The energy sector offers opportunities spanning regions, and functions. As you begin mapping out your recruiting journey, consider the wide range of paths available: Business Development, Finance, Leadership Development Programs, Program Management, M&A, and more.
What is a recruiting trend that I should keep in mind as I conduct my internship/job search?
Government jobs in clean energy are harder to find now, but not impossible, with preference given to nuclear and geothermal energies. Meanwhile, state, county, and city governments are still hiring for clean energy roles. Opportunities also exist at utilities and renewable energy developers, though there are likely fewer positions on their grid-scale solar and wind teams. The number of organizations hiring in clean energy has decreased considerably, though utilities and energy roles remain steady and hiring in functions like Business Analysts, Strategy, Business Development, Financial Analysts, LDP and many more.
What is the recruiting approach that I should keep in mind as I conduct my internship/job search?
Now more than ever, it’s crucial to prioritize informational interviews and leverage warm contacts when applying for positions instead of relying on cold applications alone.
Some organizations offer pathways from internships to full-time roles, but most opportunities tend to be full-time positions from the start. Large employers, especially within the utilities and oil industries, actively recruit for Leadership Development Programs (LDPs). However, there are very few organizations that host on-campus engagement these days.
There has been a significant reduction in campus route hiring, with a shift toward a multi-school event approach. Networking is key to breaking into the industry, and connecting with alumni is an excellent way to learn more about organizations. Attending Yale SOM/YSE events will also help build your network.
Can I pivot into energy?
The energy industry offers a variety of roles, with finance being the most frequently posted. Applicants looking to pivot into the field will find many opportunities, though prior experience is extremely helpful, so leverage previous functional experience to gain traction in this industry.
Is there anything unique about the interviewing process?
Interviewing is typically a combination of behavioral and technical or case interviews. There is no set timeline for when jobs are posted or recruitment takes place, unlike in other fields. In the clean energy field, interviews can be both interpersonal and skills-based, especially for roles that involve project development (such as financial modeling) or policy work (such as writing a brief).
What does full-time recruiting look like?
There are organizations who use the internship to full time but a majority of roles are fulltime. The Leadership Development (LDP) path is also available for full-time recruiting.
What does internship recruiting look like?
Some large organizations start recruiting in the fall, hosting info sessions, coffee chats, and interviews in late January, with offers going out in late January or early February. Smaller energy firms, especially in clean energy, often recruit in the spring.
RESOURCE GUIDE – Yale Clean Energy Collaborative | Yale Clean Energy Conference
- https://cdo.som.yale.edu/blog/2025/08/08/cdo-summer-exploration-energy/
- Hey CMS, how can I… (CDO website)
- Outcomes Index (CMS)
- Salary Database (CMS)
- Offer Timeline (CMS)
- Offer Job Source (CMS)
- Offer Trends (CMS)
Written with support from ChatGPT
