Profile
Polly Osborne
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About Me:
I’m an electrical engineer based in Birmingham and very passionate about green energy and tackling climate change. I also love dance, yoga, crochet and outdoor adventures.
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I live in Birmingham, but originally from Shropshire. When I’m not working I spend as much time as I can outdoors – I love camping and adventures in the hills or coast. I love to try out random new things, some recent ones are oil painting, street dance and Georgian singing! I took 4 months off work in summer 2023 to cycle to Sweden and back. I’ve been vegan for 8 years and love cooking tasty vegan dishes, especially curries. And a big fan of Bake Off!
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My pronouns are:
she/her
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My Work:
I’m an electrical engineer – I design electricity networks which use low-carbon energy sources and therefore reduce climate change.
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In my work I manage really exciting projects which plan how we can change energy networks in the future so they are greener. In the past most of our energy has come from fossil fuels which pollute the atmosphere with carbon dioxide which heats up the planet. Now we are moving to green energy sources like wind turbines and solar panels which don’t cause pollution. I manage projects which connect those green energy sources to the electricity network.
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My Typical Day:
On a typical day I will talk to my clients to see what problems they need us to solve and then talk to my colleagues about what solutions we’re going to come up with. I do a lot of talking!
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My days are very varied! I always start with a little walk to wake myself up. Then it’s on to solving challenges, which can involve researching, workshops, calculations, writing reports etc.
My job is mainly based in the office/home office but I sometimes travel for meetings. I spend most of my time at my computer or on the phone.
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What I'd do with the prize money:
Create an electricity activity in which pupils can make their own version of the game “Operation”!
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Education:
Mary Webb School.
Shrewsbury Sixth Form College.
University of Southampton.
Aston University. -
Qualifications:
GCSEs: maths, triple science, English literature, English language, geography, French and business studies.
A levels: maths, physics and chemistry.
AS levels: further maths, general studies and extended project.
Masters Degree in Physics.
Foundation Degree in Electrical Power Engineering (part-time whilst working) -
Work History:
Library Assistant.
Intern at a solar energy company in Cardiff.
Intern at an environmental consultancy in London.
Volunteer at an energy charity in Shrewsbury.
Engineer at an electrical engineering and construction company in Birmingham.Power systems consultant at a research organisation.
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Current Job:
Power systems consultant at a net-zero research organisation.
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Employer:
Energy Systems Catapult
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Determined. Nerdy. Happy.
What did you want to be after you left school?
An author
Were you ever in trouble at school?
Nope!
If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
Astronaut
Who is your favourite singer or band?
First Aid Kit
What's your favourite food?
Chocolate brownies
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
I wish I had an amazing singing voice, lived near the sea and could teleport!
Tell us a joke.
If you plant a light bulb in your garden, does it grow into a power plant?
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