This summer I was fortunate to be a part of the energy storage team for the Climate Knowledge Initiative (CKI), within the Tamer Institute for Social Enterprise and Climate Change. The team developed into two workstreams: power utility and electric mobility. The vision was to build a comprehensive research document that began from understanding the emissions from both sectors and subsectors in each that contributed majorly. Following that, we began understanding the role of energy storage for each sector and what sources of energy storage are used currently. This led to understanding which sources would need replacement because of their high emission, and which are renewable sources that need to grow in order to achieve net zero by 2050. We delved into building detailed research around how exponential the growth must be, what technologies would enable it, what are the growth drivers and challenges, and lastly, what is needed from an investment, policy, and innovation perspective to solve for each. The organization aims to provide consolidated, yet extensive, research for industry players to understand where business and climate needs collide and overlap. This allows industry players to understand what growth sectors need and can be tapped into to achieve the overlap in order to optimize business outcomes that align with climate needs.

A large part of the MBA journey at Columbia Business School (CBS) requires patient learning, compassionate leadership, and succinct speakers. This fellowship was a culmination of each of these attributes. The MBA program has provided in-class and group training to apply these skillsets to real projects. Undertaking this fellowship for such a massive subject with grit and curiosity was a real testament to the training CBS provides us to learn, apply, relearn, and improve through practice. Coincidentally, a few of my MBA classmates were part of the fellowship too. It was interesting to see how each of our working styles differed and how we all came together to make the most of each other’s strengths. Quite a few fellows came from several other schools at Columbia. I would have not had the chance to learn from so many other University students had it not been for the CKI fellowship.

Given the immediate need of such research in the business world, we kept timelines tight. We were aware of the challenge we were laying out for ourselves, and that allowed for transparent and healthy communication with the team, as well as leadership. At times we had to backtrack to check whether we did justice to a section before we moved on to the next, but that turned out to be a healthy pause for our fast paced environment. Additionally, the awareness of a bigger picture goal, such as net zero and creating a trail for others to follow, was an interesting challenge. The team and I took it head-on. Consistent exchange of findings, research, and questions allowed for seamless osmosis across workstreams. The other fellows who had consulting rapport were excellent at the job. I learned a lot from them in terms of synthesizing information, putting an aesthetic and informative deck together, as well as leveraging tech, when applicable, to constantly optimize work methodologies.Through this experience, I was able to learn a great deal about EVs, mineral batteries, renewable energy, and policy administration across the world. There is also a visible difference in how I tackle the information-to-slide-making journey. Lastly, I improved my soft skills around collaborating with colleagues, managing upwards as well as publicly presenting my materials.

Over the course of my internship, I worked closely with Professor Gernor Wagner, Lauren Westley, and Helen, and team members Birru, Ashley (Jisu) and Xiaodan. Xiaodan is a genius with research, tech, models, and so much more. Working with Xiaodan allowed me to appreciate her wisdom, intelligence, and achievements across multiple domains. Birru and Ashley, CKI consultants, were at the top of their game with speedy deliveries, precision of research, and mastering the art of conveying information through visuals. I greatly valued my opportunity to work and learn from them.

The CKI team is a powerhouse overlooking multiple workstreams. Watching these professionals up close and learning from them lends a growth curve I would not have anticipated in such a short period of time. What started as a fellowship opportunity for an excited and curious student turned into a wonderful learning and growing experience.