Each year we take on a select few engineering students and graduates to share our knowledge and give them a hands on experience of what we do. It is a tough but rewarding programme that allows them to take the theory they are learning in college and put it into practise. Over the past number of weeks we will spoke to our current students who are coming to the end of their internship. We ask what they have learnt, what they’ll take away from the experience and what is in store for them next. This week we spoke to Brenda Ehigiegba who has been with us from the last six months as part of her Electrical Energy Engineering course in University College Dublin.
As an electrical engineering student, why did you choose to apply to Premium Power for your internship?
When applying for my internship one of the things that caught my attention was the quality of their website and the information provided on it. I loved the variety of work being carried out, and because they are a consultancy company I knew their main focus was diagnosing and fixing problems. I knew they would provide in depth information on work carried out, plus I noticed that they worked with numerous large companies here in Ireland which further sparked my interest and ultimately helped make my decision.
How do you find working at Premium Power, do you enjoy it?
Working at Premium Power is definitely one of the highlights of my stay so far in Ireland. I got to work alongside brilliant minded people who are friendly, and always available to help when needed. I also got to learn a lot of things relating to Electrical Engineering.
What would you say are the key things you’re learning?
I have learnt a lot of things while working with Premium Power. To mention but a few, I have learnt how to make use of SKM system analysis for arc flash studies, the importance of discrimination studies, how to create labels and also about power studies.
Another big learning curve for me has been to always ask “WHY”. The senior engineers mentoring me encouraged me to ask questions and try to incorporate the theory learnt in college to the aspect of the work being done in order to understand better. They gave me the confidence to ask more questions, become a team player and how to effectively manage my time.
How does your experience compare to the theory being taught in college – what's it like to get to grip with real projects on the ground?
Working on real systems has definitely helped me gain a deeper understanding of the theories I’ve learnt in college. I was encouraged to always try to see the application of my theory in the work I was doing. My experience in Premium Power has taught me to appreciate the need to protect systems and the importance of coordination studies
Has your experience changed where you plan on taking your engineering career?
No, I always intended on becoming an Electrical Engineer and this experience has made me appreciate and see Power studies in a whole new light.
What would you say to other students and graduates who are thinking of applying to work at Premium Power?
Definitely do it! Working in Premium power will give you the opportunity to learn, work in an environment where the standard of their work is extremely high and as an intern you will get to do actual work instead of fetching coffees or filing.
Describe your overall experience in three words?
Thrilling, constantly learning, Interesting
If you are a student or graduate and interested in a career with Premium Power to check out our open vacancies here. Or you can send you C.V plus a cover letter to careers@premium-power.com
