

I began my work in High Voltage Design by tackling a series of transformer and busbar rating advices. Specifically, I am working on four 330/138.6/138.6/11kV transformer rating assessments for multiple Transgrid substations, as well as a 330kV busbar rating assessment for the Sydney South Substation. 

3:00 PM 

I took a short break from my HV work to catch up on emails, which mainly involved discussions about the rating advice that needs to be finalised. I also received a few emails from Transgrid stakeholders regarding the projects I had been handling in my previous role as a Project Developer Graduate. 

During this time, I also prepared comprehensive notes for two key projects I had been overseeing in the PD role, particularly in the absence of one of the team members. These notes were essential for the upcoming project handover meeting scheduled for 3:30 pm. 

This preparation was crucial to ensure a smooth transition and to make sure the incoming project manager is fully informed and equipped to take over without any disruptions. 

5:00 PM 

After catching up on emails, I dedicated some time to refreshing and expanding my Electrical Engineering knowledge, which is crucial for my role as a High Voltage Designer Graduate. Given that I’m currently working on 330/138.6/138.6/11kV transformer rating advices for several Transgrid substations, as well as a 330kV busbar rating advice for the Sydney South Substation, it’s essential to stay sharp on the fundamentals and specifics of high voltage systems. 

I delved into online resources and technical forums such as Electronics Hub and Basic Electronics Tutorials to revisit key concepts. My focus was on understanding the critical parameters of transformers, including their voltage ratios, impedance, short-circuit characteristics, and cooling methods. These parameters are vital in accurately assessing transformer ratings and ensuring they meet the operational demands of the substations. 

I also reviewed the principles of power calculations, specifically how to convert current (Amps) into apparent power (Mega Volt Amps, MVA), which is a fundamental aspect of transformer and busbar rating assessments.

Additionally, I explored the practical implications of these calculations in real-world scenarios, particularly how they affect the design and operation of substations.

This technical refresher not only reinforced my foundational knowledge but also provided deeper insights into the complexities of transformer and busbar ratings. It’s crucial for ensuring the reliability and safety of the HV systems I’m working on and for delivering high-quality design solutions for Transgrid's infrastructure projects. 

6:00 PM 

I realised it was 6pm. If it were up to me, I would work all day long. I am an extreme workaholic and I love my job. Working makes me very happy, and it makes me feel good when certain things are done. I packed up my stuff and left the office. 

7:30 PM 

I enjoyed a wonderful evening with my family at the Meat and Wine Co restaurant in Parramatta. It was a much-needed break from work, and the perfect opportunity to unwind and savour some quality time together. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, making it a truly memorable night with great food and even better company. 

Visit Prosple for the full article and more, including reviews, advice, videos, and office tours! 

About Transgrid’s 2026 Graduate Program