Haris Raja

Haris Raja completed his masters degree in Electrical Engineering and Renewable Energy Systems in 2017 and is currently working as an Estimator at J.Murphy & Sons Ltd.

Postgraduate life at Leeds

Haris had built up quite an interest in electrical engineering at a very young age due to its scope and the worldwide demand for experts associated with the field. Haris said, “with the revolution of renewable energy in recent times, the masters programme at Leeds had the right combination of modules, providing me with an opportunity to be well-versed in an area with promising prospects.”

He added, “the university’s global reputation overal and within the electrical engineering industry in addition to its undeterred commitment to research and innovation made the decision a no-brainer for me”.

With the revolution of renewable energy in recent times, the course had the right combination of modules providing me with an opportunity to be well-versed in an area with promising prospects.

During his studies, Haris was impressed with the delivery of the course. He said, “One of the best aspect of the course is the university’s particular focus towards a combination of theoretical and practical modules. I found this to be significantly helpful in unlocking a greater understanding of the subject area, as well as an individual’s potential. And this is what makes Leeds stand out.”

Masters project

Haris’ masters thesis involved a details investigation into various renewable energy storage systems with the help of Matlab/ Simulink. The analysis allowed him to explore certain hybrid energy storage systems and theories not currently in use but potentially invaluable alternatives in the future with the continuous advancement of technology.

Building a professional career

Haris has been able to use the skills and knowledge gained during his studies to carve out a career in the highly competitive utilities industry and has been fortunate enough to be involved in various projects in the residential, commercial, mixed use and renewable energy sectors.

Haris currently works as an Estimator at Murphy Group, which is a UK Tier 1 contractor with ventures in power, transportation, property construction, and utilities.

“My responsibilities include providing clients with accurate and robust cost estimates as part of a bespoke package including proposals and connection plans in multi utility (electric, gas and water) schemes whilst ensuring the tender provides the ‘winning strategy’ including margin/ profit decisions.

The most interesting aspect of my career choice is the endless possibilities available in which all stakeholders rely on me in coming up with a turnkey solution, limited only by one's imagination. This involves the designing of electrical, gas and water networks that are fit for purpose, in addition to being a competitive solution to ensure customer satisfaction and provide new/repeat business. No two days are the same as I may be tendering for new connections to a high-rise building in Central London one day and quoting for a housing development in an open field the next day.”

The most interesting aspect of my career choice is the endless possibilities available in which all stakeholders rely on me in coming up with a turnkey solution, limited only by one's imagination.

Haris added, “The university provided me with a platform to build a promising career in the electrical engineering industry whilst also aiding my versatility and determination to expand on my experiences by venturing into the gas and water industry. Looking back, the support provided by Leeds was instrumental in terms of the availability of mentorship of the extremely knowledgeable staff, campus resources and the amazing facilities.

Looking back, the support provided by Leeds was instrumental in terms of the availability of mentorship of the extremely knowledgeable staff, campus resources and the amazing facilities.

The university learning and teaching approach promotes team working, which I believe is an effective tool particularly when transitioning into a professional in any industry. Furthermore, Leeds' focus towards collaborative and multi-disciplinary work and its’ emphasis on developing soft and transferable skills in time management and prioritisation skills have greatly contributed towards my personal and professional growth.”