Ofgem Graduate Development Programme

Intake year

2019 

Background 

I graduated in 2018 after studying Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Goldsmiths, University of London. Prior to Ofgem, I completed an internship at a Parliamentary Office of a shadow Treasury Minister and a summer internship at HM Treasury. 

Why did I choose Ofgem? 

At HM Treasury, worked in the Environment, Energy and Agriculture team. This gave me my first taste of working in policy development and environmental issues. I came across the Ofgem graduate programme and knew it was for me, working on creating a greener future was particularly attractive. Most importantly, I wanted to work for an organisation that would bring real change for consumers and benefit society as a whole. I am proud that my work brings real life benefits to people. 

I found the prospect of completing a well-respected course at the Florence School of Regulation very exciting. It was wonderful to network with energy professionals from across the globe so early into my career.  

Experience as a current graduate analyst 

My experience at Ofgem so far has been splendid, I have found it to be a diverse and inclusive workplace, respecting individual needs, and encouraging flexible working with an emphasis on work-life balance and mental health wellbeing. Within my first six months, I was lucky enough to complete a secondment at the Council of European Energy Regulators (CEER) in Brussels, which helped further my understanding of international energy issues and our relationship with Europe. I have thoroughly enjoyed and benefitted from all the networking opportunities, graduate development workshops, and tailored graduate support offered. 

Aspirations for the future 

I look forward to completing the graduate programme in March 2021. When it comes to the future, I cannot say I am 100% sure on what it holds but I can say that I am excited to work on achieving the UK's target of net zero and creating a fairer society for all. 

Intake year

2017

Background 

Before OFGEM, I obtained my MSc in Global Energy and Climate Policy from SOAS, University of London. I was then lucky enough to work as Analyst in the energy development company I interned for during my dissertation, after which I joined the Grad Scheme in 2017. 

Experience of the Ofgem graduate programme  

During the scheme, I worked for five different teams covering a variety of topics, from consumer engagement, local energy solutions, and gas infrastructure regulation. What really struck me from the start was the level of involvement and responsibilities graduates enjoy from day one. I really had the chance to take active part in my teams’ work, even if it was for 6 months. 

How do you feel being on the graduate programme has benefitted you? 

The graduate scheme allowed me to build a good and broad knowledge of the energy sector in a relatively short amount of time. At the same time, it was a great way to explore working areas completely different from my background, from project management to pure economic analysis our policies. 

Aspirations for the future 

Tricky question! I have yet to decide what I want to do when I grow up. However, one thing is sure: working at Ofgem made me realise the key role that energy markets can play in decarbonising our societies. I would love to keep contributing to this monumental task in the future. 

Intake year

2011 

Background  

I studied Geography at the University of Bristol. Throughout my course I focused on environmental and climate-related issues, and I wrote my dissertation on offshore wind development. I knew I wanted to work in the energy sector and to work in areas that could help contribute to decarbonisation, so Ofgem was a very attractive place to start my career. 

Experience of the Ofgem graduate programme   

My placements on the grad programme covered Ofgem’s work on sustainability in the energy sector; wholesale markets and electricity balancing arrangements; our regulatory framework for connecting offshore wind farms; price controls for the electricity transmission grid; and gas and electricity interconnectors between GB and other countries. I had the opportunity to spend three months based in Brussels at the Council of European Energy Regulators (CEER), which was a very interesting insight into EU energy policy development, and we also undertook a year-long diploma in energy and utilities regulation at the European University Institute in Florence. Overall, I found the grad programme to be an excellent and really enjoyable opportunity.  

How do you feel being on the graduate programme has benefitted you? 

I found the grad programme really beneficial – it was a great place to start my career in energy. There are two aspects of my experience that I found really helpful as I then started to develop my career in Ofgem. The first was that the programme gave me a really broad overview of Ofgem’s work, and of the energy sector as a whole, which has helped me to spot links and trade-offs across diverse work areas and to understand how any particular policy issues fit within the bigger picture. The second was the colleagues I worked with and the contacts I made, both inside and outside of Ofgem. The grad programme gives you a really strong and supportive network across Ofgem and the energy sector more broadly, which I’ve found hugely valuable as I’ve developed my career since.  

