CIGRE NGN Spotlight: Aleks Modelewska

Tell us about yourself, including where you work but also what you do outside of work

Earlier this year I accepted the role of Director of Business Development and Sales at Engineered Intelligence, a company that provides an asset management and investment planning software for electrical utilities. It’s extremely rewarding to offer a tool that helps asset managers and planners streamline their processes and increase efficiency.

On the personal side, I live in Montreal, Canada with my husband and almost 2-year-old baby. We love to travel and learn about new cultures and cuisines, but we are also quite active, heading out of the city when we can to camp, hike and do some yoga in the wilderness. I also love to paint and play board games.?

When did you know you wanted to work in the power and energy area??

For my entire life, my parents, two engineers, encouraged me to become an engineer, so I decided to study humanities instead. Inevitably, however, I pursued a job at CEATI International, where I had the opportunity to run several programs, which allowed me to learn about the power system industry from top experts in the field. I found the various aspects of the industry quite fascinating, particularly the introduction of new technologies and innovative ways to manage assets, as well as the distinct struggles asset managers experienced in various areas of the world. It was interesting to see the effects and influence of politics, climate and culture on asset management and discuss possible solutions.?

What/who inspired you to get involved in CIGRE??

Business Development and sales became a part of my role at CEATI International, which gave me the opportunity to meet with potential clients and travel to conferences. I was given the opportunity to participate in working groups at the CIGRE Conference, representing CEATI. I prepared presentations and contributed by sharing results of reports and industry surveys completed within the groups I was running.?

What CIGRE events or roles have you been involved in?

I have attended several CIGRE Paris, CIGRE Canada and CIGRE USA Sessions. Along with a few colleagues, I was a founding member of the CIGRE Canada Next Generation Network. I hope to get involved with CIGRE’s Women in Energy group, and stay involved, potentially eventually joining the National Committee, as CIGRE is a wonderful network of people.?

Tell us about the CIGRE Paris session you attended this year

The CIGRE Paris session attracts an extremely high caliber of industry experts from around the globe. There is a lot going on, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with the different seminars, luncheons and events, and schedule meetings ahead of time with people of interest. There is a large exhibition that attracts vendors from around the entire world and many social events to encourage discussion and networking. CIGRE Canada hosts a beautiful reception during which I had the opportunity to award the NGN Sponsorship diploma to our 2021 winner, Brendan Harris, P.L.(Eng.) ?

What events did they hold for NGNs?

The Next Generation Network International Executive Committee (IEC) hosted a group dinner and Presentation Showcase, during which young people from around the world were given the opportunity to present their papers. Three winners were announced at the end of the event. High-level individuals were invited to run career development sessions at the NGN booth, speaking about their professional journey and answering questions. Several countries also had the opportunity to introduce their National NGN Committees and activities during the NGN Luncheon.?

What are the other benefits NGNs get from attending conferences like this one?

Other than the considerable educational benefits through seminars, papers and presentations, NGNs have the opportunity to network with experts at the top of their field. Because of the caliber of attendees and everyone’s desire to learn, everyone is certain to make some brilliant connections.?

The registration is expensive, how do you suggest NGNs attend without having to pay the high fees?

There are several ways that NGNs can have their Paris or Canadian Session subsidized. Every year, the CIGRE Canada NGN holds a Best Paper Competition, the winner of which receives $1,000 that they can use however they wish. NGNs are also encouraged to submit applications for the Annual NGN Sponsorship, which rewards young people for their contribution to CIGRE, be it through working groups or committees that they are a part of. The winner is awarded with their expenses paid to attend the CIGRE Paris Session. There are also other registration options, such as a registration just for the exhibition hall, which would provide the attendee with a portion of the experience.??

NGN is the future of CIGRE and the power system industry... The industry is aging, and many experts are retiring. NGNs need to get involved and contribute their new perspective while learning from their senior colleagues before it’s too late.?

What is the vision you have for the future of NGN involvement in CIGRE?

As the name implies, the NGN is the future of CIGRE and the power system industry. I hope to see more NGNs take part in conferences, by attending and submitting papers, join working groups and different committees. The industry is aging, and many experts are retiring. NGNs need to get involved and contribute their new perspective while learning from their senior colleagues before it’s too late.?

What roles and responsibilities can NGNs hold in CIGRE?

NGNs can participate in the NGN Executive Committee, as well as Women in Energy. They are also highly encouraged to join working groups, which develop best practices for different fragments of the power industry. It is important to consider different perspectives when developing best practices, and the younger perspective tends to be lacking. Working group secretary is another great role that an NGN can take on. It’s more of a supporting role, which helps keep the working group organized and on-track, while allowing the NGN to learn and connect with experts in their field.?

Has your involvement in CIGRE helped your career development?

My involvement in CIGRE greatly helped with my career development. Not only did I learn a lot from the presentations, seminars and papers, but I also met wonderful people who had an immense impact on my professional growth. Career speakers at NGN events encouraged me by speaking about their professional journeys, vendors introduced me to innovative solutions and different opportunities arose through discussions and networking with colleagues.??

What advice would you give to NGNs thinking about getting involved in CIGRE?

Get involved as soon as possible, in as many ways as you can. Network and create connections – you never know who will inspire you to try something different, who will become a mentor, or who will contribute towards the next step in your career.?

Do you have a favorite inspirational quote or advice you have received?

Do things that scare you. Challenge yourself, put yourself into uncomfortable situations. These things will have an immense impact on your personal and professional development.?