Internship Panel Highlights: Building Careers through Real-World Experience
By Aditi Iyer & Harsh Vaibhav
On October 2, 2024, the Energy Science, Technology & Policy (EST&P) department hosted its annual internship panel at the Research Accelerator Space in Scott Hall. This event, a core component of the Applied Advanced Study program, was organized as part of the course 39662-A: Communication of EST&P Internship Experience. The panel provided a platform for students who had successfully secured and completed internships over the summer to share their experiences with the incoming cohort. The goal of the event was to guide and demystify new students in their internship search, course selection, transitioning into a professional environment, and addressing any questions they had on these topics.
The panel was divided into three dynamic sections, each representing a crucial stage of the internship journey. The first, Internship Acquisition, delved into strategies that presented on the acquiring of the internship, followed by Technical Integration, where students shared how they applied their skills within their teams, and how much of these were adapted from or enhanced in their past semesters at CMU. The last section of the panel was Professional Integration, offering invaluable advice on adapting to the professional world, navigating work culture, and thriving in new environments. Each section offered actionable insights to equip students for success, both during their internships and beyond.
Internship Acquisition: How to Land the Opportunity
The panel began with a discussion on how to secure internships, focusing on networking, using job portals, and customizing application materials. Aarushi Dave, an intern with RMI, shared her process of securing an internship through LinkedIn, professional networks, and reaching out to ESTP alumni. Adrian Jonathan Yosua, who interned at Siemens USA, emphasized leveraging CPDC resources and using platforms like Handshake, Careershift, and LinkedIn to connect with potential employers. Both speakers highlighted the importance of tailored resumes and cover letters and the need to apply early in the academic year.
Technical Integration: Making the Most of the Work Experience
Panelists shared how they integrated their technical skills into their internships. Yash Chiplunkar, a Renewable Energy Tech Intern at Exus Renewables North America, shared his role in researching solar, inverters, and BESS technologies. Harsh shared his work as a Circular Economy Intern at Harbison Walker International, where he developed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tools and conducted data analysis for circular economy projects. He credited courses like Environmental LCA and Data Science for providing the skills needed to excel in his role. Aditi Iyer, an intern at ICF, discussed her work in developing tools for the ERCOT market and how various skills at CMU prepare a student for their internship. Each intern shed light on how their academic courses, particularly in energy policy, finance, and engineering, played an essential role in their ability to contribute effectively.
Professional Integration: Adapting to New Work Environments
Beyond technical skills, professional adaptation is critical to success in internships. Shashank Swaminathan, a Venture Capital Analyst at Orion Industrial Ventures, provided insights into the fast-paced world of early-stage investing. He highlighted the importance of networking and building relationships, sometimes even away from the working hours of the role. Farès Kammourieh, a research fellow at the Energy Futures Initiative, echoed this sentiment, noting that working in policy and think tanks requires a balance of qualitative work and relationship-building.
The panelists also discussed how internships exposed them to new professional cultures. Many had to adapt to new cities, remote work environments, or the nuances of international business operations. This adaptability was essential, particularly for interns who worked across teams or time zones. While both of these students also discussed the work they did at their respective internships, there was an emphasized focus on how the role is more than just the work, but a culmination of the work, relationships, location, and work environment.
Key Takeaways: A Pathway to Career Growth
The panel showed that internships are more than just temporary positions—they are gateways to career growth. Internships offered students exposure to real-world challenges, opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge, and a chance to explore different sectors. From renewable energy technology to policy and venture capital, the internships highlighted in this panel spanned diverse areas but shared common themes of innovation, sustainability, and the energy transition.
Whether it was performing life cycle assessments, developing tools for market forecasting, or analyzing technology for decarbonization, the students’ experiences demonstrated the practical applications of their studies. As each panelist highlighted, internships provide invaluable professional and technical experience that is crucial for navigating today’s complex and evolving job market.