Gordon Rae - Renewable Energy Graduate

First, tell us a bit about yourself! What programme did you join at SSE and where are you based?

I joined the Renewable Energy Graduate Programme in January ’21. I worked remotely from London for 6-months before moving to Glasgow to join SSE’s Waterloo Street office. 

What did you study at university?

I studied as an undergraduate in Civil Engineering followed by a PGDip in Sustainability and finally a MEng in Renewable Energy. In total this was 6-years of studying, I completed my studies in 2019. 

Which sectors did you consider applying to for your graduate role? What made you choose SSE and the area you are now working in?

During my Post Graduate studies, it became very clear that I wanted to work in Renewable Energy (RE). SSE was so attractive to me because, in my opinion, they simply had the best Renewable Energy Graduate Programme on offer (globally). When I initially started looking for work, I kept my job searching lens relatively small and only searched the South African Market. With the limited opportunities for RE grads in South Africa, I decided to open my job searching lens to the Global Market. When I came across SSE’s Renewable Energy Graduate Programme, I was highly impressed and almost instantaneously sold given the flexibility and range of experience on offer within SSE’s Grad Programme. 

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

I was very impressed with SSE’s intricate and thorough recruitment process. In hindsight, the advice I would have given myself is to approach all stages of the application process with your full concentration, dedication, and energy. Applicants should ensure that they are in the correct headspace and completely focused on the task at hand before completing any of the recruitment stages. Additionally, I advise taking the time to get to know SSE as an organisation and then strategically reflecting these learnings throughout your application process. 

Did you require any adjustments during the selection process?

Given the fact that I am South African, I was in a position where I required SSE to sponsor my UK Tier 2 working visa. SSE really came to the party in giving me all the assistance that I required with both my visa application and my relocation to the UK. I was honestly blown away by the level of support and commitment SSE has given me throughout the entire visa application and relocation process. 

Tell us a bit about your current role?

I am so pleased with my decision to join SSEs Renewable Energy Graduate Programme. I love the flexibility we have been given to steer our placements in line with our interests. The opportunity to gain such a diverse range of experience whilst exponentially growing my professional network at such an early stage in my career has been a huge highlight of mine. 

Are you working towards a professional qualification?

I am working towards my CEng status through the IET. SSE has been great in ensuring that I receive a diverse range of experience in order to fast track my journey to Chartership.