Home → Blog → Company news → My first months at Withthegrid: what it’s like to join the team
By
AnaĂŻs Wampack
Published on:
05/12/2024
Starting a new job is always an adventure – a mix of excitement, curiosity, and those inevitable first-day jitters. Will my new colleagues be friendly? Will I be able to quickly get up to speed? Will the experience live up to the promises from the interview? And please, let the coffee be good!
We’ve all been there.
But what’s it really like to start your journey at Withthegrid?
To find out, we sat down with three of our new teammates – Karina, Quintus, and Vasilis – to hear about their first months here. They opened up about everything: their first impressions, what the team culture looks like, the projects they’ve been proud to tackle, and even shared some advice for anyone thinking about joining us in the future (hint: it could be you!).
Whether you’re considering applying to Withthegrid or just curious about life behind the scenes, this article offers an honest glimpse into our day-to-day and the people who make it all happen. Now, let’s dive into their stories.
Meet our new colleagues
Karina, originally from the Dominican Republic 🇩🇴, joined us as Digital Marketing Intern and is already making waves with her fresh ideas and creative energy. She’s contributing to expanding Withthegrid’s digital presence through branding, content creation and campaign execution.
Quintus, from the Netherlands 🇳🇱, is our Operations Engineer. In his role, he focuses on executing and improving processes. From managing projects to making solar/battery/wind parks controllable to technical configurations and automating workflows, he’s helping us create more efficient, streamlined operations.
Vasilis, hailing from Greece 🇬🇷, works as a Solution Engineer. He plays a role in improving the functionality of the Teleport Gateway by implementing new protocols and supporting customer onboarding.
They’ve all taken different paths to Withthegrid, bringing unique skills, experiences, and ambitions to the table. Here’s how their journey began.
The hiring process: first impressions that stuck
Starting at a new company doesn’t begin on day one. It starts with that first interview. For our new colleagues, the hiring process was both straightforward and insightful. They reflected on the key moments that helped them decide to join the team.
For Vasilis, the connection with Withthegrid was immediate:
After completing my master’s in Sustainable Energy Technologies, I wanted a job where I could make a real impact on the energy transition. Withthegrid’s mission to make renewable energy systems more flexible and efficient was a perfect match for my ambitions.
During the recruitment process, the company invited him to visit the office and attend the monthly Demo Demi-hour session – moment where some team members show and explain the projects they are working on to the rest of the company. This experience sealed the deal for him.
It gave me a firsthand look at the innovative projects my potential future colleagues were working on. That made my decision to join an easy one.
On the other hand, Quintus was drawn to both the people and the technologies.
Each aspect aligned with what I wanted in a company – developing solutions for relevant challenges, sharing a common vision, and being supported by a team of knowledgeable people.
For Karina, who was transitioning from interior design to marketing, she applied because was looking for an opportunity that would allow her to learn as much as possible about the role of Digital Marketing, try different tasks, and be free to explore ideas. For her, the hiring process was especially human and reassuring.
I had never worked in the energy industry before, but I had always been curious about it. During the interviews, Anaïs (Marketing Lead) made me feel that my lack of experience in this specific sector wasn’t an issue for this internship.
It was the friendliness, warmth, and positivity I felt during the interviews that made me choose Withthegrid over other companies.
Expectations vs reality
New job, new expectations, and then reality hits – sometimes it matches, sometimes it surprises. For our new colleagues, the reality at Withthegrid turned out to be even more rewarding than expected.
Before joining the company, Vasilis had hoped to be part of a dynamic team tackling complex technical challenges. During his first days, he wasn’t disappointed.
What really stood out was the way the team collaborates. It’s not just about solving problems, but doing it in a way that feels supportive and fun.
The level of trust and responsibility given to new hires was also a pleasant surprise. From early on, I was encouraged to share ideas and take ownership of tasks.
Karina joined for an internship experience, but was still apprehensive about getting up to speed.
As someone new to the industry, I honestly thought that getting acquainted with the energy sector would be challenging.
However, the guidance she received during her first days helped her settle in.
The resources I received made it so much easier than I expected! Who would have thought I’d be writing an article on Curtailment just a few weeks after I started?
Quintus found himself inspired by the people around him.
What surprised me most was how skilled and knowledgeable everyone is.
It’s amazing to be surrounded by individuals who not only know their stuff, but are also eager to share.
Moments that made it click
After the first days comes the first key experiences. Our colleagues agreed to share those “aha” moments where they felt like they were finally hitting their stride at Withthegrid.
For Vasilis, this happened during a Quarterly Update – where the management team share the company results, highlights, challenges and goals for the next quarter.
