Celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science

At Mutual Energy we celebrate diversity, inclusion and want to encourage more women into STEM roles. As we mark International Day of Women and Girls in science, we caught up with Niamh, Sarah and Sharada to find out about their roles and advice they have for those who are considering a career in the energy field.

Image of Niamh Kyle
Niamh Kyle
Graduate Engineer

As a graduate engineer within the operations team in renewable integration, one of my main roles is assessing our current assets to prepare for either biomethane or hydrogen. I am also part of the environmental management committee looking at decarbonising our own company emissions.

I completed my undergraduate degree in Renewable Energy Engineering. I was originally going to study Biomedical Engineering but decided last minute to swap courses as I always had an interest in renewables.

After my degree, I got a job in an engineering firm developing switchgear panels, until I came across a job within Mutual and here I am, 18 months later working in a job I’ve always wanted. I have also completed a Postgrad Certificate in Hydrogen Safety and I’m currently completing one in Hydrogen Energy Systems.

Getting into your dream job can be challenging, especially in the renewable sector in Northern Ireland but they are out there! That job you have always pictured yourself doing is out there, just stay persistent and continue improving your skill set and network, you never know who you could stumble across!

Image of Sarah Shields
Sarah Shields
Energy Transition Analyst

My responsibilities as an Energy Transition Analyst in the policy team include continuously developing my understanding of the energy industry, responding to consultations regarding energy policy and lobbying to advance decarbonisation of the energy system in NI.

I have a BSc in Geography and after completing an MSc in Sustainable Development, I started as an environmental advisor for a construction company doing environmental protection and carbon foot printing.

Whilst a rewarding role, I wanted to work in an area that could make a big difference to the sustainability agenda and saw energy as a way to do this. When the role for Mutual Energy came up, I decided to go for it despite not being from a purely energy related background.

Even if you don’t have specific experience for a particular role, apply anyway! You will have valuable transferable skills, as long as you are willing to learn. It’s also important you find something you are interested in, don’t be afraid to change things up and go for what you want – even if it’s different to anything you’ve known before.

Sharada Desai
Gas Network Engineer

As a Gas Network Engineer, I am responsible for the safe and reliable operation of the high-pressure gas network in NI owned and operated by MEL. I am also responsible for Gas Business Emergency Response Planning activities.

I have a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s in Energy Systems Engineering. After graduating, I joined a company where I worked in projects focused on the technological improvement of aviation gas turbines, working on existing and innovative technologies in the aviation, power generation and oil and gas industries.

I find my current role in Mutual Energy very rewarding as it recognises the pressing issues of climate change and resource scarcity, offering me a platform to use my knowledge and experience to make contributions that drive positive outcomes.

Technology transforms swiftly in the engineering industry. To be resourceful in this exciting field, it is crucial to understand the nature of current problems and continuously update your skills so that you can offer effective solutions.

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