From Geography Graduate to Land Consents Manager: Lauren's SSE Journey

After studying Geography and Sociology, Lauren Young wanted a career where she could make a positive environmental impact. In this blog, she shares how the SSE Graduate Programme helped her build confidence, develop new skills and transition into a permanent role as a Land Consents Manager, supporting projects that strengthen the UK's electricity network.

When I came across the Land Consents Graduate role at SSE, I was excited by the opportunity to contribute to the UK's transition to a more sustainable future and play a part in projects that support the electricity network. The ability to see the tangible progress and impact of the work I was involved in really appealed to me.

One of my favourite aspects of the role is the variety it offers. I've had the opportunity to visit a range of sites and work with colleagues, contractors, landowners and stakeholders from across the business. Everyone I've met has been incredibly knowledgeable, supportive and welcoming.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about applying for the graduate programme?

I would highly recommend the graduate programme to anyone considering a career with SSE. It has provided a supportive and collaborative environment in which to learn about an industry that was completely new to me. Throughout the programme, I've had opportunities to work with and learn from a wide range of teams, helping me develop a broader understanding of how different functions come together to successfully develop and deliver projects.

Alongside the practical experience gained through my role, I've benefited from a variety of training courses and development opportunities focused on professional, commercial and interpersonal skills. Throughout my time on the programme, I've always felt supported by the Graduate team, my managers and my fellow graduates, which has made the experience even more enjoyable.

My advice to anyone considering applying would be to go for it. I found the application process straightforward and well organised, with regular updates throughout. I'd also encourage applicants to make use of the resources available on SSE's website and familiarise themselves with the company's purpose and values.

Which sectors did you consider applying to for your graduate role? What made you choose SSE?

Based on my degree, I was keen to begin a career with a strong environmental focus. I explored opportunities across a range of sectors, including energy, infrastructure, land management and regulation. Ultimately, I chose SSE because of its commitment to sustainability and its role in supporting the UK's transition to a more sustainable future.

I began my career within the Networks business, and it has been incredibly rewarding to contribute to projects that are helping strengthen and expand the electricity network. Being involved in work that supports this transition gives me a real sense of purpose and achievement.

Looking back over the programme, what have been your biggest learning experiences or achievements?

As I come to the end of my graduate programme, one of my biggest learning experiences has been developing an understanding of how electricity networks operate and are developed. Coming into the role without a technical background, I initially found it challenging to understand how the network and its associated infrastructure functioned. Building this knowledge was important, both for my own development and to enable me to communicate effectively about the projects.

I spent time working closely with colleagues across our design and technical teams, who were incredibly supportive in helping me develop my understanding. As a result, I now have a much stronger working knowledge of the network and greater confidence in contributing to projects and discussions.

Beyond the technical aspects of the role, I'm particularly proud of the personal and professional growth I've achieved during the programme. Over the past two years, I've developed much greater confidence and learned how to navigate challenging conversations in a professional and constructive way. The support of my colleagues and manager, combined with SSE's training and development opportunities, has played a huge part in helping me build these skills.

As the graduate programme ends, where will your career take you next?

The two years of the graduate programme have gone by incredibly quickly. As I reach the end of the programme, I've successfully transitioned into a permanent role as a Land Consents Manager within SSEN's Customer Delivery team.

Since joining the team on placement in May, I've gradually taken on responsibility for managing my own projects, which has provided a smooth transition into the role.

It has been rewarding to apply the knowledge and skills I've developed throughout the graduate programme in a more independent capacity. Taking ownership of projects and contributing to their successful delivery has given me a real sense of achievement.

I'm excited to continue developing my career at SSE over the coming years. With such a wide range of business areas and projects across the company, I know there will be plenty of opportunities to broaden my experience, develop new skills and explore different aspects of the business while continuing to make a positive environmental impact.