Kevin Anselmo
Duke University
The Fuqua School of Business
100 Fuqua Drive
P.O. Box 90120
Durham, NC 27708-0125
Tel +1.919.660.7722
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New Energy Industry Fundamentals workshop jumpstarts energy careers for Duke students
September 19, 2011
Concerns about the economy and unemployment are in the short-term casting a long shadow over the promise of a green economy. But long-term trends show that over 50% of senior managers in the US energy industry will retire in the next 10 years. There is no doubt that energy demand and career opportunities in the industry will grow rapidly, but how will the industry change, and what knowledge and skills are needed by future generations of energy leaders? Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business launched a new two-day Energy Industry Fundamentals (EIF) workshop to provide graduate students in business, policy, engineering and environment with an overview of the present and future of the energy sector.
Organized by Fuqua’s Center for Energy, Development, and the Global Environment (EDGE), the course brought together students from Fuqua’s Daytime MBA, Cross-Continent MBA and MMS programs as well as the from the Master of Environmental Management/Master of Business Administration (MEM/MBA) dual degree program. The EIF was aimed at students who have little or no previous work experience in the energy industry, but are looking to transition into an energy industry career.
Dan Vermeer, EDGE’s executive director, stated, “Incoming students tell us that they need to understand the ‘map’ of the energy system and associated industries as early as possible. By seeing the scope and complexity of the energy sector, they can make better decisions about what industries to focus on, what knowledge and skills they need, and how to get the most value out of their time at Duke. We think of the EIF as a career accelerator.”
The students received an immersive introduction to the science, policy, technology and behavioral aspects of energy from thought leaders, practitioners and Fuqua faculty. The course provided a snapshot of the energy system as a whole and understanding of where various companies/employers fit in the energy landscape. The course also provided perspectives on the environmental implications of our energy choices.
“Through the EIF, I got a deep dive as well as a broad view of the industry. It also allowed me to understand the unlimited opportunities that the Fuqua and Duke's communities offer,” said Sebastian Vergara, a member of the Daytime MBA Class of 2013.
Paul Klenk, from the CCMBA Class of 2011, added: “The Energy Industry Fundamentals workshop was a well-thought-out overview of the energy industry, concentrating on the specific needs of MBA students. As a Cross Continent MBA student, it was particularly useful because it provided me with the opportunity to meet professors and students from across Duke’s campus working on energy issues.”
Nine students from Fuqua’s graduating class of 2011 were recruited to work full-time in the energy sector. Among the class of 2012, 19 students did internships in the industry this past summer. Both these numbers represent continued increases over the years.
“The diversity of energy sector careers that MBAs are choosing has increased dramatically in recent years,” stated Katie Kross, EDGE Managing Director. “No longer are MBA graduates being recruited to work just for major oil & gas or large electric utility companies. Now, they have a wide range of interests and options in a very dynamic industry space — from clean-tech venture capital firms to smart-grid technology manufacturers to startups developing affordable, distributed energy solutions in rural Africa, among a host of other examples. Workshops such as the EIF are designed to highlight these trends and opportunities for our students.”
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