Mentorship spotlight: Chandi Nawela – guiding an emerging generation of future leaders

Mentorship at Transgrid goes beyond simple advice; it’s about shaping future leaders in the energy sector. This year, Chandi Nawela has embraced the role of mentor as part of Transgrid’s 2024 Graduate Program. We caught up with Chandi and Rochelle to discuss their mentorship journey together, and the insights they've gained from the experience so far.

Chandi’s mentorship journey and the importance of mentoring early careers professionals

Chandi has had ample experience as a mentor throughout her career, as part of similar graduate programs in organisations like Jemena Gas Networks and the Department of Customer Service. In her first time as part of Transgrid’s mentorship program, Chandi shares that it has been a good opportunity to experience the mentoring program at Transgrid and have the opportunity to engage with mentees who are proactive and open minded.

“Mentorship programs are important for mentees as it’s a great learning opportunity. Rather than experiencing a situation firsthand, you can also find value in listening to the experiences of others and learning the best strategies and approaches beforehand,” Chandi says.

“A mentor can share or recall how they managed a particularly challenging experience in their professional or personal life, and a mentee can draw great value from that reflection. It provides a chance to learn from someone who has gone through it before and gives you strategies that you can employ or adapt to suit yourself best. In that sense, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel, you can just learn, learn, learn!”

Transgrid’s mentorship program is designed to provide graduates with the opportunity to form a professional and personal relationship with a high performing individual within the organisation, encouraging both parties to grow and develop in line with their career aspirations.

The partnership is to encourage a commitment to help each other become fuller versions of themselves and provide a safe space for mentees to seek guidance and support during their professional journey.

Career reflections and mentor-mentee discussions

As part of the program, Chandi and Rochelle have scheduled their catch-ups to be on a fortnightly basis.

“We have discussed a lot already about Rochelle’s aspirations and what she is expecting to achieve. We have talked about her career goals, and I have shared with her the importance of building a professional network and how to improve resilience.”

Chandi expresses, “I reflected on my experiences in my own career and gave some advice to Rochelle around her own future plans, how to actively seek opportunities, and building her confidence to go for it!”

Reflecting on the mentorship program so far, Rochelle shares: "Having a mentor has been transformative for me. It’s like having a tour guide as I travel through the often-confusing journey of personal and professional growth. My mentor’s wisdom and support have not only helped me navigate challenges but also inspired me to challenge myself and fuel my confidence and ambition."

"It's been really valuable having Chandi as a mentor, not just for my own professional development, but also to have another great role model to look up to in the energy industry. At Transgrid, I've had the great privilege of being exposed to and directly guided by inspirational female leaders, and Chandi is one of them," Rochelle adds. 

Not all catch-ups have been exclusively about professional development. Chandi and Rochelle have also shared excitement over their mutual hobby of reading, getting to know each other even through the interesting differences in their reading preferences. (While Chandi prefers non-fiction books, like inspirational biographies and self-help, Rochelle has recently ventured from international politics to fiction fantasy romance.)

Key skills for graduates in the energy industry today

As a Compliance Manager, Chandi believes that to excel in the energy industry, graduates need more than just technical skills.

Chandi places a lot of emphasis on the importance of interpersonal and communication skills, resilience and adaptability, and a positive attitude to face the challenges that may come your way.

Mutual growth: expectations and goals

Understanding that mentorship is a collaborative process, Chandi has expectations not only for Rochelle’s development, but also her own.

“For my professional development, I look forward to interacting with this emerging generation of future leaders. I want to understand their aspirations, views, and expectations, as well as guide them towards the avenues of realising these goals. My reward comes from the sense of fulfilling my duty to supporting at least one of these emerging professionals,” Chandi shares.

To learn more about our Career Pathway Programs and discover job opportunities, visit our Careers page.

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