Alumni story: Natasha’s journey to the energy sector 

We’re excited to share the journey of Natasha, a TEDI-London alumna, as she steps into a promising new role as a Graduate Engineer in the energy sector. Recently joining Anesco Ltd, Natasha is set to apply her innovative engineering skills in the dynamic world of energy management.

Congrats on your new role! Where are you working?

I am currently on a graduate scheme at Anesco Ltd, which is a company based in Reading. They are a solar and battery company that provides comprehensive services to their clients, from operation and management to optimisation. This includes everything from securing initial planning applications to managing grid-scale solar farms and integrating battery systems into the grid. I’m part of the optimisation and trading team, where we trade energy prices on the UK energy market. It’s an exciting new area for me.

What does a typical day look like so far?

I’m working on a couple of projects within the optimisation team. I also work in a hybrid setup, so I’m at home most of the time but travel to the office in Reading two days a week. Whether I’m at home or in the office, my days are filled with project work, collaborating with my team, hopping into client meetings with my manager and other team members and attending webinars and in-person training. It’s only my fourth week here, but a lot has been packed in already!

Is there anything that you’ve worked on so far that you’re proud of?

Yes, one of the projects I’m working on is a market sweep, looking at new software that the company can use for internal asset management. It’s been really interesting to learn about how one piece of software can be integrated across the entire company, not just within one team. It reminds me of the market research we did in our projects at TEDI-London.

What skills or knowledge learnt at TEDI-London have been most useful in your job?

Getting this role was definitely facilitated by the support I received at TEDI. I’m very grateful to Visiting Professors like Jan Peters who helped me perfect my LinkedIn, cover letters and CV. More importantly, having sessions about talking to people and networking – skills that Prof Joe Steensma emphasised – was crucial. The ability to communicate effectively and network is something that TEDI ingrained in us, and it’s proving invaluable.

What is something at TEDI-London that you absolutely loved being part of?

I loved the team environment we fostered. Being part of the founding cohort meant we were going into the unknown together, which really united us. This was especially true during our study abroad trip to Sydney, where we could all lean on each other when things got a bit overwhelming.

Speaking of Sydney, what was your study abroad experience like at UNSW?

My experience with Sunswift, a solar car racing team, was amazing. I worked on implementing a shingled solar matrix on a car to reduce partial shading. It was a lot of fun and a profound learning experience, seeing something so small become a part of something much larger at UNSW.

If there is one tip you could give to all the students going to Sydney and Arizona now, what would that be?

The best advice I can give is to act like a sponge – absorb everything you can. Spend as much time as possible in the workshop and take in all the knowledge and experiences you’re offered.

Was there a particular professor at TEDI-London who made a big impact on your education and growth?

Kate Crawford, my tutor, made a huge impact. She bolstered my confidence at a time when I was really struggling, reminding me that I was capable of succeeding.

For aspiring engineers considering TEDI-London or even a career in engineering, what would you tell them?

I’d say go for it. The degree from TEDI-London opens up a wide variety of opportunities post-graduation. The skills you learn and the network you build are invaluable, regardless of whether you pursue a traditional engineering career.

I’d also tell everyone to say yes to everything. It might sound cliché, but embracing opportunities, even when they’re intimidating, can lead to amazing places. Don’t hold yourself back; even small steps can lead you to great achievements.

Lastly, if you could engineer your perfect day, what would it look like?

It would involve spending lots of time outdoors with my animals, and working on something that I’m really passionate about, although I’m still figuring out what that might be.

Ready to make your impact as a future engineer like Natasha? Apply now to TEDI-London.