Internship Description
Rebecca Liang '24 joined SolarKal, an organization dedicated to making solar energy accessible, as a summer intern on the corporate development team. Rebecca worked closely with David Wei'19, the director of corporate development, and contributed to various projects, including corporate strategy, financial modeling, and product development. Her primary responsibility was to help design and develop the vision for SolarKal's services suite, with a focus on the next version of the SolarKalculator. By the end of the summer, Rebecca delivered a fully-fleshed out vision for the project, which will have a lasting impact on the organization.
During my summer at SolarKal as an MBA summer associate, I spearheaded a comprehensive competitor analysis, focusing on benchmarking SolarKal against two primary competitors in terms of pricing and technological capabilities. SolarKal, a US-based solar energy marketplace startup, aims to revolutionize the solar energy procurement industry. My project was directly aligned with the organization's mission to secure its competitive edge in the market, especially after securing recent growth stage funding. I presented my insights to an audience of eight senior executives, including the entire C-suite, to inform strategic positioning.
My MBA coursework equipped me with the analytical and strategic thinking skills necessary for my role. Courses in Competitive Strategy and Data Analytics were particularly relevant. I applied these skills in streamlining the in-house solar calculator by integrating IRR, state incentives, and evolving regulatory trends. My academic background enabled me to collaborate cross-functionally with sales and product teams to enhance client engagement by designing and building a new product MVP.
The primary challenge was navigating the competitive landscape of the solar energy procurement industry. I had to conduct an in-depth analysis of competitors like Lumen Energy and Station A, focusing on various aspects such as pricing structure, product offerings, and technological infrastructure. Balancing this with internal cross-functional collaborations was demanding but rewarding. Another challenge was ensuring that my recommendations were actionable and aligned with SolarKal's strategic goals.
My summer at SolarKal was an enriching experience that solidified my passion for renewable energy, particularly solar energy. I was not only involved in high-impact projects but also had the opportunity to immerse myself in the company culture. From hanging out with like-minded colleagues to participating in company events and socials, the experience was holistic. A memorable event was the annual retreat where all staff traveled to NYC; it was an excellent networking opportunity and a lot of fun. Most importantly, this internship has directed my career focus towards renewable energy, and I am currently recruiting for roles in this sector.