What is your job about?
Essential Energy builds, operates and maintains the electricity network in Reginal and Rural areas of NSW and QLD. My responsibility in the business partnering department is to aid other areas of the business by completing analysis or assisting with assessing business cases for potential projects.
My days are full of learning new things and testing these new skills by building reports, analysing data, or speaking with other departments of the business to determine how they undertake tasks and how these tasks could be performed better from a finance perspective. Further investigation often needs to be completed to determine if our systems need to be adjusted to simplify processes or adjust so they are as accurate as possible.
My position allows me to network with employees throughout the business from field staff up to the executive leadership team.
What's your background?
I grew up and completed my schooling in the Southern Highlands NSW. I was accepted into an Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management to then continue completing a Bachelor of Business with the intention of becoming an events Manager. I did a bit of travelling through Asia and came back to Australia to then move to Condobolin in the middle of NSW which is where my partner at the time was located who also worked for Essential Energy.
I realised that my career path did not feel right anymore, and I ended up getting a job with the Local Council. I transferred to Mid-Western Regional Council after around 18 months in Mudgee where I stayed for 5 years with my main responsibility being the water billing for the whole council area. After 5 years, I needed a change, and my husband encouraged me to apply for the graduate program with Essential Energy. I started with Essential in November 2022 and have not looked back.
Could someone with a different background do your job?
I think a lot of people could do the position I am doing. So long as you are willing to learn, have a go and jump between tasks as they arise, you can do well in this position. This position is heavily reliant on the software for reporting so if you are good with computers, this would be a great asset.
What's the coolest thing about your job?
The best part about my job (and the graduate program as a whole) would be the opportunity to experience different elements of the business through the rotations to see what you are interested in or are particularly good at. It also allows you to meet a vast range of people. We will have the opportunity to be involved in fieldwork and climb power poles which I think is unreal.
It’s also amazing to have the opportunity to work remotely, from any depot or the Port Macquarie office.
What are the limitations of your job?
One of the biggest limitations is the various software suites that Essential uses. Until you have your head around them, it makes it quite difficult to complete tasks and feels you are being productive and making an impact in the workplace.
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