In this article, our 2024 interns share their top reasons for joining Transgrid’s Internship Program, and their insights on why people should consider joining the energy industry.
01 October 2024
Reason 1: Opportunity for both professional growth and personal development
Transgrid’s Internship Program provides the opportunity to develop professional skills that will set your career up within the energy industry and potentially fast track you to our Graduate Program.
Lincoln Mackay, a third-year Civil Engineering and International Business student at UTS, recommends the Internship Program as an opportunity for growth in both your career, and as a person. Lincoln shares, “The lessons you learn become invaluable and set a strong foundation and expectation of what is to come throughout your future profession.”
Lincoln Mackay (left image), Lincoln with his team (right image)
“You will not regret it… The program is tailored towards your needs, and everyone genuinely cares about your wellbeing as well as your career goals and will help lay the path to where you want to be,” Lincoln shares.
Reason 2: Gain practical, real-world experience (and go on site visits)
As part of the program, you can gain practical experience and build a diverse skillset to prepare you for a career in the energy industry, including the opportunity to go on site visits. Lincoln shares that his program highlight was the opportunity to go onsite and travel interstate, as well as meet new people with plenty of industry experience.
Long Quach, an intern in the Project Development – Customer team, is in his final year studying a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (Honours) at UNSW and is excited to be returning to Transgrid through the Graduate Program once graduated.
He shares, “You get the opportunity to connect the theoretical work you do and see on your screen every day to reality. Being able to watch the work you were involved in come to fruition provides a strong sense of fulfillment and joy knowing the importance of these projects on the energy transition. I distinctly remember how eye opening my first site visit was, learning about the role of each piece of equipment and what it looked like in real life.”
Long Quach (on far right) with his team on induction day
Long further explains that what makes the internship program so worthwhile is the plethora of learning opportunities that are open to interns, and the chance to work on high impact, real world projects with the guidance of a supportive team ready to answer your questions.
Wisezo Tse, studying a Bachelor of Environmental Management, expresses similar view that her top reason to join Transgrid is the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic environment.
Wisezo Tse (on left) in Transgrid's office
Reason 3: Network and connect with passionate industry professionals
Transgrid’s internship program, with the guidance of supportive buddies and managers, provides interns with the experience of working alongside bright and incredibly curious teams that are transforming the energy industry.
Sophie Walker, studying a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering with a Diploma in Professional Practice at UTS, shares her internship highlight: “The highlight for me has been meeting different people in the business and learning about their roles. As a project developer, we coordinate with lots of people, including designers, estimators, construction engineers, environmental planners and more. Every meeting gives me the opportunity to consider a project from different perspectives and learn something new.
Sophie Walker (on right) during a site visit
Long similarly shares his experience working with others, “I was also quite fortunate to be part of a very supportive team who have broad experiences to share. Being able to network with so many different people was definitely one of the highlights.”
Reason 4: Be part of a work culture that prioritises safety and promotes work-life balance
A common theme among interns when asked about what aspects of Transgrid’s work culture that they appreciated the most was the prioritisation of safety and promotion of a healthy work-life balance.
Here’s what each intern had to say about Transgrid’s work culture:
- “Transgrid supports a healthy work life balance by having flexible work hours and work from home options. This is very helpful as balancing being a full-time student while working part time can be challenging. My manager was very understanding that one day I may not be able to work as I have a random exam schedule on Friday at 4pm and being able to work flexible hours allowed me to manage my time more effectively, balancing my studies, work and social life.” – Long Quach
- “I appreciate how the company prioritises safety and wellness!” – Wisezo Tse
- “I appreciate Transgrid’s focus towards ensuring staff are safe whether that’s stopping work if it’s not safe to do so, pulling over from a long drive or even taking some extra time in your day if you’re not feeling good. Transgrid ultimately want their staff to be performing at their best and will do whatever they can to ensure every employee has that benefit.” – Lincoln Mackay
Conclusion
You might consider an internship position at Transgrid if you are:
- Currently studying a tertiary qualification in Engineering, Finance, Business, Economics or Law, Marketing and Communications, Construction and/or Project Management
- In your second, third and/or penultimate year of study
- Environmentally and socially responsible
- Appreciative and sensitive of difference and diversity
If you are looking for an exciting and challenging career that will give you the opportunity to develop your personal and professional potential and learn from our leading experts, we encourage you to pre-register your interest for Transgrid’s Summer Internship Program to be notified when the next round opens in August 2025.
Curious about the day in the life of an intern? Read all about it on this page.