Addressing Black Representation in Energy
At Octopus Energy, we’re on a mission to drive the global renewable revolution and make green energy affordable for all. In order to succeed, we need to build a team that represents everyone in our society. Studies show that less than 5% of the energy sector is made up of black professionals. In an effort to further the advancement of black people in the energy world, we have created an internship programme that is only open to candidates who identify with any Black, African or Caribbean background. This internship is a key part of our journey to ensure greater diversity and inclusivity across our business and industry.
This is our second year running the internship programme after a hugely successful first iteration. You can hear from our past interns and find out a bit more about last year’s internship on our blog.
Who we are
We are an international energy supply company who put customers at the heart of everything we do. We empower our people to give outrageously good customer service, and fight to make energy fairer, more affordable, and more accessible for all.
We’re on a mission to halt the climate emergency by unlocking a smart, 100% green grid. We are using technology to transform the energy system; making electricity green and affordable, creating one-of-a-kind energy innovations. Our aim is to have 100 million customers, across the globe, on the Kraken Platform by the year 2030.
Our work is powered by freedom, autonomy and responsibility. We won the best company to work for in 2019 and our CEO, Greg has recorded a great podcast about our culture.
What you’ll do
As an intern you’ll work as part of our central Data team who deliver tools, insights and models that help use data to understand and optimise our business.
You will learn key skills and techniques (e.g. git, SQL, Python) that are required to work with a modern data platform. You will work alongside data platform engineers and data scientists to build robust data pipelines and datasets, as well as conduct analyses to provide valuable business insights. Potential projects include creating market insight tools, maps of smart meter consumption, and visualising survey data. This internship allows you to contribute towards a rapidly-growing data platform, and drive impact by helping to identify focus areas for the business.
Read more and apply here >>
What you’ll have
We’re looking for someone with a general interest in technology and problem-solving; someone diligent and thoughtful. You do not necessarily need any formal education in programming or computer science but you should be able to demonstrate a reasonable level of ability and interest.
We’re looking for applicants with a basic competency in Python or another scripting language, strong numerical skills and a passion for solving problems. It would be a bonus, but is not a requirement, to have experience with the following (in rough priority order):
-> SQL
-> Statistics and data analysis
-> Databases
Above all, we’re looking for someone who thrives on providing alternative opinions, challenging those around them and being challenged. If this sounds like you and you have a genuine passion for what we are doing then we’d love to hear from you!
*** IMPORTANT – HOW TO APPLY ***
After clicking ‘APPLY FOR THIS JOB’, you will be taken to an application form where you will be prompted to ‘Attach Resume/CV’. Please do not upload a CV. Instead, you should upload a cover letter made up of no more than 400 words. Here are some ideas of what we’d like to know:
-> Why do you think you are suitable for this internship at Octopus Energy?
-> What interests you about a career in programming?
-> Any past experiences with programming (this may be personal or academic)?
-> A little bit about yourself!
If your application is successful you will be asked to complete a short programming exercise, at home, in Python. We will then schedule a 30 minute video call to discuss the exercise, to find out more about you and talk about the internship.
