Energy at Booth

Tell us about yourself.

I’m an Analytics Engineer at INNIO Waukesha Engines (formerly, GE Business). Since starting at Booth, I’ve been promoted to my current role as a digital product manager in the oil and gas space. The tools I learned at Booth such as how to choose between projects and how to do valuation have helped me lead our strategy and present to customers. I try to leverage my learnings as much as possible in my time at work. I chose Booth because I appreciate the open collaborative atmosphere, with students always willing to help each other. I enjoy giving back, which I why I joined the Energy Club, so I could be a student leader within the community.

Which courses are the most helpful for those interested in the Energy sector?

A variety of my courses had immediate application to my projects at work. Investments is particularly useful because in energy you have high value projects and need to do due diligence on them. Commercializing Innovation helped me value the impact of projects and model future growth. It’s important to learn proper Excel modeling and valuations. You also can’t go wrong with a strategy concentration- New Venture Strategy, Technology Strategy; these helped me think strategically about the sector and helps me get projects off the ground. My company also collaborated with Booth on a digital marketing lab with Professor Mohan where I worked with three Booth students on revamping marketing strategy, which my company immediately implemented.

What are other ways that students can get involved and learn more about energy?

The Energy Club hosts a variety of events and keeps students engaged throughout the year. There is a social mixer each quarter which is a nice way to catch up with members and learn what others are involved in. In addition to members in traditional energy areas, half of our members are in the renewables sector and others are on the policy side or in venture capital, so there is great networking and opportunity to learn from others about what it takes to work in those spaces.

Many of us have participated with full-time students in energy-focused case competitions. This is our first year that we will be taking an energy career trek to Houston. The Energy Forward conference is also tremendously valuable- this was a record setting year with 150 students in attendance, and included panels on oil and gas, renewables, investments, and emerging markets.

What advice do you have for students interested in energy?

Join the Energy Club and get involved with energy alumni. We have so many alumni in Houston which is the energy capital of the US and are sent a lot of opportunities that way. The rest of the University of Chicago has additional groups and opportunities. Collaborate with the full-time group at Booth. All of these will help you learn about the different sides of energy.