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Priya Sharma

From Electrical Engineering to HOD-Electrical Engineering

Last updated: May 19, 2026

Electrical Engineer in Power & Utilities · Pune, India

Sixteen years in electrical engineering—from student in Bhopal to Head of Department in Pune. I have commissioned substations, led LV/MV design teams, and now set standards, budgets, and safety culture for 25 engineers. I share this path for graduates who want a clear picture of how technical credibility and people leadership build together over time.

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Career Timeline

Education2006-2010
Electrical Engineering
MANIT
Completed BEng in Electrical Engineering with focus on power distribution and industrial installations. Final project on substation protection scheme. Industrial training at BHEL…
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ContextCompleted BEng in Electrical Engineering with focus on power distribution and industrial installations. Final project on substation protection scheme. Industrial training at BHEL Bhopal in 2009.
ChallengesBalancing theory with practical wiring skills. First exposure to site safety and permit-to-work culture during training.
LearningsElectrical work is unforgiving—check isolation twice. Good schematics save hours on site. Ask senior technicians how faults actually present, not only how textbooks show them.
OutcomeGraduated with First Class. Eligible for graduate/trainee roles with wireman’s license pathway.
Skills acquired
Circuit theorypower systemsmachinesAutoCAD ElectricalIEEE standards awarenesslab safety.
First Job2010-2012
Trainee Electrical Engineer
Tata Power (contractor division)
Joined Tata Power’s Pune projects under supervising engineer. Assisted on LV panels, cable pulls, and commissioning checklists. Rotated between design office and site for…
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ContextJoined Tata Power’s Pune projects under supervising engineer. Assisted on LV panels, cable pulls, and commissioning checklists. Rotated between design office and site for industrial plants.
ChallengesLong hours during commissioning. Reading drawings under pressure when crews were waiting. Speaking up when something looked unsafe.
LearningsSite beats slides—verify labels on the door match the drawing. Document every change; future audits depend on it. Respect trades; they spot mistakes before they smoke.
OutcomeSigned off trainee period. Licensed for supervised scope. Recommended for permanent engineer grade.
Skills acquired
Cable schedulingglanding/termination
AdviceCarry a notebook and a reliable multimeter. Volunteer for night commissioning once—it teaches discipline.
Promotion2012-2016
Electrical Engineer
Tata Power
Owned electrical packages on commercial projects in Pune. Produced designs, attended FATs, and closed snags during handover. Supported QA on material compliance.
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ContextOwned electrical packages on commercial projects in Pune. Produced designs, attended FATs, and closed snags during handover. Supported QA on material compliance.
ChallengesDesign changes late in build. Clashes with structure routes. Managing multiple small projects with one junior.
LearningsEarly engagement with builders avoids rework. Standardise details—custom every time makes you late.
OutcomeDelivered 12 projects on budget for electrical scope. Recognised as reliable lead on LV/MV designs.
Skills acquired
Load calculationscable sizingMCC schedulesEPLANvendor submittalsQA compliance.
Promotion2016-2019
Senior Electrical Engineer
Tata Power
Technical authority for data centers and hospitals in Pune. Reviewed junior designs, chaired design reviews, and represented electrical at HAZOP discussions.
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ContextTechnical authority for data centers and hospitals in Pune. Reviewed junior designs, chaired design reviews, and represented electrical at HAZOP discussions.
ChallengesSaying no to unsafe client shortcuts. Balancing billable design time with mentoring. Keeping up with code updates.
LearningsSenior means accountable, not just faster. Write specs so procurement cannot substitute critical ratings.
OutcomePromoted after leading flagship hospital project. Zero lost-time incidents on supervised sites for 3 years.
Skills acquired
Protection coordination studiesshort-circuit analysisspec writingmentoringclient technical meetings.
Promotion2019-2022
Electrical Engineering Team Lead
Tata Power
Led a team of 6 engineers and designers across industrial portfolio. Owned delivery KPIs, hiring interviews, and technical standards.
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ContextLed a team of 6 engineers and designers across industrial portfolio. Owned delivery KPIs, hiring interviews, and technical standards.
ChallengesFirst time managing peers. Under-resourced peak season. Escalations when site and design blamed each other.
LearningsLeadership is clarity—who owns the decision and by when. Protect deep-work time for seniors; shield juniors from chaos.
OutcomeTeam met delivery and safety targets two years running. Introduced checklist that cut rework by 25%.
Skills acquired
Resource planningperformance reviewsstakeholder managementcross-discipline leadership.
Current Role2022-Present
HOD — Electrical Engineering
Tata Power
Accountable for electrical engineering function: standards, staffing, quality, and interface with projects, operations, and safety. Set annual training plan and approve major…
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ContextAccountable for electrical engineering function: standards, staffing, quality, and interface with projects, operations, and safety. Set annual training plan and approve major design methodologies.
ChallengesLess hands-on time. Competing priorities from operations vs growth. Developing leaders, not only experts.
LearningsHOD is multiplier work—hire well, remove blockers, defend standards. Technical respect still matters; visit site quarterly.
OutcomeGrew department capability for renewable integration initiative. Improved audit findings. Clear succession for team lead roles.
Skills acquired
Department P&L awarenesspolicy compliancesuccession planningstrategic partnershipsaudit readiness.
AdviceDo not rush management—earn the right to lead by shipping safe work. At year 16, your edge is judgment and developing people, not pulling cables.

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Priya Sharma

Career Timeline

Electrical Engineering

Trainee Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineer

Senior Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineering Team Lead

HOD — Electrical Engineering

Reflections & Questions from Readers