Updating Results

Hydro Tasmania

4.1
  • 1,000 - 50,000 employees

Helen Gilmour

Working interstate is a great way to experience a new part of the world. It combines elements of travel while also having a steady income!

Hydro Tasmania

What's your job about?

Hydro Tasmania is Australia’s largest renewable energy generator. We own and operate 30 power stations in Tasmania and sell electricity in the national electricity market. As a graduate business analyst, you rotate across a range of teams in the business to learn how we operate. As a graduate business analyst, I spend most of my time in the office, conducting research, providing analysis, attending meetings and making calls (but I have had opportunities to go out and see our assets). The work varies depending on the team – I’ve worked in policy, communications and stakeholder relations, and internal audit and assurance.

Some teams are more qualitative (reading, writing, researching, and developing strategy and business plans) while others are more data-driven (analysing spreadsheets, working with databases) and others are more people-oriented (talking to key stakeholders, writing communication materials, organising events). The broad range of work you are exposed to is what makes the graduate program so rewarding.

What's your background?

I grew up in Western Sydney and had a typical suburban childhood. After university, I was just desperate for a job (I’m a millennial!). I applied for a tonne of entry-level jobs and graduate programs, including at Hydro Tasmania. But looking back I think I had a focus on interstate options as I wanted to step outside my comfort zone and move away from home. I also knew I wanted to work for the public service in some capacity – giving back to others was important to me. With Hydro Tasmania’s selection process, the hiring team kept asking me back at each round which definitely surprised me. Eventually, I was offered the job and booked my one-way ticket to Hobart. I’ve now been living here for almost two years and love Hobart. The weather is everchanging and I live 10 minutes from the beach, bush and mountains – very different from suburban Sydney!

Could someone with a different background do your job?

Yes, I do – an analyst’s job is often quite changeable and depends on the subject matter. A background in economics, business, law or policy would all serve you well. The important things to have are an analytical and thinking mind, excellent reading, writing and verbal communication skills, and an ability to collaborate with and influence others. Also, some good excel skills are extremely useful and will endear you to all!

What's the coolest thing about your job?

I think for me it’s the company not so much the job. Hydro Tasmania owns and maintains dams and power stations, generates and sells electricity in the energy market, and are one of Australia’s largest water managers! And that’s the short version! We do so many different things and I meet different types of professionals all the time. Hydro Tasmania is also an old dog in the Tasmanian community – we’ve been around for over 100 years and provide an essential service to the community. That brings a great level of purpose and importance to the work I do.

What are the limitations of your job?

The hardest bit about the job is the constant change. Because you rotate as a graduate you are changing teams, managers, and co-workers. You need to readjust to their patterns of work, their expectations, and their way of doing things. It sometimes feels like you are starting a new job a few times a year. This is at the same time as learning the actual job.

It can also be difficult to decide where to rotate in the business. With so many options it can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming and difficult to determine what path you should take.

3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student.

  • Don’t compare yourself to others – you are cool and interesting in your own way and bring your own unique experiences to the table, be proud of that. The fact others are different to you is what makes the world great.
  • Choose experiences based on your values – these are what should guide your life.
  • Working interstate is a great way to experience a new part of the world. It combines elements of travel while also having a steady income!