Paula Leathem has spent more than three decades at NIE Networks, and her message to young people is refreshingly direct: the opportunities that push you outside your comfort zone are precisely the ones that shape your future.

Now Head of Human Resources at Northern Ireland's electricity network operator, Paula didn't follow a traditional HR career path. She started as a clerical apprentice at 18, working in customer service and credit control before finding her role in supporting people. Her journey challenges the assumption that you need to know exactly what you want to do from the outset.

"I knew very early that people was my thing," Paula explains. "Whatever particular role that was, I knew I wanted to work with people." That clarity of purpose, rather than a rigid career plan, allowed her to recognise opportunities when they appeared, moving from payroll into organisational development during NIE's privatisation, and eventually joining the senior leadership team 12 years ago.

Her early work experiences were formative. From age 13, she worked weekends in a local newsagent's, learning to navigate customer interactions. Through her Duke of Edinburgh Award, she volunteered in a care home, an experience she valued so much that she continued long after completing the qualification. These weren't glamorous roles, but they built skills in communication, resilience and empathy that would prove invaluable.

Today, Paula champions apprenticeships as a vital route into skilled careers. NIE Networks now takes 25–30 apprentices annually across trades, engineering and professional services, plus around 10 graduates each year. While STEM subjects remain crucial for technical roles, Paula is keen to highlight opportunities beyond engineering: "We have finance, we have IT, we have human resources, we have procurement. There are lots of opportunities for careers in a business the size of our organisation."

Looking ahead, Paula sees the energy sector transforming as Northern Ireland works towards net zero. Green skills will be essential, but so will data literacy and problem-solving. She's pragmatic about AI: "It's not necessarily going to replace roles. It can help you do your job, and it can make you more effective. But ultimately, you still need a human being for the hands-on technical work that keeps the lights on."

The cybersecurity dimension of protecting critical infrastructure is another growing area. NIE Networks safeguards data for 900,000 customers and must defend against increasingly sophisticated threats, roles that many young people might not associate with an electricity company.

When asked what she'd tell her 16-year-old self, Paula returns to her central theme: "Opportunities are there. Don't be afraid to take them. Any opportunities that come your way, get involved, take those, and it helps you build teamwork and supporting others."

For parents, teachers and young people navigating career decisions, Paula's story offers a clear lesson. You don't need to have everything figured out. You do need to stay curious, respect everyone you work with, and be willing to step outside your comfort zone. The rest, as Paula's journey shows, can take care of itself.

Watch the full episode - https://youtu.be/w-ngc_jAvmg