I Got Hired: Holly

Posted on: 17 November 2024 by Ruby O'Sullivan in Class of 2023

Holly Barlow is a Class of 2023 MEng Mechanical Engineering who is now working as a Global Graduate (Engineering) at Scottish Power Renewables.

How did you hear about your role and decide to apply for it?

I'd chosen to study Mechanical Engineering with the hope of having a positive impact on people and the planet, so I was excited to get try and get a job at the end of my degree.  I found out about Scottish Power from reading articles about renewable energy in the UK and, keeping an eye on the careers section of their website, when I saw the job description for  the global graduate scheme I felt like it had been written for me; of the jobs I applied for this was my favourite, and I was over the moon when I received the offer.

How did you get to where you are now?

Deciding to take this job meant thinking about what city I wanted to live in for the next two years, how close to friends and my boyfriend I'd be, and the kind of unique opportunities I could get in the field I'm passionate about in such an influential company. 

My dissertation and Master's project were great talking points for my experience with renewable energy, but I think feeling calm and prepared for interviews also helped massively.  I'd done no formal engineering work experience, however could draw on the jobs I'd had and the volunteering I'd done to cover all the skills wanted, and did plenty of research before interviewing so I could ask questions about the industry.  I think doing things which stood out on my CV, like spending the summer in a French commune and teaching business in Tanzania were good talking points at interview too.

Your favourite experience in your role?

I've had opportunities to learn lots about things I'm interested in as part of my graduate role, and explore other environmental issues that I'm passionate about.  I've just finished working with the UN Global Compact to deliver circular economy in offshore wind, and I'm headed off to Australia next year for a placement in their developing offshore wind industry, which I think will end up being my main highlights!

The most challenging part of your graduate journey?

Starting work was quite a daunting experience, where I had to be ready to chat to everyone in my office, and sit down with new people almost every lunchtime.  I'm so glad I worked up the confidence as now I feel integrated into the community at work and have a range of people I can go to for professional and personal advice.

Top 3 Tips for current students and graduates:

1. Spend time and energy applying for jobs you can see yourself doing
2. Think about where you want to live, and the things you enjoy outside of work
3. Enjoy the end of uni!

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