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  3. How I did it - Jack shares his experience as a graduate with SSE

How I did it - Jack shares his experience as a graduate with SSE

By SSE

Hi I’m Jack Ferrans! I joined the SSE grad scheme in September of 2021, coming to the end of my first year. I joined the Transmission grad scheme and am a Graduate Project Engineer based in Glasgow.

What did you study at university and what university do you/did you attend/what year group?

I studied an MEng in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering with International Study at the University of Strathclyde and graduated in 2021, the same year I started SSE.

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?

Energy/Utility sector. With the classes I had taken in university and the work experience I had taken part in I knew that I wanted to work in the energy industry. I wanted to work with a large company and with SSEN being only one of three transmission owners in the UK, I knew SSE would be a good fit. SSE specifically grabbed my attention as there is a plethora of work upcoming in SSEN’s network area and there is a great work/life balance. It is an exciting time to be involved in the industry/business.

Tell us a bit about your current role, what you’ve learnt and what you’ve enjoyed most.

I am a graduate project engineer specifically looking at substations. My favourite part of the job role is being involved in real projects and being out on site. I really enjoy the balance my job role has between office-based activities and attending sites all around Scotland.

If you are working towards a professional qualification, tell us a bit about that and the support you receive on this.

I am working towards my IET Chartership. I have a chartership mentor who not only is chartered herself, but she is also a senior member in the business and is able to help guide my career to aid in meeting chartership goals and objectives. We meet monthly yet always is available out with this time. There is also a financial incentive to gain chartership if completed within a certain timeframe.

How did you find the recruitment process?  Do you have any advice for students considering applying for the SSE Graduate Programmes/Summer Placements?

A fair and ‘quick’ process. I submitted my application and after the first contact from the SSE the process was quick and flowed seamlessly. My advice would be to do research on the company – this can provide talking points in interview.