The application at RWE

After my master's degree in chemical engineering and my previous apprenticeship as a chemical laboratory assistant at BASF, the question came up how my future career path could look like. Since I was already able to gain professional experience in both medium-sized and large group companies, one thing was quickly clear to me: I would like to continue my career path in a large international operating company that can offer me a wide range of opportunities and benefits. The ideal way for me to start my career was a graduate programme which offers a variety of new tasks and a large network among the graduates. It was particularly important to me that I could go through different rotations and departments within the programme, which I already perceived as very positive during my apprenticeship. After extensive research into which graduate programme might suit me, the graduate programme at RWE caught my eye as it was perfectly tailored to my personal and professional profile. However, before I could start my dream job as a graduate at RWE, I had to prove myself and my skills at the assessment centre. The pandemic situation made my assessment centre a very special one, because it was conducted in hybrid format. One part took place virtually, so that the actual assessment centre day was a little less stressful.

My time as a graduate at RWE

After I had successfully completed the assessment centre and received the official acceptance that same evening, my first working day as a graduate at RWE could begin. Right on my second day of work, I was entrusted with my first project. During a tour of the RWE campus, I was approached by a site manager who needed some support in planning and implementing the construction of an elevator. At first I was a little sceptical, because this task was completely out of my field of expertise and my first contact with a civil engineering project. However, as I like to face challenges, I took on the project and over a total of 18 months I was in charge the project management with regard to planning and construction site coordination as well as the final inspection and handover of the finished elevator. Over time, the "elevator project" developed into my “heart's project”, which I enjoyed the most, despite initial difficulties. In the end, I was able to admire the completed lift and was particularly proud that I was able to drive the realisation of this project with my contribution. During this time, I received technical support not only from the supervising site manager, but also from other colleagues.

During my time as a graduate at RWE Technology International, I also encountered other interesting tasks and projects, but I can only report on a few of them here. During my first rotation at RWE Power AG, I replaced the previous graduate, who dealt with the decommission of large nuclear components. During this time, I was allowed to accompany the tender and contract negotiations with external companies and the demolition of the power plant in Mülheim-Kärlich, which has been shut down for over 30 years. I primarily supported the project management. What was particularly exciting for me, however, was the tour of the decommissioned control - because it gave me many interesting insights into the processes within a power plant. And I was also able to accompany the tender negotiations for the construction of the electrolysers in Lingen. Since I had no previous connection to the topic of power plant technology, I was able to learn a lot of new and interesting things during this project.

At my next station, I had the chance to participate in the feasibility study for the planned conversion of a coal-fired power plant to biomass in Taiwan by also taking over the project management and accompanying all meetings. And even though a visit to the power plant was unfortunately not possible due to the pandemic, the project was still a great experience for me. Participating in the revision of a gas-fired power plant was also a unique opportunity for me. I was allowed to supervise the project for a total of 3 months in order to get to know the power plant in advance, to take part in the planned 8-week revision and to document it, as well as to do the follow-up work afterwards.

The graduate programme at RWE Technology International was a very valuable time for me, in which I was able to learn a lot - both professionally and personally - and which I would not want to miss under any circumstances. In particular, the group-wide network of all graduates and the so-called 'buddy programme' were a great support for me during this time. An experienced graduate was always there to give me advice and support, and I could always turn to him or her if I had any problems. As graduates we are all in the same boat and face similar challenges, it was easier for me to address possible problems within the buddy-relationship.

My time as a ‘buddy’

Because of the amazing support I received from my buddy as a new graduate, I also wanted to be a buddy for the 'New Joiners' and support them in case of problems. That's why, in addition to my actual job as a graduate, I invested a lot of time and, among other things, shared my own experiences as a graduate during the breaks of various assessment centres to give the applicants a little insight into their future everyday working life. The buddy programme at RWE offers all graduates the opportunity to build up a Group-wide network and is also actively supported by management and encouraged accordingly. Thanks to this support, we were even able to organise a few networking events for graduates, where I played a major role in planning and organising. These include organising the virtual Christmas party during the pandemic or planning the two-day graduate excursion to Eemshaven. And I also got involved in the organisation of the upcoming graduate event in June 2023, because for me it is a very special goal to build up a sustainable graduate network across all RWE companies and to maintain and foster it even after the end of the graduate programme!

Now, after completing the graduate programme, I am looking forward to continuing my career at RWE Technology International and contributing to the field of hydrogen and onshore and offshore electrolysis. However, my time as a graduate will always have a special place in my heart. As a graduate, RWE offered me a huge variety of opportunities - from nuclear and biomass to gas power and hydrogen to onshore and offshore wind power plants. This allowed me to work with many different people from a wide range of disciplines to provide the best solution for our customers. So if you want to gain experience in a wide variety disciplines and technologies and would like to take on the challenge of project management, I can only recommend the graduate programme at RWE Generation & Technology International. There is something for everyone here - even a stay abroad can be integrated during the programme.