Aspirations for the future 

My aspirations when finishing the graduate programme were to influence exciting policy areas that can help contribute to decarbonisation. That hasn’t really changed – energy is a really hot topic and a hugely exciting and important sector. I’m hoping to continue to develop my career in energy and to lead, shape and deliver key areas of energy policy and regulation.

2018 

Background 

I studied Economics and Business Finance at Brunel University London with a BSc (Hons) in 2018. My dissertation examined which macroeconomic variables and policies impacted UK workforce's wages in different age groups. Before taking up my position with Ofgem, I worked in a financial technology start-up providing regulatory advice to financial firms. I was motivated to apply to the programme because of the importance of Ofgem's work and role in the sector. With technological innovation, the energy transition and decarbonisation - this is an exciting and challenging time.  

Experience of the Ofgem graduate programme   

I worked for Ofgem as a graduate analyst on the Graduate Development Programme between 2018 and 2020 and recently accepted a full-time role in the Network Price Controls (RIIO) team. For the first six months, I worked in the Electricity Distribution Policy team working on a key incentive within the price control focusing on Consumer Vulnerability. From there, I moved to the Price Cap Implementation team improving Ofgem's compliance data processes and contributing to Ofgem's first open source code! For my final rotation, I was given a step-up in responsibility working in the Low Carbon RAB team leading in developing a new incentive in the Economic Regulatory Regime and engaging with numerous stakeholders.  

How do you feel being on the graduate programme has benefitted you? 

The programme was great and provided a number of benefits, but in particular, the exposure to the whole organisation and how different divisions are linked to Ofgem's principal objective. Having three 6 month rotations, I was keen to develop my policy skills and this was possible as teams were open in providing specific projects to develop the skills I need. The programme's training and development opportunities are also a huge benefit particularly studying at the Florence School of Regulation. The course provided a great foundation to energy regulation and provided different perspectives from a number of energy regulators across the world! Throughout the scheme, there has also been a number of training opportunities developing soft skills such as communication and project management. Additionally, I found the support network great within Ofgem, with an assigned graduate buddy to learning and development partners – there are plenty of colleagues throughout the organisation.  

Aspirations for the future 

As I have recently finished the graduate programme and been offered a permanent position - I will be continuing my career within Ofgem in the nearer term as there are a number of development opportunities and a number of challenges which is exciting. In the long term, it is hard to say where I will be but definitely in the energy sector and playing a role in decarbonisation! 

Intake year

2016

Background 

I studied Spanish and English Literature at the University of Southampton, and went on to complete a Master’s degree in International Public Policy at UCL in 2016. I decided to apply for the Graduate Development Programme because I saw it as a great opportunity to learn about and contribute to the important and varied work that Ofgem does. The training and development opportunities also attracted me to the scheme. 

Experience of the Ofgem graduate programme   

I started at Ofgem in September 2016 and in my 18 months on the programme, I worked across the retail and wholesale markets divisions, as well as in network price controls. As you move placement every 6 months, you have to pick things up quickly and while this can be challenging, it is also exciting and ultimately rewarding. There is a fantastic culture of support between colleagues at Ofgem, and in my experience people are willing to share their knowledge to inform your understanding of a particular issue. This helped me to grow in confidence and feel more comfortable picking up and driving forward new pieces of work.  

How do you feel being on the graduate programme has benefitted you? 

I think the main benefit of being on the programme is the exposure you get to Ofgem’s work. During the 18 months, you gain a breadth of knowledge about the energy industry but also learn a lot about the toolkit we have as a regulator and the ways we can effect positive change for consumers. The programme also gives you ample opportunity to work on the skills you want to develop, whether that is through training courses or learning on the job. For example, I feel that I became much better at proactive problem solving and presenting during my rotations.  

Aspirations for the future 

I’m not sure what the next step is for me, but know that I want to keep on learning. I want to continue building on the knowledge and skills I gained on the graduate programme as well as after that in my role as a Senior Manager. I would like to be seen to be a good manager who makes effective decisions and who can lead people and teams to deliver results for consumers.

