From Pharmacology to Project Management: Jireh's Graduate Journey at SSE

Jireh de Guzman, a Pharmacology graduate from the University of Dundee shares how an industry placement sparked an interest in project management, why she chose to move into the energy sector, and how SSE’s graduate programme has helped her take the next step towards becoming a Project Manager.

As a STEM graduate, I was eligible for SSE's graduate programme. SSE stood out to me because of its opportunities for growth and development, but also because it genuinely cares about its people. I was looking for somewhere I could build a long-term career, continue learning and feel supported along the way.

How did you find the recruitment process and what advice would you give to someone thinking about applying for the graduate programme?

The recruitment process was largely what I expected, but I was pleasantly surprised by the in-person assessment day. Assessment centres can often feel competitive and intimidating, but that wasn't my experience with SSE.

What stood out was the emphasis on collaboration rather than competition. The focus was on how well you worked with others, communicated ideas and contributed to the team. I felt this reflected SSE's culture very well.

Once I realised that, my nerves settled and I was able to be myself. I think that authenticity allowed the assessors to see my strengths more clearly.

My advice is to remember that it's natural to feel nervous, but there are no trick questions, tests or exams. The process is really about getting to know you, your experiences and your potential. No one knows your skills and achievements better than you do.

Be proud of what you've accomplished and don't be afraid to show enthusiasm. When answering questions, go beyond simply describing what you did. Explain how you approached challenges, worked with others and made an impact. That's what brings your experiences to life.

I'd also recommend taking some time to understand SSE's core values and think about how they align with your own experiences. Reflect on situations where you've collaborated with others, taken ownership, shown initiative or adapted to change. It's not just about what you've achieved, but how you approach your work and interact with others.

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

I initially focused on opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry, as that was where my academic background and industry experience were based. However, when I started exploring entry-level project management roles, I found there were relatively few opportunities available in Scotland.

That's when I came across SSE's graduate programme. What appealed to me was the opportunity to gain practical project management experience while benefiting from the structure, support and development opportunities of a graduate scheme.

Although I had no previous experience in the energy sector, I saw it as an exciting opportunity to broaden my horizons and challenge myself in a completely new industry. The stability of the sector, combined with SSE's commitment to developing its people, made it an attractive place to start my career transition.

What ultimately made me choose SSE was its people-focused culture. The approach to hybrid working, annual leave, maternity and family policies, and career breaks showed me that it genuinely values and supports its employees. I was looking for somewhere I could build a long-term career rather than simply find my next role, and SSE felt like an organisation that invests in its people. I was also impressed by the strong emphasis on safety, which is clearly embedded in the company's culture and day-to-day operations.

Looking back, it felt like the perfect next step for me, and I feel very fortunate to have been given the opportunity.

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

One of my biggest learning experiences has been recognising that the skills I already had could add value in ways I hadn't initially expected.

Before joining the programme, I was already quite confident using Microsoft applications. During one of my planning placements, senior management requested a new way of presenting and visualising data. The team had limited capacity to learn and implement a new application alongside their existing workload.

I quickly familiarised myself with the application and developed a template that met the team's requirements. I then provided informal training and support to the team leaders, allowing them to continue using and developing the tool after my placement ended.

Seeing the template adopted by the team and continue to be used was a real achievement for me. It was rewarding to know that something I'd created delivered a lasting benefit, and the work was also recognised positively by senior management.

The experience gave me confidence in my ability to take initiative, adapt to new challenges and make meaningful improvements. More broadly, it taught me that adding value isn't always about being the most experienced person in the room. Sometimes it's about being proactive, finding solutions and helping others develop along the way.

How has the graduate programme helped you develop professionally?

The graduate programme has shown me the breadth and scale of project management within SSE. Before joining, I had an idea of what project management involved, but the programme showed me just how diverse the role can be and how significant the projects are.

One of the aspects I valued most was the flexibility to shape my own development. By building a strong network across the business, I was able to organise placements in areas where I wanted to gain more experience and broaden my understanding of different parts of the project lifecycle.

The programme also introduced me to environments that were completely new to me. Coming from a laboratory and pharmaceutical background, I never imagined I'd find myself regularly visiting construction sites, let alone enjoying it. These experiences gave me a much greater appreciation of how projects are delivered in practice and the importance of collaboration between different teams.

I also gained valuable experience working from the client side and interacting with consultants and contractors. This helped me develop my understanding of stakeholder management, communication and the challenges involved in delivering complex projects.

My career aspirations have remained the same throughout the programme. I set out with the goal of becoming a Project Manager, and I now feel one step closer to achieving that. Having graduated into an Assistant Project Manager role, I'm excited to continue building my skills, taking on greater responsibility and developing my career within SSE.