Kellie Cowan

"Hi, I'm Kellie and I'm a Graduate Electrical Engineer at NIE Networks in Northern Ireland, based in Network Strategy and Sustainability.My personality types are Coach, Investigator and Quality Controller. These types suit perfectly to being an engineer and to my own key personality traits. I like to think of myself as a trustworthy person who enjoys working with others and problem solving.Coach - As an engineer you are continuously working within a team amongst a wide range of people. By being friendly, trustworthy and understanding, teamwork becomes much easier and productive. It's essential to be a team player in engineering.Investigator - Being a problem solver is often highlighted as a key skill needed by engineers, and guess what, it's true. Day to day an engineer utilises teamwork to collect ideas and information from others and putting them towards a solution. It is vital to enjoy a challenge and push yourself in engineering.Quality Controller - Particularly now as the power network transitions to Net Zero. challenging the status quo has never been more important. New methods and innovation projects will be vital to reach the carbon targets requested by our Government. As an engineer you also need to work within the fine print, being good with detail and managing risk. Lets make sure all the lights stay on!"

"I think I'm very lucky within my graduate role at NIE Networks as I have been given the opportunity to work for two departments - Network Strategy and Sustainability. Network Strategy focuses on enabling net zero targets (to battle climate change) and informing government policy on how to do so, whereas Sustainability focuses on our internal carbon footprint as a business and how we can reduce this. The two go hand in hand and I love my job!"

"Throughout school I wasn't sure what career path would suit me best until one day a teacher recommended I look at engineering. As soon as I started googling 'electrical engineering' and what a fast paced area it is, I was sold. The engineering degree is very varied, and there are a lot of different disciplines within electrical engineering - so even if you're not sure what you want to do, this area leaves you with plenty of choice!Within my engineering degree there were loads of opportunities for Scholarships within engineering companies, I successfully applied to the scholarship scheme with NIE Networks where I received an annual bursary, paid summer placements and a paid 'year in industry' working within the company. This allowed me to gain hands on, practical engineering experience and confirmed my decision to pursue a career as an electrical engineer within NIE Networks. I could not recommend a year in industry enough!I successfully interviewed for the NIE Networks Graduate Scheme and began my engineering journey in September 2020. "

"Once I finish work I love unwinding with a good book. I have a passion for music and the arts such as ballet, and I was a keen ballerina before I went to University - don't let anyone tell you that you can't be 'girly' and an engineer at the same time!"

"With engineering, every day is different. Some days I could be in the office wearing a dress and heels, whereas others I can be out on site in my high vis and hard hat! A typical office day could involve replying to emails and attending or chairing meetings. Whereas if there's a storm outside, I could be out shadowing a senior authorised engineer in the wind and rain, learning how to fix faults on the electricity network in real time. No two days are the same! "

"A Level: Chemistry A*, Maths A, Physics AUniversity: 1st Class Honours MEng Electrical and Electronic EngineeringGraduate Scheme at NIE Networks"