portrait de Courtney Harnum

Courtney Harnum

Capital Budget Lead

Newfoundland Power

Created On: December 30, 2022
Sector:
Engineering
Education Pathway: University
Related School Subjects:
Math,  Physics,  Technology & Engineering
Readability:
8.8

Learn About My Career

I am responsible for the planning, coordination, and delivery of Newfoundland Power's annual capital budget application.

I was born/grew up in: I was born in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, and grew up in St. John's, Newfoundland

I now live in: Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador

I completed my training/education at: Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical), Memorial University of Newfoundland

I use engineering knowledge to present and justify the engineering projects our company will complete each year. These projects are part of our annual capital budget. I work with a small team. However, since I present projects across the company in our capital budget, I get to work with every group in the company.

I use engineering judgement to assess and determine when projects should occur. I base my decisions on condition assessments and consultant’s reports. Even though I am more involved in the business side of the company, my engineering knowledge helps me solve problems in my job.

I had planned to study astronomy and physics when I was in high school. However, I decided to switch to engineering when I was in my graduating year of high school. I had no idea what an engineer did or was when I first started university. I was fortunate that I got to explore electrical engineering early in my university degree. I completed my very first work term with Newfoundland Power. My career has taken me to British Columbia and Labrador. I explored the world of underwater robotics research as well as the oil and gas industry before taking a job as planning engineer at Newfoundland Power.

I enjoy working with the people in my job. Every day there is something new to be learned. There is never a dull moment at work.

The projects justified in the annual capital budget application are required to maintain a reliable electrical system in the province. This keeps the lights on in the province!

I am a classically trained pianist, so I enjoy playing piano a lot. I also play soccer and enjoy hiking the East Coast Trail.

Participate in different STEM programs both in and out of school.

What I do at work

I use engineering knowledge to present and justify the engineering projects our company will complete each year. These projects are part of our annual capital budget. I work with a small team. However, since I present projects across the company in our capital budget, I get to work with every group in the company.

I use engineering judgement to assess and determine when projects should occur. I base my decisions on condition assessments and consultant’s reports. Even though I am more involved in the business side of the company, my engineering knowledge helps me solve problems in my job.

My career path is

I had planned to study astronomy and physics when I was in high school. However, I decided to switch to engineering when I was in my graduating year of high school. I had no idea what an engineer did or was when I first started university. I was fortunate that I got to explore electrical engineering early in my university degree. I completed my very first work term with Newfoundland Power. My career has taken me to British Columbia and Labrador. I explored the world of underwater robotics research as well as the oil and gas industry before taking a job as planning engineer at Newfoundland Power.

I am motivated by

I enjoy working with the people in my job. Every day there is something new to be learned. There is never a dull moment at work.

How I affect peoples’ lives

The projects justified in the annual capital budget application are required to maintain a reliable electrical system in the province. This keeps the lights on in the province!

Outside of work I

I am a classically trained pianist, so I enjoy playing piano a lot. I also play soccer and enjoy hiking the East Coast Trail.

My advice to others

Participate in different STEM programs both in and out of school.

When I was a student I enjoyed:

  • Math
  • Science
  • Music

When I was a student, I would describe myself as someone who:

  • Enjoyed doing things on my own
  • Liked helping people
  • Was motivated by success
  • Wanted to be in charge
  • Engaged in volunteer activities
  • Liked being given specific instructions
  • Liked reading
  • Felt great satisfaction in getting good grades
  • Wasn't sure what I wanted to do

Related Topics

Careers Communication Electrical Engineering Electricity Generation Engineering

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