Izzy McMinn, Graduate Engineer atContact Energy
Bachelor of Engineering (hons) – Mechanical, University of Canterbury
Tell us about your job:
Contact Energy operates several power stations in the North and South Island. They are a leading generator of geothermal power, which is a renewable energy source. My job in the engineering team at Wairakei is focused on investigating potential issues and developing processes.
What's your background?
I grew up and went to school in Wellington where I was involved in sports including hockey and football. After I left school, I wasn’t that keen on university, so I started working as a Computer Added Design (CAD) drafter in Whanganui, and saved money to go to travelling in South America. After a year of work and travel, I changed my mind on university and decided to pursue a career in mechanical engineering so went to the University of Canterbury. I made the most of my time down south and spent a lot of time tramping, climbing, kayaking and just generally trying things out. The moving to Taupō has been enjoyable for me because I love spending time outdoors.
Could someone with a different background do your job?
I’d say someone with polytechnic qualifications could do this role. Typically, the only substitute for an engineering degree is experience working in an engineering capacity.
What's the coolest thing about your job?
The thing about my job it’s not too far removed from the real world. It’s easy to see how decisions made in the office influence the power generation that fuels New Zealand. Plus, the power industry is very interesting. Getting out on site and seeing the scale of the machines that we operate is frequently awe inspiring. The office culture is also really good, and everyone is very friendly.
What are the limitations of your job?
I think that the main limitation of my job is a narrowing of career options. A consulting engineering position may be more suited to someone who aims to get a variety of work experience quickly, which may be useful for fast tracking CPEng. New Zealand is a small place, so expertise in geothermal engineering limits you to a few companies. I imagine a side-step in career is not too difficult if you’re driven to change industry in the end.
3 Pieces of advice
Move cities when you graduate! It’s nice to make new friends, change your lifestyle a bit, have a new adventure.
Keep in touch with people - especially friends and mentors.
Be kind. People like you a lot more when they feel like they can relax and be comfortable around you.