Your Career Path in the Power Sector: How to Navigate Opportunities

Stephanie Somerville
Jul 29
2 min read

The power sector is undergoing rapid transformation, offering a diverse range of career pathways for engineering graduates and early-career professionals. From designing electrical infrastructure to managing large-scale energy projects, there are numerous roles that contribute to keeping the lights on.

Understanding Career Pathways in the Power Sector

Rather than viewing job roles in isolation, it's helpful to see them as part of broader career pathways. Engineering careers in the power industry typically evolve along one of three trajectories:

Engineering Discipline Specialisation – Focused on core technical skills, such as power systems engineering, substation design, or grid optimization.
Career Progression & Leadership – Moving from entry-level roles into senior engineering, project management, and executive leadership.
Industry Sector & Specialisation – Developing expertise in areas such as renewable energy, transmission networks, or asset management.

Key Roles and Their Impact

Each engineering role in the power sector plays a critical role in ensuring electricity is delivered efficiently and reliably. For example:

Power System Engineers (ElectraNet) – Kieran Speight models power flows and optimise grid performance to prevent blackouts.

"What’s the most challenging aspect of maintaining an aging substation network?"

Senior Asset Engineer (United Energy) – Cameron Finlayson ensure that network investments are sustainable and cost-effective.

"How do you decide when to repair versus replace an aging asset?"

How to Plan Your Career

If you're an undergraduate student or new graduate, consider the following steps:

Identify your interest areas: Do you enjoy problem-solving in power systems, hands-on infrastructure projects, or strategic planning?
Find mentors in the industry: Connecting with professionals can give you insights into different roles.
Seek industry experience: Internships and graduate programs provide exposure to real-world challenges.