A day in the life of a Protection & Metering Design Intern - Miriam Maher

Register your interest for the Summer Internship Program

From navigating the flexibility of the intern program to receiving the Intern Program Award, Miriam has made the most of every opportunity. Here’s an inside look at her experience and advice for aspiring interns.

Q: Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to join the intern program?

A: “I’ve always been keen on maths and design, but at the end of high school, I didn’t have a clear career path. Luckily, my mum, who has been in the engineering industry for 30 years, became my role model. Seeing the variety of opportunities she had and the career changes she made, I knew that was what I wanted.

I applied for several engineering scholarships and received the UTS Women in Engineering and IT Co-op scholarship. Typically, this scholarship involves doing internships at three different sponsoring companies, but in my year, Transgrid was the only sponsor for electrical engineering. Despite knowing I’d complete all three of my internship rotations at Transgrid and be the only electrical engineer in the program, I knew how important this experience would be for getting a head start in the industry. In hindsight, I couldn’t be happier with my choice.”

Q: Are you still studying? What are you studying at the moment? Why did you choose the internship instead of the Grad Program?

A: “I’m in my fifth and final year of electrical engineering at UTS, but I started interning with Transgrid at the end of my first year. The intern program is more flexible than the grad program, and I don’t think any two Transgrid interns have done it the same way.

For me, I’ve done two six-month and one three-month period of full-time work, along with part-time work during the Uni semester (typically 2.5 days a week). I like to move around and experience different teams, so I’ve rotated four times throughout my time here. I’m planning to start the grad program at Transgrid in 2026, but I highly recommend the intern program for those still completing their degree. It’s a fantastic way to gain real-world experience while studying.”

Q: What does winning the Intern Program Award mean to you personally and professionally?

A: “Personally, the Intern Program Award reflects Transgrid’s commitment to training young engineers and investing in the workforce needed for the energy transition. When I started in 2021, there was only one other intern in the company. Now, with the introduction of the intern program, there’s a cohort of undergrad engineers I can connect with.

I’m honoured that other interns and managers recognised my contributions and voted for me. Professionally, this award gives me a real advantage as I enter the workforce, demonstrating my performance in the power industry even at this early stage.”

Q: How can interns achieve success like you have?

A: “The intern program is less structured than the grad program, which means you have to take initiative. My advice is:

✅ Try both full-time and part-time work if possible.
✅ Experience multiple rotations to explore different teams.
✅ Be proactive in organizing your own rotations—you can tailor your experience to your goals.
✅ Learn from junior engineers and grads—they were in your position recently and can offer great advice.”

Q: What kind of support and mentorship did you receive, and how did it impact your work?

A: “I’ve had several mentors at Transgrid, both within and outside my teams. Female mentorship has been particularly defining in each of my roles, helping me improve my perspective and adaptability.

At the same time, the support of my male peers has played a massive role in developing my confidence as an engineer. The more I have fostered peer and mentor relationships, the more confident and knowledgeable I’ve become.”

Q: What skills or insights have you gained that will be essential for your future career?

“Adaptability and work-life balance are the biggest takeaways. Juggling work, Uni, and home life can be challenging, and things like exercise, diet, and social commitments can sometimes take a backseat. However, I’ve learned that taking care of my wellbeing is the highest priority—when I feel overwhelmed, it’s usually because I’m neglecting those core needs.

I’m lucky that Transgrid and my managers have been so flexible and understanding as I navigate the industry for the first time.”

Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work to stay balanced and motivated?

A: “My friend and I love trying different activities—running, tennis, bouldering, badminton, and bar hopping. I also enjoy podcast walks after work, which help me separate work from home life.

Even though I live out of home, I see my family almost every night for dinner, and spending time with them is always refreshing and uplifting.”

Q: What’s next for you after completing your internship?

A: “Hopefully, graduating at the end of the year and then moving on to the Transgrid Grad Program! I was lucky enough to receive an accelerated offer, so I’m excited to focus on my work without the stress of Uni. I also have some travel plans before the program starts, and I can’t wait for that!”

Inspired to Join the Transgrid Internship Program?

Miriam’s journey is a testament to the incredible growth opportunities, flexibility, and mentorship available through the Transgrid Internship Program.

Watch Miriam's "A Day in the Life" video for an inside look at what it's like to work as a Protection & Metering Design Intern at Transgrid. If you’re passionate about engineering, innovation, and shaping Australia’s clean energy future, we encourage you to register your interest: Transgrid Careers – Internship Program.