RWE is growing internationally and nearly every day new colleagues join #TEAMRWE. We recently launched our interview series where we talk to newcomers from different areas of RWE. Find out how their first months went, what surprised them at RWE and why they chose to become part of #TEAMRWE.

In the third part of the series, you will meet Merve, Hydrogen Project Engineer at RWE Generation, who loves to tackle the different challenges in the hydrogen business with her team and was surprised by the collaborative spirit at #TEAMRWE.

What is your job and how did you come to work for RWE?

I’m working at RWE Generation in the Hydrogen technical team as Hydrogen Project Engineer. I did my Masters in Germany and during my studies I was exposed to visions and possibilities evolving around hydrogen technologies. Thanks to the very progressive hydrogen project plans of RWE, it became quite clear to me even before graduating that I wanted to be a part of it. I was very lucky to find a job offer for the engineering team that is in line with my ambitions and interests!

How were your first months here at RWE? Does reality match your expectations?

To be perfectly honest, reality exceeded my expectations. I was very well aware of the good reputation and ambitions of RWE regarding green hydrogen projects and when I started working, I was immediately integrated into the ongoing very exciting projects and I’m learning a lot every day. What really motivates and excites me is that green hydrogen is still a new business area where there are many challenges to be tackled and therefore it’s a very dynamic business. On top of that, the hydrogen team is like a big family: the level of collaboration within the group and the possibility that you can ask anyone for advice creates a very special working atmosphere.

What surprised you the most?

I have a mechanical engineering background and I’ve worked as an intern or research assistant in lots of different engineering companies but my current team here at RWE has by far the best female ratio, which was a really positive surprise for me. Sadly, this is still rare in our line of business – but for me personally it is a tremendous opportunity. I can now work with wonderful female role models and I can learn from then.

Furthermore, the RWE Campus in Essen is different than what I expected. It’s more than just an office where an employee would just come in the morning and go home in the evening - it`s a lovely lively place to spend time, with a health centre, great canteens and park-like areas.

What do you like most about working as Hydrogen Project Engineer at RWE?

Since green hydrogen is a relatively new business area, what I enjoy the most is the challenges and questions that arise daily and that have to be addressed in a timely manner. One has to be very dynamic and flexible and the learning curve is really steep. I believe it’s a great position to be in for a graduate like me, who is at the beginning of her career. Also, being a part of a very intelligent, welcoming team inspires me and makes me like my job even more!

What are you looking forward to in the future?

Currently, I’m still fairly new to the company and to my role – therefore, what I`m really looking forward to is to learn as much as possible and as fast as possible in order to take a more active part in the ongoing projects.

Any tips for people who are thinking about joining RWE?

I think RWE is currently undergoing a very exciting change and change means a lot of new opportunities for people who want to be a part of the solution for a greener world. My tip for people who might be thinking about joining RWE would be to keep an eye on the job offers regularly and try to communicate with the right people for the role. People are very helpful at RWE when it comes to matching the right position with the right motivated individual.