This post is a part of the Student Perspectives series - each post is written by a current UCLA Anderson student, and provides first-hand perspectives and experiences about being an MBA student at UCLA Anderson.
One of the most exciting parts of my UCLA Anderson experience thus far has been joining professional clubs to explore the wide array of possible career paths. At UCLA Anderson, professional clubs are an excellent way to collaborate and share success with like-minded students pursuing careers in similar fields of interest. While working in investment banking, my interest in the energy industry was sparked when I was involved in financing energy transactions made by private equity sponsors. Knowing that the energy industry was an area I wanted to explore during business school, I joined the Energy Management Group (EMG) during Anderson’s career fair and became as involved as possible, participating in the following incredible events organized by the club:
- Weekly Industry 101s: The Energy Management Group hosts Anderson alumni at energy companies in the LA area for weekly presentations and panels to teach students about various topics within the sector. Throughout the fall, firms have presented on areas including the basics of power and utility markets, the future of electric transportation, and the financial aspects of renewable energy projects, to name just a few. As a student with little prior energy market exposure, the weekly series organized by the EMG has been vital in helping me build a strong foundation of energy knowledge while teaching me about emerging trends within the industry.
- Days on the Job: The Energy Management Group organizes a comprehensive week of job visits, referred to as Days on the Job (DOJs), at a variety of energy companies across California every fall quarter. This year, EMG visited fantastic firms in San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco such as EDF Renewables, California Edison, Bird, Pacific Gas & Electric, and Tesla. Days on the Job are an excellent way for students to hear firsthand from companies and functions they find interesting. I was incredibly impressed by the variety of companies that the 2nd year directors in the Energy Management Group organized for us to visit, and I undoubtedly have a much better understanding of firms and roles I’m interested in because of it.
- Networking Opportunities: The Energy Management Group also coordinates networking events with Anderson alumni, local companies, and other business schools. So far this fall, there have been opportunities to have dinner with energy alumni in San Francisco at the Olympic Club, talk to representatives from Cyprus Creek Renewables in Santa Monica, and grab drinks with USC Marshall’s energy club in Culver City. No matter who I have wanted to get in touch with, I have found that UCLA Anderson and the Energy Management Club have helped me make professional connections, grow my network, and further explore positions within the energy industry.
The Energy Management Group is one of UCLA Anderson’s extraordinary professional clubs which I’m proud to be a member of. I’m excited to be part of the growth of the club within the Anderson community and look forward to building even more relationships with alumni and local LA firms in the future.
-- Bob Owlett '20
Student Blogger: Bob Owlett ‘20
Hometown: Wellsboro, PA
Undergraduate Studies: Claremont McKenna College, B.A Economics, M.A. Finance
Pre-Anderson: Wells Fargo Securities - Investment Banking Analyst
Post-MBA Goals: Strategy & Operations
Activities @ Anderson: Energy Management Group, Strategy & Operations Management Association, Anderson Ambassador Corps
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