This roundtable is open only to currently enrolled Columbia University students. To register, you must sign in with your UNI.
The Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University SIPA’s Women in Energy initiative invites you to a student roundtable with Ann-Kathrin Merz, Industry and Strategy Lead from First Ammonia. As the energy transition accelerates, alternative fuels such as hydrogen and ammonia are gaining attention for their potential to decarbonize sectors that are difficult to electrify, including shipping, heavy industry, and long-distance transport. Yet significant questions remain about the technologies’ commercial pace and the magnitude of development. In this interactive conversation, students will discuss the evolving role of alternative fuels, the challenges and opportunities in deploying hydrogen and ammonia, and career pathways in emerging clean energy technologies.
This roundtable will provide students with the opportunity to engage directly with a practitioner working at the forefront of alternative fuel development and the global energy transition. Lunch will be provided.
The Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University SIPA’s Women in Energy initiative, in partnership with Women of EVs NYC, invites you to join us for an in-person event exploring careers and opportunities in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle (EV) and sustainable transportation ecosystem.
This evening will feature two panel discussions, followed by structured networking sessions, offering attendees insight into the breadth of roles across the EV space—from policy and market innovation to implementation and workforce development. This event is designed to help professionals, students, and career seekers understand where growth is occurring and how to build the relationships and know-how to secure these roles.
Speakers will include:
Amelia Berman, Department Manager, Vehicle Grid Integration, Con Edison
Amber Dorner, EV Policy & Regulatory Affairs Energy Policy Lead, General Motors
As global efforts to electrify and decarbonize accelerate and as new technologies like AI drive unprecedented electricity demand, professionals across areas such as utilities and project finance are shaping a rapidly evolving landscape.
This event will bring together industry leaders to discuss the skills, pathways, and innovations defining the next generation of energy careers. Whether you’re exploring entry points into the field or seeking to pivot your professional focus toward a more sustainable energy future, this discussion will offer valuable insights and practical guidance on how to make an impact in this critical and growing sector.
Speakers include:
Lucien Harlow-Dion, Senior Financial Analyst, Con Edison
Sara Jayanthi, Senior Project Mangaer, NYSERDA
Jaifa Mezher, Manager, Asset Development, TerraForm Power
Ozum Ozsaygili, Principal Consultant, Power & Renewables at S&P Global Energy
Betsy Schaefer, Chief Marketing & Sustainability Officer, FuelCell Energy
Join us on February 25 for an in-depth, student-only conversation. Registration is required, and space is limited.
The Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University SIPA’s Women in Energy initiative invites you to a student roundtable with Dr. Amrita Sen, Founder and Director of Market Intelligence at Energy Aspects. This small, interactive discussion will focus on the future of energy through a company- and client-facing lens, drawing on Dr. Sen’s experience building and leading a global energy analytics firm. Conversation topics will include major trends shaping the energy sector, with particular attention to power markets and energy strategy, as well as how market intelligence informs decision-making for companies, investors, and policymakers. Dr. Sen will also reflect on her career path and share practical advice on playing to your strengths, understanding what skills matter most, and knowing where to deepen expertise versus where to collaborate.
Students will have the opportunity to ask questions, engage directly with an industry leader, and gain insight into careers at the intersection of energy markets, strategy, and client-facing work.
This roundtable is open only to Columbia University students. Space is limited, and lunch will be served.
The Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University SIPA’s Women in Energy initiative and Accenture invite you to join us for an evening of conversation and networking focused on how nuclear energy could fuel the age of AI and change the energy industry.
As data centers drive unprecedented energy demand, tech giants are turning to nuclear power for reliable, carbon-free electricity at scale. This event explores how nuclear energy is powering the AI era, what major tech companies are doing now, and the career opportunities emerging at this critical intersection.
The program will include a panel discussion featuring leaders from the energy sector who will share insights on market trends, policy developments, and opportunities in this rapidly evolving space. After the panel, attendees will participate in small group discussions to connect with industry professionals, ask questions, and gain practical advice on pursuing careers at the intersection of energy and power.
Whether you are a student, early-career professional, or seasoned expert, this event will provide valuable perspectives and connections in one of the most dynamic frontiers of the energy transition.
This event is open to Columbia University students only.
Join the Center on Global Energy Policy’s Women in Energy initiative for an interactive discussion on human rights and climate change following COP 30 in Brazil. Monica Medina, SIPA Adjunct Professor and former U.S. Assistant Secretary for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, will share reflections from her time at COP 30 and examine how global priorities may be shifting from solely reducing emissions to addressing nature based solutions, communities, human suffering and adaptation. The session will explore the growing debate within the climate movement about balancing mitigation with adaptation, equity, and public health, as well as the implications of recent international legal developments that hold major emitters accountable for global impacts.
The Women in Energy initiative at the Center on Global Energy Policy, Columbia University SIPA, hosted an event titled “Student Roundtable with Career Coach Pam Brown” on Oct. 24, 2025. The event provided Columbia students the opportunity to engage directly with Pam, a seasoned career coach and leadership expert, for a conversation on searching and planning your career in today’s evolving professional landscape.