Intake year 

2016 

Background  

Before university, I took part in a Year in Industry programme at Scottish Power, working as an undergraduate engineer for a year which allowed me to start developing a base-level knowledge of the electricity sector. I then went on to complete a Masters in Mechanical Engineering at Glasgow University, and it was in the latter half of my degree that I really started to develop a deep interest in the energy sector – especially the energy trilemma. Ofgem appealed to me as I felt that in order to understand the energy sector where is better to start my career than at the energy regulator?! The work Ofgem does covers nearly all areas of the industry, so it seemed like a great opportunity to be immersed in the world of energy and to start helping build policy on how to resolve some of the biggest challenges the industry has faced in years.  

Experience of the Ofgem graduate programme   

The graduate programme enables you to explore and experience various areas of Ofgem’s remit as the regulator, form policy making, to enforcement, to data analytics. I found the graduate programme helped me to realise how much responsibility Ofgem has in helping to set the agenda in the energy sector, and to help us navigate through some of the big challenges ahead. I was lucky enough to also be on placement in the Council for European Energy Regulators in Brussels, where I was able to represent Ofgem and GB in meetings with other EU regulators – helping me decide to take up a permanent role in the European Markets team. We also got to attend a course in the Florence School of Regulation, which throws you into the world of energy regulation early on in your time at Ofgem but is also a great bonding experience with the other graduates.  

How do you feel being on the graduate programme has benefitted you? 

Being on the graduate programme has meant I have developed a good understanding of a number of areas of Ofgem, meaning I am able to consider the bigger picture more. It’s also been a great way to meet lots of people across Ofgem, some of which have become great friends - I’ve been to three Ofgem weddings now! I also think it’s helped me to build my confidence in the workplace, meeting new people and challenging myself. The graduate programme has helped me develop skills which have helped me to move up in my career faster than I had expected.  

Aspirations for the future 

I become a senior manager in Ofgem recently, which means now I look after a small team of three full time employees. I am now working on developing my management skills, both as a people manager and team manager, helping my team to be the best it can be. We have many exciting challenges ahead as a team, as you can imagine being the European Markets Team how Brexit progresses is something we are watching and preparing for closely, and I am looking forward to supporting my team through this interesting time. In the future I would like to consider moving into some new policy areas of Ofgem, especially as decarbonisation continues to become a higher priority area - I am excited to be helping the UK deliver its net zero commitment! 

Intake year

2011 

Background  

I studied Geography at the University of Bristol. Throughout my course I focused on environmental and climate-related issues, and I wrote my dissertation on offshore wind development. I knew I wanted to work in the energy sector and to work in areas that could help contribute to decarbonisation, so Ofgem was a very attractive place to start my career. 

Experience of the Ofgem graduate programme   

My placements on the grad programme covered Ofgem’s work on sustainability in the energy sector; wholesale markets and electricity balancing arrangements; our regulatory framework for connecting offshore wind farms; price controls for the electricity transmission grid; and gas and electricity interconnectors between GB and other countries. I had the opportunity to spend three months based in Brussels at the Council of European Energy Regulators (CEER), which was a very interesting insight into EU energy policy development, and we also undertook a year-long diploma in energy and utilities regulation at the European University Institute in Florence. Overall, I found the grad programme to be an excellent and really enjoyable opportunity.  

How do you feel being on the graduate programme has benefitted you? 

I found the grad programme really beneficial – it was a great place to start my career in energy. There are two aspects of my experience that I found really helpful as I then started to develop my career in Ofgem. The first was that the programme gave me a really broad overview of Ofgem’s work, and of the energy sector as a whole, which has helped me to spot links and trade-offs across diverse work areas and to understand how any particular policy issues fit within the bigger picture. The second was the colleagues I worked with and the contacts I made, both inside and outside of Ofgem. The grad programme gives you a really strong and supportive network across Ofgem and the energy sector more broadly, which I’ve found hugely valuable as I’ve developed my career since.  

Aspirations for the future 

My aspirations when finishing the graduate programme were to influence exciting policy areas that can help contribute to decarbonisation. That hasn’t really changed – energy is a really hot topic and a hugely exciting and important sector. I’m hoping to continue to develop my career in energy and to lead, shape and deliver key areas of energy policy and regulation.