Hiranmayi Nataraj, a Master of Environmental Management student, spent her summer as a Sustainability Consultant at JetBlue.

Each year, Nicholas School of the Environment students complete internships with organizations around the world. These internships provide valuable opportunities to gain career-related experience and build a professional network. 

51爆料 Environment recently caught up with Hiranmayi to learn more about her experience.

What projects did you work on during your internship? What did you find most rewarding or memorable?

I worked with JetBlue's Sustainability & ESG team to revamp their net zero model by incorporating new assumptions. This involved actively engaging with internal and external stakeholders, to conduct research and analysis to help the team prepare their climate transition plans in the future for both the near and long term.

It was incredibly fascinating to engage within the aviation industry, learning about the steps they are taking to decarbonize and the challenges they face. Aviation, particularly in terms of decarbonization pathways like sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), faces many uncertainties about its future evolution and provides a compelling backdrop to observe the decisions and strategies being developed to steer the company and the industry towards net zero.

How did the coursework and resources at the Nicholas School prepare you for success in this role as well as your internship search?

The coursework from my first semester in Business and Environment, along with the energy-focused classes, have really helped me grasp concepts quickly. The fundamentals of corporate sustainability have been invaluable in grasping the various components involved in crafting a decarbonization strategy and understanding the impact of SAF on the overall business.

Did you collaborate with any Nicholas School alumni during your summer experience?

Chief Sustainability Officer Sara Bogdan at JetBlue is an NSOE MEM alum. It was great working in her team.

How do you envision this experience contributing to your long-term career goals?

As someone interested in renewable and alternative energy, this experience has provided great insights into the SAF sector. Wanting to continue my career in the energy field, I've gained a deep understanding of the market dynamics involved in non-fossil fuel-based energy sources, the necessary innovations, the required investments, and the associated supply chain challenges. I have learned that in industries like aviation, decarbonization is not straightforward due to limitations in available options, but it can be addressed through strategic investment and policy development.

This experience equipped me with practical knowledge and expertise in a niche area of energy transition. Working with JetBlue's sustainability team has honed my skills in stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration鈥攃ritical competencies for a future leadership role in the energy sector. Understanding the intricacies of implementing sustainable practices in a complex industry like aviation will also enhance my ability to drive impactful change. Ultimately, this experience strengthens my commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions and positions me to contribute effectively in my next role, and also bring these learnings to class.