Global Experience for a Global Issue: The Value of International Experiential Learning for Tomorrow’s Energy Professionals

The value of an international energy internship is multifaceted. It serves as a critical growth opportunity for the student, who experiences the professional applications of his or her classroom learnings and develops an understanding of the challenges and solutions evident in different countries’ political, socioeconomic and cultural frameworks. It also provides a potential post-graduation career entry point, through access to an international network of professionals and by showcasing career paths within the sector. Beyond the impact for the student, these internships also pay dividends for host companies in the energy sector, by injecting cutting-edge knowledge from the students’ academic studies and cultural perspective they bring. As students return to campus from their international experiences, their new perspectives frame their understanding of the dynamic energy ecosystem and the different types of energy solutions needed in different contexts. These experiences position students to shape meaningful and successful careers in this new and evolving energy future.