The main questions and takeaways from the event are as follows:
1. How should international students frame their career search strategy?
The career path should be conceptualized as a “jungle gym,” not a ladder. The goal is to secure the best possible role given current circumstances, including the economy, life stage, and location. Play the long game by identifying career goals and acquiring the necessary skills to achieve them. Consider taking a “side gig” to make money while awaiting more desirable opportunities. Spend your time building and growing a network of contacts.
2. What are the tactical steps for identifying and engaging companies that may sponsor?
Look for job postings that explicitly mention STEM OPT, H-1B, or “visa sponsorship available.” A recruiter who proactively asks about your work authorization type (instead of dismissing the profile) is often a good sign. Companies that participate in university career fairs with a diverse talent focus (e.g., international student mixers) suggest a willingness to hire international talent. Focus on huge companies or very small companies, as these extremes are most likely to sponsor.
Students can use resources like myvisajobs.com to see where people have been hired via CPT/OPT. (Curricular Practice Training/Optional Practical Training) Avoid any posting that specifies “Must be U.S. citizen or permanent resident” or “We do not sponsor work authorization now or in the future” or phrases like “No OPT/CPT, no H-1B transfers.” Ask directly to save time: “Can you share whether your company supports employment-based visa sponsorship for international students on F-1 OPT/STEM OPT?” Unless otherwise stated, it is recommended to assume the company does sponsor visas and proceed.
3. How can students build meaningful connections through networking?
Networking is centered on building relationships, not on immediately acquiring something. Start with warm leads, such as classmates, friends of friends, family, professors, or alumni. Use sincere flattery and genuine interest to initiate conversations, such as: “Your career is so impressive! I would love to ask you questions, see how you did what you did, etc.” If you meet someone briefly, send an immediate follow-up message (e.g., on LinkedIn) stating that you’d love to connect further and requesting 15 minutes to learn more about their background. Nurture the relationship by sending articles or notes about something that reminds you of them, such as sending an article about golden retrievers if they mentioned having one. Make use of university career offices (since students pay for them) and network with international student alumni.
4. How should candidates market themselves when pivoting to a new role?
Be authentic and be yourself, as this attracts people who will appreciate you. If applying to a role unrelated to your study field, you must “bridge the gap” for the recruiter. The recruiter is often looking for the most efficient way to make an appropriate hire, so you must make the connection for them. Use the specific “language” of the job description in your resume and, crucially, your cover letter. Clearly articulate your transferable skills.
5. What common mistakes should international students avoid in the job search?
Try to avoid the following: not engaging or speaking up due to concerns with language skills, being dishonest about citizenship, having too narrow a focus in the job search, and being “overzealous” or repetitive in professional interactions.
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The Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University SIPA’s Women in Energy initiative invites you to join us for an interactive workshop on building confidence in the workplace.
During this session, participants will explore strategies to strengthen self-assurance, manage self-doubt, and communicate with clarity and presence. Through guided exercises and discussion, we’ll cover topics such as overcoming perfectionism, embracing your strengths, and developing practical habits that foster confidence in professional settings.
Whether you are seeking to step into leadership roles, navigate new challenges, or simply show up more authentically at work, this workshop will provide actionable tools and insights to help you build and sustain confidence throughout your career journey.
This session is designed to help you approach your professional growth with greater self-trust, resilience, and purpose.
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CGEP’s Women in Energy initiative hosted a virtual information session focused on career pathways at the United Nations, one of the world’s leading international organizations dedicated to promoting peace, human rights, and sustainable development. This event is presented in partnership with the DMUN Foundation and features a DMUN representative, Alexa Dominique Pascual, alongside a Human Resources specialist from the United Nations, Mahmoud Almasri. Together, they provided an overview of the UN’s mission, structure, and recruitment process, with a particular emphasis on current and upcoming employment opportunities. Attendees gained insights into the skills and qualifications the UN seeks in candidates, strategies for navigating the application process, and what it’s like to build a career in international affairs and global development.
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Due to overwhelming interest, we are offering another session of this popular workshop! Join us on November 6th at 5:00pm for this interactive workshop on expanding and strengthening your professional network. Registration is required, and space is limited. Light bites will be served.
The Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University SIPA’s Women in Energy initiative invites you to join us for an interactive workshop on professional relationship-building and networking.
During this session, participants will explore strategies to strengthen and expand their professional networks through guided exercises and discussion. This workshop will cover how to create a relationship map, identify and cultivate new connections, and leverage existing relationships to achieve professional goals.
Whether you are a working professional seeking to advance within your organization, a job seeker exploring new opportunities, or someone looking to expand your influence across the energy sector, this workshop will provide practical tools and insights to help you build meaningful and effective connections.
This workshop is designed to help you take a more intentional approach to building relationships that drive career success.
