Powerful Women at SSE: Eliane

I’m Eliane, originally from France where I did my degree in Civil Engineering.

Part of that was an exchange with Glasgow University, where I went on to do a Masters in Water Resource Management, then my PhD in Civil Engineering. I’ve had an interesting route to SSE, first joining a water company in England where I worked for eight years, finishing in business planning and  strategy, which I wanted to specialise in, so moved to a role there in Network Rail.

I spent ten years there, the last five as Director of Asset Management. It was time for a change from rail, so, I went back to water as Water Director in the north of England for two years, then was approached about a role at SSE.  I didn’t know that much about SSE before I joined, but I knew I wanted to continue working for a large infrastructure company while also contributing more directly to achieving  Net Zero. Though there are similarities with other large scale operations, the difference was I found SSE to be really friendly, with a very strong Can Do attitude and huge amounts of operational knowledge in keeping the lights on.

SSE is different as we’re based around people, so more organic with fewer restrictions than other organisations. There is a deep history here of people whose families have many years of service between them, but equally SSE is very welcoming to new people like me. 

I have already opportunities to develop and get great feedback and support for my career. There’s a good balance between formal and informal learning, with mentor support and networking opportunities internally and externally.

I chose SSE because I could see a clear sense of purpose and a clear mission - and I feel like I’m adding value to that, and I can make a difference. I’d recommend working here to anyone who is positive, proactive, and looking for a challenge. 

"I chose SSE because I could see a clear sense of purpose and a clear mission - and I feel like I’m adding value to that, and I can make a difference."

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