Graduate Experience:
Marron Loods

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

I studied environmental sciences and sustainability in two interdisciplinary degrees. I started getting interested in energy because of the large amount of environmental impacts, the large potential to reduce emissions through renewable energy sources, but also the modelling components in the energy sector. I didn’t have much experience with energy when I came in, so in the Graduate Programme, I found the combination of my interests and the possibility to develop my skills and knowledge.

Can you describe a typical day in your role?

My current role in our Key Accounts team revolves primarily around client questions and aligning with colleagues from all over Aurora to answer their requests. Most days, I’m writing emails, keeping track of client interactions, thinking about how to strengthen my relationships with my clients, or working on internal projects to improve our processes.

In advisory, I would usually have a morning check-in with my team associate to discuss overall project development and updates as well as my personal tasks and next steps. Throughout the day, I would continue working on the modelling or PowerPoint presentation, and I usually had at least one other meeting, for instance a team meeting, feedback session, or coffee chat to catch up with a colleague.

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

For me, the best part of the job is the great group of smart people—working together and learning from everyone but also socialising during and outside of work. We also have exposure to some of the most important players in the energy space as well as in-house specialists and reports on each type of technology and country from which I can learn.

How would you describe the culture at Aurora?

The culture at Aurora is one of open communication. We are encouraged to appreciate and give credit to each other’s contributions and to welcome transparency and constructive feedback, no matter the level of seniority.

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

I frequently feel empowered when I put effort into a project/task and then receive positive feedback. The acknowledgement that my intuition is typically right and that my best is good enough has given me confidence in my abilities.

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

I have gained a lot of valuable knowledge and insights into the development of the energy transition, from very broad to very specific. This helps me determine what I might want to specialise in and thereby how to assist in accelerating the energy transition.

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

Being able to work in different teams with quite different working styles, project lengths, perspectives, types of client interaction, and goals already gives me a much better understanding of my strengths and preferred type of work. I am convinced that after the programme, I will know myself much better than before and that I’ll have a good idea of the type of work and team that I will be most happy in.

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?

The work we do is very specific and based on our own model, so for the first 3+ months, it will probably feel like you have no idea what’s going on. There are a lot of trainings and information sources to help with onboarding, but it will still be a lot to absorb in the first period, which is normal. My advice would be to stay calm and just ask for help when you need it—everyone is happy to support.