An internship during the semester break, 6 months, or a whole year of practical experience?
Weronika, a student of chemical and energy engineering, shares her exciting journey as an intern at RWE Generation. Her one-year industrial internship in the Gas Engineering & Outage Rotating Plant team offers her valuable insights into the energy sector and helps her find the right path for her future career.
Please introduce yourself: What are you studying, and in which semester are you?
I am Weronika. I study Chemical and Energy Engineering at the university of Leeds. I have finished my third year and am on my year in industry placement at RWE Generation. Afterwards I will return back to uni of Leeds to complete my integrated masters.
When did you join RWE, and in which department/business area?
I joined RWE Generation in July 2024 as a year in industry in the Gas Engineering & Outage rotating plant team.
Why did you join RWE?
RWE is the global leader for energy production and its focus on leading the transition to a cleaner future was inspiring. Energy is a fundamental need to the world, and the opportunity to contribute to providing something so vital drew me in. I have always been passionate about making a positive impact on the energy sector, this companies contribution to providing a cleaner world motivated me greatly and is exactly where I want my career to go. Being part of this company is something that would feel extremely rewarding to me and would allow me to deepen my knowledge on the challenges to energy transition so that one day I can address this issue myself.
What is it like working at RWE?
RWE has offered me the chance to collaborate with a diverse range of disciplines and as a placement student, this has been extremely valuable. I have worked alongside professionals in multiple teams which opened up my knowledge on the importance of this diverse portfolio for the energy industry. My thoughts on the gas sector have also changed. I have learnt about the variety of obstacles for energy transition and the importance of gas stations for grid stability. It is eye opening to see real life problems and the ways in which RWE are looking to tackle them. The role has also allowed for travel to other stations in the UK as well as The Netherlands. These have been incredible opportunities and the flexibility to be able to work with a multitude of teams allows me to explore different types of work in the industry, which as a new starter is vital for shaping the direction to my future career.
Do you have any advice for someone who would like to join RWE as an intern or working student?
My advice would be to definitely take advantage of the ability to work with a variety of teams. It can help you understand the direction you want to take in your career and gives you the chance to experience something you may have never thought about doing. I have learnt a lot about myself and my passions by doing this. The training courses offered are also such a good opportunity. It provides a real life insight into industry and allows for a large development in your skills. Having a passion for this industry is also really important. Energy transition is vital and without passion or motivation it can be difficult.
