In this 'Graduate in the Spotlight' feature, Ellen McCarlie shares her journey with us from being a BSc Energy student at Ulster University to her current role at Action Renewables.
My choice of where to study a degree was clear cut - Ulster University - as I was already so involved with sport there. Through school, I was a competitive sailor and I applied to Ulster through the Talented Athlete Scheme which provides successful students with additional support to allow you to continue to compete in your respective sport.
I discovered the BSc Hons Energy which gives a good, broad insight into the renewable energy realm plus a placement year which would give me the best job prospects in a fast-changing sector, which was appealing as I spent the first two years studying under the pandemic restrictions.
Industry Placement
There were options to go far and wide for the year in industry when the world began to open again, but I preferred to stay at home and continue playing hockey for the Ulster Elks. Action Renewables, NI's leading charity addressing renewable energy solutions, was the company at the top of my list as it is very well acknowledged in the industry and has had excellent results with previous placement students.
The learning that year was invaluable as the company involved me in so many aspects of the business. Watching how teams are managed, how the business operated in the office and on their energy sites, how customer relationships were upheld, and even marketing during the COP26 function that took place in Scotland.
Ellen In Action!
Balancing a Busy Final Year
I had a fantastic summer post-placement and travelled extensively. I was lucky to be part of the Ulster University Elks Hockey pre-season tour to Boston. The 10-day journey included games against famous institutions including Brown, Harvard, UConn, Boston University, and Boston College which prepared us well for the season ahead.
The new Belfast campus opened that Autumn, and the facilities were great for all. This was not only my final year, but it was also my first full year on campus and in-person teaching due to the pandemic. I quickly settled in, found my feet, took it all in, and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Post-coronavirus, the balance between work and sport at Ulster University was next to none. Having sports as an outlet not only let me clear my mind from any study pressures it also allowed me to understand the importance of time management.
During my hectic final year of study, international competitive sailing (including two highly yachting events in Palma), and part-time job with Action Renewables, I also enjoyed success with the Ulster University Elks Hockey Team as we topped the premier league and EY2, securing promotion to compete in the All-Ireland division for the 2023/2024 season. I received fantastic support from my Course Director and other Lecturers including Leave of Absences so I could juggle studying and competing at an elite level.
Graduate Success
I graduated in July 2023 with a 1st Class Honours degree and a full-time job secured with Action Renewables, making all the hard work worth it. One take away from my placement year and all university life for anyone studying a degree and looking at their industry year is to put the effort in - you only get out what you put into it!
As a proud Alumna, I couldn't be happier with my decision to study at Ulster University and the role it played in bringing me to where I am now.