I was truly impressed by the openness in sharing detailed insights into the company’s performance, challenges, and goals.
What resonated even more was the opportunity for everyone to provide feedback and ask questions.
That level of transparency and inclusivity made me feel like I’m part of something larger, and more meaningful.
Karina, meanwhile, quickly grew fond of Demo Demi-hour sessions – yes, the same session that convinced Vasilis to join the team!
It quickly became my favorite day of the month!
In every other job I’ve had, there was rarely time set aside to learn about industry innovations or celebrate successful projects. At Withthegrid, I not only get to learn from colleagues in different roles but also connect with people I don’t work with daily. I love that everyone is open to sharing their knowledge, but also their doubts.
And yes, during those sessions, there’s usually a beer in hand!
Teamwork makes the dream work?
Behind every project at Withthegrid is a team of people working together to make it happen. To describe the teamwork culture of Withthegrid, Vasilis put it simply:
We collaborate a lot!
In the same line, Quintus explained how it is a central aspect of his daily work in operations.
I work closely with the operations team to resolve cases, with the solutions team on Teleport installations, and with the sales team to ensure alignment.
Even though I don’t work with the managing or marketing teams daily, there’s still consistent communication across the board.
This collaboration is made possible by a culture of open communication. Vasilis explains:
Whether it’s daily standups, quick chats, or project-specific meetings, there’s always a sense of teamwork and a great balance of independence and support.
Achievements worth celebrating
Big or small, milestones matter. These moments are what keep the journey exciting. At Withthegrid, we like to celebrate wins and achievement. That’s why we asked each of our colleagues to share one of their own.
For Quintus, a standout achievement was automating the digital operational process for shipping the Teleports.
It’s a crucial step toward achieving our vision of automation.
Knowing that this project will save time and improve efficiency makes it something I’m particularly proud of!
For Vasilis, a proud moment came when he integrated a new protocol for a large battery system into the Teleport.
After putting in the work, I had it reviewed by a colleague and received really positive feedback.
This not only boosted my confidence but also helped me learn how to refine my approach!
Meanwhile, Karina shared how she enjoyed designing an entire marketing booklet for a high-profile event.
I took full ownership of the project, researched solutions, and even made adjustments to some suggestions when needed.
At the end, seeing my work appreciated and celebrated was very rewarding!
What the future holds
The early months are just the beginning. At Withthegrid, each role has an opportunity to evolve, innovate, and expand impact. We asked our colleagues what excites them most about the work ahead – whether it’s current projects, future opportunities, or the evolving vision of the company.
For Quintus, it’s about continuously improving operations:
A milestone I look forward to is automating processes to such a degree that, for certain cases, no manual action from Withthegrid will be required. Achieving this would align perfectly with our broader vision of seamless operations in order to provide the best possible customer experience.
Meanwhile, for Vasilis, it’s about expanding the Teleport’s capabilities:
I’m looking forward to integrating an even wider range of renewable energy assets, such as electrolysers and heat pumps.
It’s exciting to think about how these advancements can unlock even greater flexibility in the grid.
Finally for Karina, she will soon be transitioning from an Internship role to a full-time Junior role within the Marketing team, ready to use her learnings to keep growing Withthegrid’s digital presence, branding, and build valuable connections with our audience.
Advice for future Withthegrid newcomers
Starting a new job is a big step, and who better to offer advice than those who’ve just walked in your shoes? Karina, Quintus, and Vasilis shared their tips for hitting the ground running at Withthegrid.
Quintus encouraged future applicants to start by reflecting on their work style and values:
While we collaborate a lot, there’s also a strong culture of autonomy and responsibility here. It’s important to determine whether you’re an autonomous person and are willing to take that responsibility. If so, you’ll do well here!
Vasilis shared his tip for the interview process:
Show your curiosity, highlight your problem-solving skills, and be open to learning and collaborating. Take the time to understand Withthegrid’s mission. It’s not just about technical skills; it’s about being part of something bigger.
Finally, Karina encourages candidates to embrace the opportunity:
Oh, I wouldn’t think twice [about joining Withthegrid]. It’s the perfect environment if you want to grow as a professional, and have fun while doing it. You’ll find the best colleagues here, each with their own expertise and unique personalities.
If you’re still in doubt, come by for a coffee or a beer during a Demo Demi hour, and see for yourself – I’m sure you’ll agree with me afterward!
Final thoughts
The stories of Karina, Quintus, and Vasilis paint a picture of what it means to begin a career at Withthegrid. If you’re inspired by their experiences, maybe it’s time to think about taking your own step forward with Withthegrid. Check out our open roles, send us a message, or keep us on your radar.
Who knows, we might be a part of your next chapter?