Convert the working-student position into a signed graduate offer before finishing the degree — an in-hand conversion at a recognisable energy employer removes the riskiest year of the early career and adds immediate leverage.

Build a network from zero: join the national engineering association's student chapter and secure named references from project leads — moving references from 'nobody' to senior voices is worth more than grades at this stage.

Aim the thesis and first role at shortage niches inside energy infrastructure (grid reinforcement, wind foundations) where structural demand outruns supply — niche choice at graduation sets the whole salary curve.