Mentorship spotlight: Omer Rizwan – a journey of growth and learning

At Transgrid, mentorship is more than just guidance; it's about shaping the next generation of leaders in the energy industry. This year, Omer Rizwan, an experienced professional with a passion for nurturing talent, has stepped into the role of a mentor for the first time as part of Transgrid’s 2024 Graduate Program. We had the opportunity to sit down with Omer and learn more about what inspired him to become a mentor, his approach to mentoring, and his hopes for the program.

From mentee to mentor: Omer's inspiration

Omer’s journey to becoming a mentor is deeply rooted in his early career experiences. He recalls the invaluable support and guidance he received from his own mentor during the initial stages of his career.

"Early in my career, I was fortunate to have a mentor who guided me through challenges and helped me grow," Omer shares. "This experience sparked a desire in me to positively impact others through my work, a spark that my mentor kindled into a flame. Now, I want to pass the torch forward, sharing my experiences and learning from my mentees as well."

For Omer, mentoring is not just about imparting knowledge—it's about continuing a legacy of growth, support, and mutual learning.

The mentorship process at Transgrid

The mentorship program at Transgrid is designed to foster meaningful connections between mentors and mentees, ensuring that both parties benefit from the experience.

Omer explains the process, noting, "Applying for the mentorship program is quite simple; interested individuals can share their details and explain why they would be a good fit for the program. The selection committee carefully reviews every application, after which they shortlist mentors and pair them up with mentees."

Once paired with his mentee, Benny, Omer plans to have regular check-ins to discuss Benny's goals, challenges, and progress.

"My plan is to have weekly meetings with Benny to discuss his goals, challenges, and progress. To work on his goals, we will create a tailored development plan that aligns with his career aspirations at TG. While this plan will be informal, it will help Benny stay focused on his long-term goals and ensure he gets the most out of this program," he says.

Key skills for success in the energy industry

In an industry as dynamic and rapidly evolving as energy, technical skills are only part of the equation. Omer believes that to truly excel, graduates need to develop a broader skill set.

"I feel like most graduates spend their time developing technical skills and forget about how different the practical world is," he notes. "In the fast-paced and evolving energy industry, the top three skills for graduates to develop are problem-solving skills, interpersonal skills, and communication skills."

To help Benny develop these essential skills, Omer plans to involve him in a complex project, where they will analyse and tackle issues together. "I’m committed to creating an open and supportive environment for Benny, where he’ll feel comfortable sharing his ideas and asking questions that will help him enhance his interpersonal and communication skills," Omer emphasises.

Mutual growth: expectations and goals

Mentorship is a two-way street, and Omer is keenly aware of the potential for mutual growth. He has clear expectations for both Benny's development and his own.

"I hope to see Benny gain confidence in his abilities, develop skills that are essential to independently tackle challenges, and make strides towards his goals at TG," Omer says.

"For my professional development, I am looking forward to not only enhancing my leadership and communication skills but also gaining new perspectives and insights from Benny that can help me evolve and grow in my career."

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