Amal Kottapalli

Optimisation Planner, National Grid

Tell us about your current job. Describe what you do on a typical day.

I plan outages on the high voltage transmission network a year ahead of delivery within England to facilitate customers being connected to the grid and maintaining critical assets. I use various systems and data to make informed decisions and discuss these with key stakeholders such as NESO (National Energy System Operator). Alongside my day to day I am a STEM ambassador, a Wellbeing and Inclusion Representative and Business Coordinator for Planning Apprentices.

What skills from your degree do you think you use most in your current job?

Critical thinking, problem solving, report writing/presenting information and data analysis.

How has your career developed since graduating from the University of Birmingham? Did you need to take additional training on top of your degree?

After my undergraduate degree I completed a PGDipED at University of Birmingham to become a qualified Secondary School Physics Teacher.

What would you recommend students should do at University, over and above their academic study, to make them more employable in the graduate market?

I would recommend to either volunteer/have a job that allows you to express your creativity. This demonstrates how well you can work with other people and develops your organisational and time management skills.

What are your fondest memories of the University, and what would you say to anyone currently considering studying at Birmingham?

My fondest memories include the week I moved into my first year halls and met people who are now my best friends for life. I also (weirdly) loved having my late night library sessions with my friends during exam season. To anyone considering studying at UoB - DO IT! It's truly a world class campus, we have passionate and knowledge lecturers, the culture of the University and city is so vibrant and friendly. I loved it so much I've stayed in Birmingham ever since.

What extracurricular activities did you get involved in as a student?

I was a maths mentor for sixth form students. I also was part of the Badminton B squad and ran the Social Badminton club Friday evenings.

Why did you originally apply to Birmingham?

For the course I wanted to study it was the top university. When I came to visit the campus on an open day I just fell in love with the atmosphere and feel of the place and I just knew it was the place for me.