Aurora Energy Research

What led you to Aurora, and what did you do before?

Before joining Aurora, I earned a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Management from UNSW and interned at the New South Wales Biodiversity Conservation Trust under the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water. My path to data science and Aurora was serendipitous. I immersed myself in various data science courses and then joined a plant and data science lab meeting, engaging in diverse research projects. Afterward, I led a big data research project conducting bibliometric analysis and was later invited to co-author a meta-research paper. Seeking a professional career in renewable energy and the application of data science to decision-making, I submitted my application to Aurora, unaware that it would mark the beginning of a fulfilling journey with toward becoming an energy market expert.

Can you describe a typical day in your role?

A typical day for me varies but generally involves meeting with clients alongside the project team, gathering client-specific asset inputs and running our in-house energy system models. I double-check model results for accuracy, identify the drivers behind variations, and prepare deliverables such as databooks and reports. Additionally, I perform calculations and prepare workbooks for client-specified services. Throughout the day, I attend various internal and external energy-related webinars, read energy-related news and reports, or listen to engaging podcasts.

If you were to pitch your job to someone, what would you say you enjoyed the most?

I find immense joy in the continuous learning opportunities offered by my work at Aurora. Every day brings new insights. Aurora provides a professional setting where you can immerse yourself in learning about power markets and the energy transition. Moreover, working with clients at the forefront of energy transformation and the decarbonisation of energy systems makes for a fulfilling career.

How would you describe the culture at Aurora?

Aurora fosters an inclusive, multicultural, and supportive environment. Our team consists of knowledgeable and humble professionals who generously share their expertise and support one another in learning, growing, and succeeding. We follow a Rule of Thumb culture: support your colleagues by providing three pieces of positive feedback for every suggestion. We are more like a big family, caring for each other.

Can you share a moment when you felt particularly empowered at Aurora?

After five months, I presented a market and grid analysis of a wind farm during a briefing session. This experience was empowering for two main reasons. Firstly, it marked a significant milestone in validating my knowledge, which became concrete thanks to my project lead’s excellent guidance during the advisory project. Secondly, my supportive colleagues played a crucial role by providing detailed and encouraging feedback. Their support gave me the confidence to improve and challenge myself in future briefings.

In what ways does Aurora support your sense of purpose in your career?

My colleagues are not only knowledgeable and humble professionals but also excellent instructors who can break down intricate terms into simple and easy-to-understand phrases. This has given me a strong sense of purpose to develop a deep understanding of energy markets and become a good instructor myself, sharing my knowledge with the next cohort of graduate analysts.

What have you gained from your time at Aurora, and what do you hope to achieve next?

Since joining Aurora, I have cultivated a strong passion for my role. I get excited by analysing graphs and understanding the drivers behind trends. I have also learned to create logical and solid storylines backed by hard evidence and unquestionable data. Currently, I am in the process of developing magic fingers for using Excel and mastering various programming languages.

Reflecting on your start at Aurora, what's one thing you wish you would have known, and what advice would you give a new starter?

One thing I wish I had known when I started working at Aurora is that curiosity and the ability to learn quickly are just as important in the workplace as they are in school. My advice to students exploring graduate programs is to be confident in yourself. I remember feeling intimidated when browsing the impressive resumes of Aurora employees, but I decided to give it a try. I encourage you to do the same. If you apply, something surprising might happen; if you don’t, nothing will. If you get an interview, ask questions and show your eagerness to learn.