An inside look at Transgrid’s Internship Program with Amanda Harrison

Apply now for the Summer Internship Program

What interested you to take part in our internship program? 

I was motivated by the opportunity to gain real‑world experience within an organisation that plays such a crucial role in shaping the future of Australia’s energy system. The prospect of learning directly from industry experts and being exposed to their day‑to‑day work was something that genuinely excited me. Transgrid’s structured approach to internships also stood out. From day one, I felt supported by my team, particularly with my mentor, which made a huge difference in helping me feel confident and valued throughout the program. 

What did your day‑to‑day look like as an intern?

As cliché as it sounds, every day genuinely felt different. I was exposed to so many learning opportunities, from understanding new processes and seeing how the organisation operates, to completing tasks that felt like they had real impact.

Alongside office‑based work, I also had more hands‑on days, assembling new relays and making on‑site changes. These experiences pushed me to grow both technically and personally.

Every day helped build my confidence in adapting to new challenges, and the constant learning made the experience exciting and engaging. 

What skills or tools did you learn or develop throughout your experience?

This experience allowed me to develop a strong mix of technical and professional skills that supported my growth, confidence and overall capability in the workplace.

Through hands‑on experience, I became progressively more comfortable navigating processes and technical documentation.

Beyond technical skills, I also developed crucial soft skills such as communication, teamwork, time management and adaptability.

What was your favourite part of the internship? 

I don’t think I could pinpoint a single favourite part, but one standout experience was visiting the Bayswater 500kV Switchyard. It was the largest switchyard I had visited.

We also passed the Bayswater Power Station, and seeing it in person was incredible. At the switchyard, we physically implemented changes I had previously worked on in the office. Seeing those designs come to life on site, and understanding how different parts of the organisation work together to deliver outcomes, really put everything into perspective.

Alongside the technical learning, one of the most unexpected and positive outcomes was how welcoming everyone was from the very beginning. I never felt embarrassed to ask a question or seek clarification, my team genuinely supported my learning, which made the entire experience even more rewarding.

A special thank you to my mentor, Pratiksha Chuttar, and the rest of the Secondary Systems Design team for their guidance, patience and support throughout the journey.

What advice would you give to future or aspiring interns? 

Ask every question you can, don’t hold back. Curiosity is incredibly important, especially when you’re in an unfamiliar environment. This is your prime opportunity to soak up as much knowledge as possible.

Be proactive and say yes to opportunities, even if they feel a little intimidating. Connect with as many people as you can. The more you step outside your comfort zone, the more you’ll gain from the experience. 

If you are looking for an exciting career that offers personal and professional growth while learning from our leading experts, we encourage you to apply for Transgrid’s Summer Internship Program.