1. Tell us a bit about yourself, what programme did you join at SSE and when, what location are you based in?
My name is Blessing Ekpe and I started my graduate programme at SSE in 2019 (September). I am in the Network business area (Distribution, DSO, Network Trading), and I’m based in Forbury Place, Reading.
2. What did you study at university and what university did you go to?
I had my first degree at Federal University of Technology, Owerri (Nigeria), Chemical Engineering. I followed up with postgraduate studies
at Cranfield University, Bedfordshire, UK (MSc, Process Systems Engineering) and as a researcher at Cranfield University.
3. Which sectors did you consider applying to for your graduate role and what made you choose SSE and the area you are now working in?
In the past, I mainly searched for roles akin to my field of study such as in the Power sector (generation), Pharmaceutical manufacturing,
Renewables, Food and beverage industry, and other roles that interact indirectly with chemical technology such as industrial management. I applied for and followed up on the SSE graduate scheme as there was a wide range of roles and opportunities advertised (and also reading testimonials from existing graduates). More importantly, I always wanted to start off my career journey via this route (graduate scheme) and the added bonus with SSE was the flexibility to move between different placements.
4. How did you find the recruitment process? Do you have any advice for students considering applying for the SSE Graduate Programmes?
The recruitment process was well planned and structured and it remains the highlight of my graduate journey. Communication was very much on point before and after the graduate assessment, job offer, and the run up to the induction in September.
4b) Advice to prospective graduate applicants:
SSE is a leading player in the utility industry with endless opportunities. I appreciate the exposure and the challenge in navigating through different business areas allowing for a wholesome experience. I am also very impressed at the level of professionalism, the work culture in general, and safety ethics. If you are looking to join the leading name in the energy sector with an organisation that puts innovation at the forefront, and provides the opportunity and flexibility for employees to apply knowledge and skills whilst supporting on your career journey (all the way to chartership), then SSE is the right place to be. I am also proud to be part of an industry that is committed to meet the teeming global demands for a greener future.
5. In your current placement are you based in the office or on site? Tell us a bit about your current role and what you enjoy most about this and working at SSE.
My current placement is with the Pricing Team, a division of the Network Trading branch of the Distribution System Operator (DSO) department, and it is office based. I joined the Pricing Team on the 11th of May (2020) for a two months placement.
The Network Trading Pricing Team complete annual business critical work, such as calculating the Distribution Use of System Charges,
calculating the Allowed Revenue and calculating and submitting Line Loss Factors, as well as working on industry changes throughout the year. I have learnt a lot both on the regulatory side (Ofgem), our obligations in this regard as a licenced distribution network operator and other commercial aspects. Equally important to note was how different facets of the business (outside Network Trading) interact and the Pricing Team is an integral part of this makeup as other business areas (such as system planning, my previous placement) provides input to the Pricing Team for their operations.
My graduate role is more on the commercial side, but one for which I am learning a lot plus hands-on experience from day one and all the way enabling me to also appreciate the practical basis of my discipline.
