What’s your job about?
My employer, Powerco, is the largest electrical distributor by area and second-largest gas distributor in New Zealand.
My graduate program involves rotation in different teams. My current rotation is with Asset Fleet Team, which is divided into Overhead & Power Assets. I started working on Fault Analytics Project with Overhead team, which investigates feeder with significant number of unknown outages. Also, I am involved with Power Asset team, working on two different projects: Cable Failure Investigation and Replacing Hazmeyer Switchgear. I review historical fault data to identify common failure mode and type issues in cable. I identify switchgear units with deteriorating condition and make investments (for replacement/renewal) via Copperleaf.
What’s your background?
I grew up in a country where Engineering isn’t a common choice to women. But I’ve always believed in the power of engineering to provide, transform and improve lives of people around the world. It was with that belief and strong determination that encouraged me take the first step by pursuing my Bachelor of Electrical Engineering in Nepal. While working as a Junior Electrical Engineer in Nepal, I decided to take my academic career a step further with a Masters Degree in Engineering at Auckland University of Technology (AUT). I am familiar with Powerco since 2019, when I participated in STEM case challenge at AUT.
I started working as an Electrical Project Engineer after completing the course. In the meantime, I was able to get into graduate program at Powerco. I joined the company in November 2021.
Could someone with a different background do your job?
Yes, but having electrical background may be beneficial. Anyone with strong will and “can do” attitude is able to work.
What’s the coolest thing about your job?
The greatest perk of Powerco is flexible working hours that allow me to balance my work with other interests. My role includes both office work and site visit. To be able to collaborate with people who have different skillsets, there is always something new to learn. As a part of job, I’ve been to multiple sites doing field inspection for overhead lines.
What are the limitations of your job?
Rotation period is between 3-6 months which limits a graduate engineer to get involved in short term projects only. This doesn’t mean that grads are given the projects which no one wants to do, instead we are encouraged to explore our interests and share our ideas.
3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student…