Chasing Dreams in Energy: My Internship Experience
As an engineering graduate, I've always known that I want to use my technical knowledge to solve issues that arise in the real world. When I received the email informing me that I had been selected for Egypt's highly competitive World Bank and EETC internship program, I couldn't believe my luck.
This 3-month internship was an opportunity to step out of the classroom and into the global arena of sustainable energy policy and implementation. As a young woman in a male-dominated field, I'll admit I initially felt a bit nervous. I was the only female intern chosen from Egypt, and I wondered whether I truly had what it took to succeed in this field.
However, from the moment I started the internship, I was embraced by a supportive team at the World Bank and EETC. I was able to gain exposure to the inner workings of the country's power transmission system across a variety of different departments and sectors. By rotating through diverse areas such as the renewable energy sector and projects sector and so many other sectors.
It was challenging, exhilarating work. The hands-on, practical learning I undertook during this internship has truly better prepared me to translate classroom theory into real-world application as I look to launch my career in electrical power engineering. During this internship, I was able to develop several valuable soft skills and technical skills that will serve me well in my future career.
Midway through the internship, I received an unexpected invitation to speak at the 2nd Renew MENA conference in Jordan- an event focused on renewable energy solutions in the Middle East and North Africa. I was both honored and terrified. Standing on that stage, facing a room full of distinguished engineers and experts, I had to overcome my nerves and share the insights I had gained from this internship.
But as I spoke, I realized that my voice mattered. I was able to offer a fresh perspective, highlighting the importance of gender diversity in the energy sector and the need to empower young professionals like myself. I and other young women of different ages and career stages were on the stage giving our experience about the transition from college to career life. The overwhelmingly positive response I received was proof of the impact that women can have in shaping the future of the industry
The Renew MENA conference, on the other hand, allowed me to step onto the global stage and share my unique perspective as a young Egyptian woman working in the energy sector. The confidence and connections I built through that experience have been invaluable, opening doors to new opportunities and collaborations that I'm eager to explore.
This internship has been a transformative experience, both personally and professionally. It has not only equipped me with invaluable technical and practical knowledge, but it has also given me the confidence to step out of my comfort zone and embrace new challenges. As I transition from the classroom to the workforce, I am excited to keep using the connections and knowledge I have gained from this internship.
To any young woman considering a similar path in the energy sector, I encourage you to seize every opportunity that comes your way. The road may not always be easy, but with determination, resilience, and a willingness to learn, you can make an impact on the global stage.
Blog » Chasing Dreams in Energy: My Internship Experience | Blog by Sara Muhamed Omran
Chasing Dreams in Energy: My Internship Experience | Blog by Sara Muhamed Omran
Chasing Dreams in Energy: My Internship Experience
As an engineering graduate, I've always known that I want to use my technical knowledge to solve issues that arise in the real world. When I received the email informing me that I had been selected for Egypt's highly competitive World Bank and EETC internship program, I couldn't believe my luck.
This 3-month internship was an opportunity to step out of the classroom and into the global arena of sustainable energy policy and implementation. As a young woman in a male-dominated field, I'll admit I initially felt a bit nervous. I was the only female intern chosen from Egypt, and I wondered whether I truly had what it took to succeed in this field.
However, from the moment I started the internship, I was embraced by a supportive team at the World Bank and EETC. I was able to gain exposure to the inner workings of the country's power transmission system across a variety of different departments and sectors. By rotating through diverse areas such as the renewable energy sector and projects sector and so many other sectors.
It was challenging, exhilarating work. The hands-on, practical learning I undertook during this internship has truly better prepared me to translate classroom theory into real-world application as I look to launch my career in electrical power engineering. During this internship, I was able to develop several valuable soft skills and technical skills that will serve me well in my future career.
Midway through the internship, I received an unexpected invitation to speak at the 2nd Renew MENA conference in Jordan- an event focused on renewable energy solutions in the Middle East and North Africa. I was both honored and terrified. Standing on that stage, facing a room full of distinguished engineers and experts, I had to overcome my nerves and share the insights I had gained from this internship.
But as I spoke, I realized that my voice mattered. I was able to offer a fresh perspective, highlighting the importance of gender diversity in the energy sector and the need to empower young professionals like myself. I and other young women of different ages and career stages were on the stage giving our experience about the transition from college to career life. The overwhelmingly positive response I received was proof of the impact that women can have in shaping the future of the industry
The Renew MENA conference, on the other hand, allowed me to step onto the global stage and share my unique perspective as a young Egyptian woman working in the energy sector. The confidence and connections I built through that experience have been invaluable, opening doors to new opportunities and collaborations that I'm eager to explore.
This internship has been a transformative experience, both personally and professionally. It has not only equipped me with invaluable technical and practical knowledge, but it has also given me the confidence to step out of my comfort zone and embrace new challenges. As I transition from the classroom to the workforce, I am excited to keep using the connections and knowledge I have gained from this internship.
To any young woman considering a similar path in the energy sector, I encourage you to seize every opportunity that comes your way. The road may not always be easy, but with determination, resilience, and a willingness to learn, you can make an impact on the global stage.
Written by Sara Muhamed Omran