Program

The Women in Energy Fellowship

Overview

The Women in Energy Fellowship will select and support women who want to advance their energy careers. It will be held yearly, in person, at Columbia University. The Fellowship will bring women together to learn about the latest advances in energy, develop the skills to accelerate their careers and build the network needed to lead the energy sector. 

Who is ideal for the Fellowship? 

Fellows are early-career energy employees who have been in the industry for 3 to 8 years. An ideal fellow intends to stay in the energy sector and ultimately attain a leadership position. Currently, the Fellowship is designed for individuals who can attend events and meetings in person at our New York City offices independently. Women in Energy envisions a world with equal gender representation at every level within the energy sector. Everyone is welcome to participate in WIE, irrespective of sex, as our programming seeks to advance that vision.

Why a Fellowship? 

A third of all entry-level energy professionals are women, but that portion shrinks to 19% at the executive level. Many women never make it to the C-suite or leave the industry altogether. This Fellowship aims to support women’s continued involvement in the energy sector and provide participants with the skills, information, and network they need to grow in their careers and ultimately become energy sector leaders. 

What are the components of the Fellowship?

  • Build knowledge: participants will learn the latest in evidence-based energy and climate solutions from the Center’s research scholars. 
  • Upskill: hone the soft skills that will help women advance their careers, including but not limited to public speaking, negotiation, and management. 
  • Develop a network: create and support a network of women working in the energy space. 

Over the summer of 2024, Women in Energy launched the Fellowship pilot. What happened? 

  • 81 people applied, 24 people were accepted (30%), 16 completed the program (67%). 
  • 85% would recommend the Fellowship to a friend or colleague.
  • Participants said their knowledge about:
    • energy and geopolitics increased by 29%.
    • energy equity increased by 49%.
    • climate policy increased by 25%.
  • Their professional network increased by 28%.
  • Confidence about their public speaking increased by 17%.
  • 86% could identify their clear, measurable, and time-bound professional goals.

When will the next cohort launch, and how will it differ from the pilot? 

The Summer 2025 cohort will differ from the pilot in that there will be additional sessions, speakers, and a partnership component between the pilot cohort and the upcoming cohort. Finally, each participant will be required to present during the Fellowship to grow. 

How do I apply?

Applications closed on May 19th, 2025. To receive information on upcoming Women in Energy programming, please subscribe to the newsletter

Our organization is interested in partnering with or sponsoring the Fellowship. Who should we contact?

Great, we’d love to hear from you! Email us at Womeninenergy@columbia.edu