Martin Percival

Graduate Power Systems Engineer, National Energy System Operator

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

At the moment, I’m in my third and final placement of the Graduate Programme with National Energy System Operator (NESO), working as a Power Systems Engineer. In my first placement, I was looking into how network operators assess capacity in domestic properties-essentially thinking ahead to how our electricity system will need to adapt as things like heating and other appliances go electric. For my second placement, I had the chance to work externally with a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) developer. That was brilliant for getting stuck into the practical side—being on site, assisting with electrical testing, and supporting other teams with the design of future projects. Now, in my third placement, I’m supporting the estates teams, helping to keep and update the critical infrastructure that keeps the national energy system ticking over. It’s a great mix of technical work and teamwork, and I’ve had the opportunity to get involved in loads of different areas outside of pure Power Systems Engineering. No two days are quite the same, which definitely keeps things interesting.

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

The most useful skills from my degree definitely came during my final year when I focused on Power Systems Engineering modules. The fundamentals covered in my final year have built a good foundation of knowledge for me, enabling me to understand the reasons behind issues we are facing as we transition our energy system to zero carbon operation. The Renewable Energy Systems Integration module was also a highlight as it is very relevant to the kind of work I’ve done on my Graduate Scheme. On top of that, learning about the economics of the energy sector in the Power System Economics module gave me a good understanding of all the systems and processes that keep things running behind the scenes. Having that background has made starting out in the industry a lot smoother, and it’s given me the confidence to take part in both the technical and business side of things.

What advice would you give to current students studying on your degree programme?

The biggest bit of advice I can give is to take a placement year if you get the chance-sometimes called a Year in Industry. It was hands down the best decision I made during my time at university. Having that year in a professional environment meant that when I started on the Graduate Scheme I already had some industry experience, which made the transition so much smoother. There’s also a decent chance the company you do your placement with might offer you a spot on their Graduate Scheme afterwards, which takes a huge weight off your shoulders in your final year. So, if the opportunity comes up, definitely go for it- it’s a great way to boost your confidence, build your network, and make yourself far more employable when you finish your degree.

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

If you’re looking to boost your CV while you’re at university, getting involved in work experience really makes a difference. Even if you can’t do a full placement year, summer internships or shorter placements are a fantastic way to get hands-on experience-some courses even offer them as part of the programme. For electrical engineering, it’s worth checking out the IET’s Power Academy, which is an excellent way to get industry experience. Getting involved in student societies-and especially joining the committee-is a good way to show off skills like teamwork, leadership, and organisation. Plus, it’s a good chance to make new friends and enjoy your time at university. All these things really help you stand out in the graduate job market and give you much more to talk about in interviews.

Did you take advantage of support services offered by the University for example Careers Network and Wellbeing, and if so, what impact did they have on you?

One of the things I found most useful that the Careers Network run were the careers fairs-they’re a great way to get a feel for what’s out there. Even if you’re not completely sure which sector you want to go into, the University of Birmingham runs careers fairs covering many different industries, so there’s always something relevant to check out. Also, the companies at the fairs aren’t just looking for students from one specific course or background. You’ll often find that businesses in a particular sector are recruiting for graduate roles across a whole range of disciplines, so it’s worth having a look even if you don’t think it’s directly linked to your degree. Whilst all graduate roles are advertised online, going to the fairs in person is still really valuable. You get the chance to talk to graduates who are actually working at those companies right now-they can give you a much more honest and inside view of what it’s like to work there, and help you figure out if it’s the right fit for you. Plus, those conversations can be a real confidence boost and help you stand out when you’re applying later on. Another helpful service the university provides is CV support. If you’ve never written a CV before or just want some advice on how to make yours stand out, the Careers Network offers guidance and feedback to help you present your skills and experience in the best possible way.

What were your favourite things about Birmingham the city? How did it compare to your expectations?

If you fancy exploring a bit further afield, I’d definitely recommend a visit to the Black Country Living Museum. It’s not right in the centre, but it’s well worth the trip-loads of fun, and a brilliant way to spend a day. Another thing that really impressed me was the amount of green space in and around Birmingham. There are plenty of lovely parks and nature spots to check out, and heading out to the hills gives you some great views. It’s brilliant to have the chance to get outdoors and enjoy a bit of nature, even though you’re living in a big city. I’d absolutely encourage anyone to make the most of that and go exploring.

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

The University offers a huge variety of extracurricular options, with loads of sports clubs and societies to suit pretty much any interest you might have. Getting involved is a great way to meet new people and really make the most of your time at university. For me, the standout experience was working at the Student Union (Guild of Students) in the Technical Services department. I got to do loads of fun stuff there, like setting up and running lighting and sound for big events. It was brilliant getting hands-on experience, and the best part was that it was a paid role. I’d definitely recommend checking out jobs at the Guild-they’re a fantastic way to gain practical skills, earn a bit of money, and get involved in university life outside of lectures.