How Erb Helps You Fill the Gaps

As you consider degree programs and concentrations in sustainability, keep in mind that no program will include every course or topic you are interested in or think you may need to advance your career. Sometimes the timing just doesn’t align with a certain professor’s sabbatical or a particular course isn’t taught that year. I came to Michigan with the intention of exploring renewable energy as a career path. The School for the Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) has several courses geared towards this goal, most of which I took in my first year: Sustainable Energy Systems, Energy Policy and Politics, Energy Markets, Renewable Energy and the Grid, Urban Energy Planning, Sustainable Finance, Infrastructure Finance, and more. The Ross School of Business offers excellent financial courses, including accounting, valuation, and financial statements, but does not offer a deep dive into finance for a particular industry, such as energy.

As I spoke with alumni and connections in the energy industry, I became interested in financing the energy transition. I want to be in charge of investment decisions for renewable energy projects in the United States and abroad. To set myself up for success in this industry, I needed a niche skill set that neither my background nor SEAS/Ross could provide. That is where the Erb community stepped up.

I first heard about the renewable energy project finance course from a fellow Erber who was pursuing a similar career path. He took the course in the months prior to an internship in renewable energy development and said it gave him a leg up. I registered for this course in advanced energy financial modeling and secured funding through the Erb Institute. Through the professional development funding program, each student is allocated up to $1,500 per academic calendar year to attend conferences, complete training or certifications, and explore other endeavors that may not be available through coursework alone. A course I would not have normally considered taking due to the high price tag ($900), I was able to access for the low, low price of writing this blog post. Well worth it in my opinion. 

If you’re interested in renewable energy, the Pivotal180 Renewable Energy Project Modeling course will freshen up your Excel modeling skills, teach you the basics of renewable energy and project finance, and then ask you to practice your skills through short quizzes and assessments. I started the course in January and neglected it hard throughout the winter semester. I took on quite a few projects and side quests during that semester, resulting in slow progress over five months. You can certainly do it in three to four weeks if you dedicate time to it every single day.  As someone with little prior modeling experience, it took time to get used to the shortcuts and more difficult financial concepts. However, you have access to the content for a year and can review previous sessions to refresh. I recommend this course for anyone interested in renewable energy development, even if finance is not your particular cup of tea.

My takeaways: If you have an idea for a course or certification, ask around. Someone in the Erb community or an alum probably completed it in the past. 

Also, take advantage of the opportunities provided by the Erb Institute. Professional development funding can help you bridge gaps and deepen your dual-degree experience.