Electrical Engineer

Mark Thompson

What does an Electrical Engineer do?

There are so many things an electrical engineer could work on, from the tiniest of electronics to the world’s biggest electrical machines! Generally, if electricity is involved, an electrical engineer would have worked on it, including things like telecommunications and digital computers.

What do you work in and what is your specialty?

I work in the power industry, which is responsible for generating electrical power and delivering it to our homes for us to use however we like, including powering the device you’re currently reading this on! I work for a company that ensures the power system is secure and reliable, and I’m currently working on projects that will help us safely integrate more renewable energy into the power system.

How did you become interested in this area and when did you first start?

During high school, I was enjoying and doing pretty well in maths and science. I started talking to a few engineers and realised the potential in engineering to make some big contributions to the whole of society. I knew the world was moving towards renewable energy to address climate change, and I wanted to be part of that solution.

What study path have you taken to get here?

I finished high school in Far North Queensland and moved straight to Brisbane to study engineering at QUT. By the end of my first year, I had chosen to major in electrical engineering. Throughout my degree, I worked for a few engineering companies in the summer vacation period, which I highly recommend. After finishing, I joined AEMO through the graduate program.

What do you like most about your job?

Knowing every day that the work my colleagues and I do is helping to keep the lights on now and into the future is a very satisfying part of my job.

What advice would you give to someone interested in working in this area?

Go for it! The power system is changing rapidly and electrical engineers will be at the forefront of enabling this change.