The Women in Energy Fellowship

Complete this application by April 26th, 2026. Application is here.

The program will take place in-person at the Center on Global Energy Policy, Columbia University in New York City (1255 Amsterdam Ave Floor 1, New York, NY 10027).

There will be four, all-day, in-person sessions beginning at 9 am and ending at 5 pm on:

Friday, June 26th

Friday, July 17th

Friday, August 14th

Friday, September 11th

Yes, but you are required to attend all four in-person sessions at the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University’s campus in New York City (1255 Amsterdam Ave, Floor 1, New York, NY 10027). In previous cohorts, roughly a quarter of the fellows came from Washington, D.C.

No, all fellows are required to arrive at the Center for Global Energy Policy on their own accord.

Maybe. This fellowship is exclusively for individuals who are working full-time in the energy sector. If you are a student who also works full-time in the energy sector, then you qualify. If you are only working part-time or not at all, then no, you are not eligible.

At this time, the fellowship prioritizes professionals who are currently working in the energy sector, so applicants must be employed in the sector to be eligible.

If you are seeking a role in energy, Women in Energy offers several resources to support your search, including our job board, events, and career resources. You are also welcome to contact Women in Energy (womeninenergy@columbia.edu) for additional guidance and support.

There is currently no cost to participate in the Women in Energy Fellowship.

Women in Energy and all of its programming—including the Fellowship—are 100% philanthropically funded. If you would like to support this work, you can make a donation here or contact womeninenergy@columbia.edu to learn more about opportunities to financially support the initiative.

The Women in Energy Fellowship receives hundreds of applications, and admission is competitive. Cohort two had an 8% acceptance rate. Applicants are evaluated based on the thoroughness of their application, professional experience in the energy sector, demonstrated commitment to the industry, and potential for future leadership.

No. The fellowship welcomes professionals from across the energy sector, including traditional and emerging energy and sustainability fields. The program is designed to bring together participants with diverse professional perspectives.

20 – 24 people will be selected in each cohort of the Women in Energy Fellowship to ensure a highly interactive and supportive learning environment.

Past fellows have come from a wide range of roles across the energy sector, including policy, finance, consulting, utilities, clean energy development, government, and nonprofits. The program is designed for professionals who are early in their careers but already working in the energy industry.

The program will feature interactive sessions focused on key professional skills, including public speaking, confidence-building, conflict management, and leadership development.

Each session will also include engagement with researchers from the Center on Global Energy Policy and experts from across the energy sector, who will help fellows deepen their understanding of critical industry topics such as energy finance, offshore wind, LNG, and other emerging energy issues.

1. Knowledge Building. Fellows will learn about the latest evidence-based energy and climate solutions from researchers at the Center on Global Energy Policy and experts from across the energy sector. Sessions will provide participants with deeper insight into key industry topics and emerging trends shaping the energy transition.
2. Skill Development. Fellows will strengthen the professional skills that support career advancement, including public speaking, leadership, and management. As part of the program, fellows will deliver a presentation and will also have the opportunity to participate in a one-on-one professional coaching session with Jessica Weis, Program Director of Women in Energy, focused on career development and leadership growth.
3. Network Expansion. Fellows will build lasting relationships with a community working across the energy sector. Participants will connect with both their cohort and alumni from previous cohorts, and each fellow will be required to meet with a peer mentor from a previous cohort during the program.

Skill development sessions will be led by Women in Energy’s Program Director, who will guide fellows through interactive workshops focused on leadership and professional growth.

Sessions focused on energy-sector knowledge will be facilitated by researchers and staff from Columbia University’s Center on Global Energy Policy, alongside private-sector energy professionals who will share expertise and insights on key industry topics.

Yes, breakfast and lunch will be provided at each session.

Fellows are required to attend four full-day, in-person sessions from 9:00 AM–5:00 PM on the scheduled program dates.

Outside of the sessions, fellows will also be expected to:

• Prepare a short presentation as part of the program
• Meet with a peer mentor from a previous fellowship cohort
• Participate in a one-on-one coaching session

Women represent roughly a quarter of the energy workforce, yet they hold only about 17% of senior leadership roles in the sector. Many talented women do not reach the C-suite, and others leave the industry before reaching leadership positions.

The Women in Energy Fellowship is designed to help address this gap by advancing women in the energy sector. Through the program, fellows will gain practical leadership skills, deeper knowledge of key energy issues, and access to a strong professional network of peers, mentors, and industry leaders—helping position them to grow their careers and ultimately become leaders in the energy sector.

Insights from the first two cohorts of the Women in Energy Fellowship show strong career impact and continued engagement in the energy sector.

• 62% of Cohort 1 fellows reported being promoted or securing a new role within one year of completing the program.
• 42% of Cohort 2 fellows reported being promoted or securing a new role within six months of completing the program.
• The vast majority of fellows also remain in the energy sector:
  • 92% of Cohort 1 fellows and 89% of Cohort 2 fellows continue to work in the energy industry, demonstrating the program’s role in supporting long-term engagement in the field.

Participants consistently highlight several ways the fellowship has impacted their careers, including:

• Increased confidence to speak up, advocate for themselves, and pursue new opportunities
• Stronger leadership and communication skills
• Improved public speaking and professional visibility
• Clearer career planning and goal setting
• Expanded professional networks and a stronger sense of community within the energy sector

Great! You can donate here or reach out to womeninenergy@columbia.edu.

Yes. Fellowship alumni remain part of the Women in Energy community and will have opportunities to participate in future events, connect with new cohorts, and stay engaged with the program’s growing network of energy professionals.

We encourage you to read through the FAQs carefully first. If your question is still not answered, please contact womeninenergy@columbia.edu