How the PWLP Undergraduate Retreat Can Change Your Life (Seriously)

If you think a retreat sounds like a nice break from uni, think again. The PWLP Undergraduate Retreat is one of those rare experiences that can genuinely shift how you see your future and your place in the power industry. 

Delivered by the Australian Power Institute, the Powerful Women Leaderful Program (PWLP) Undergraduate Retreat brings together students from across the country who are all asking the same big questions. What kind of engineer or professional do I want to be? Where do I actually fit in this industry? And what does a real career in power look like? 

“The PWLP retreat gave me the opportunity to learn more about the energy industry, form bonds with like-minded students and have open conversations with mentors and industry professionals. I also came away with a lot more confidence in putting myself forward and engaging in professional environments.” Lucia Rega, 2025 Participant 

One of the first things you’ll notice is the people. You don’t just meet classmates, you meet lifelong buddies. These are the people who get it. The ones who understand your degree, your doubts and your ambitions. Many past participants stay connected long after the retreat ends, supporting each other through placements, graduate applications and early careers. 

Mentorship is another game-changer. You’ll spend time with professionals who are already working in the power sector, people who have navigated the exact path you’re starting out on. These conversations are honest, practical and often eye-opening. For many students, it’s the first time they can clearly picture themselves in a real job and think, yes, this is where I belong. 

The retreat also gives you insight into the technical and strategic challenges shaping Australia’s energy future. You’ll learn that the power industry is far broader than most university courses ever show, spanning engineering, operations, planning, policy, leadership and innovation. That big-picture view often helps students confirm their “job destiny” or discover pathways they didn’t even know existed. 

Finally, you’ll build professional skills that uni doesn’t always teach. Communication, confidence, teamwork and leadership all come into play. You’ll leave with more than notes. You’ll leave with clarity, connections and momentum. 

For many students, the PWLP Undergraduate Retreat isn’t just a highlight of their degree. It’s a turning point.