Meath graduate helping to shape Ireland’s renewable energy future through the EirGrid Graduate Programme

18 September 2026 - For Navan native Isobella Walsh, a passion for science, maths and problem-solving led her towards a career in engineering. Today, as part of EirGrid’s Graduate Programme, she is helping to support the development of Ireland’s electricity grid while building a career at the heart of the country’s energy transition.
 
As the operator and developer of Ireland’s electricity grid, EirGrid is playing a key role in delivering Ireland’s renewable energy ambitions. Through its recently launched Group Strategy 2026, the organisation plans to invest €18.9 billion in transforming the electricity transmission system by 2030, delivering the largest programme of grid development ever undertaken in Ireland. 

For graduates like Walsh, that creates opportunities to contribute to nationally significant projects from the beginning of their careers. 

"From a young age, I was passionate about science and maths and enjoyed understanding how things worked," she says. 

"Discovering technical graphics in secondary school introduced me to engineering and ultimately led me to study it in college." 

During her studies at Trinity College Dublin, she became increasingly interested in the role engineering can play in addressing climate change and supporting the transition to renewable energy. 

"Today, I am motivated by the opportunity to contribute to solving major challenges such as climate change and the transition to renewable energy," she explains. 

"Working in this field offers the chance to make a meaningful impact and help shape a greener future for Ireland." 

Walsh first learned about EirGrid’s graduate programme through college careers fairs. The rotational structure immediately appealed to her, offering exposure to different parts of the organisation while helping graduates identify areas of interest. 

"The opportunity stood out to me because it offered the chance to experience different areas of the business while building a broad understanding of the energy sector. At this stage of my career, I am keen to learn as much as possible and explore where my interests and strengths were best suited." 

Earlier this year, EirGrid climbed forty-seven places to reach number 50 in GradIreland’s Ireland’s 100 Leading Graduate Employers ranking, underlining its growing reputation among graduates. 

One of the biggest benefits of the programme, she says, has been the opportunity to build connections across the business and gain experience beyond her academic background. 

"The most rewarding aspect of the programme has been the chance to experience different parts of the business and connect with other graduates. It made the transition from college to the workplace much easier and helped me build a strong network within the company." 

Reflecting on her experience so far, Walsh says she would strongly recommend the programme to other graduates. 

"I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time on the EirGrid graduate programme so far. Everyone I’ve worked with has been supportive and eager to involve me in meaningful work."
  
Applications for EirGrid's graduate programme across engineering, IT, cyber security, business, finance, economics and more open on 18 September 2026. Further information is available at www.eirgrid.ie/graduates.