Hannah Adamson - Commercial Graduate

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

I am Hannah Adamson and I am a Business and Commercial Graduate within the Thermal Business. I joined SSE in September 2020 and my base location is Perth. 

What did you study at university?

I studied Geology and Physical Geography (BSc) at The University of Edinburgh and graduated in 2017.  

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

I chose to apply to SSE for 3 main reasons. The first being their ability to be an active contributor to climate goals for the UK and worldwide, and their clear ambition to do so. The second being their status as a fair and inclusive employer. And the final one being the location of their offices, being based in Perth allows easy access to the vast Scottish Highlands.  

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

I felt well informed through the recruitment process with an understanding of what the next step would be and advice on how to prepare for it, and results / feedback from each stage were communicated in a timely manner. My main piece of advice would be to fully research the company, including the business areas you are not applying to. This will give you a fuller view of SSE’s wider goals, and how your chosen business area fits into the bigger strategic picture. It is also worth aligning your specific experience to each of the SSE values. 

Tell us a bit about your current role?

I spent the first 8 months of the graduate programme in the Thermal Revenue Optimisation team where I was focussing on the capacity mechanism in Ireland and GB and how to optimise the assets we have in the current GB and Irish power markets. My 2nd placement has been in Gas Storage where I have been offering analytical assistance to the trading desk and the commercial team whilst understanding the gas market and how it interacts with European and global influences. Both teams have been welcoming and have offered support for areas in which I had no prior knowledge or experience. I have really enjoyed gaining an in-depth knowledge of these complex markets.