"My project with Setpoint.ai focused on the installation of new sites with energy saving climate intelligence technology and the maintenance of existing US sites. Installation included identifying the type of heating and cooling a facility uses, assigning remotes to each floor, and assigning controllers to each specific unit with several auxiliary sensors to determine temperature and occupancy of a zone. This role included understanding proprietary technologies and maintaining relationships with clients, their engineers, technicians, and staff. My position dealt directly with customer success and ensuring critical feedback was received and documented for research and development. I was able to support the Setpoint.ai mission by educating clients on the usage of our platform and providing programmed solutions for their needs. This programming increased our total number of controlled climate zones, the company's key performance indicator. In summation, I was able to provide project management for new sites, support for existing sites, and execute administrative duties for a newly established and growing US division of Setpoint.ai.

I applied the tools gained from my bachelor's in sustainable development daily in two main ways over the course of my fellowship. The first is through the technical comprehension of data collection and analysis, creation of reports with effective communication and metrics, and navigating the crossroads between environmental impact and capitalist institutions. The second and equally important facet of my education is the perspective my studies have given me on the importance of my work resulting in the exhibition of passion and motivation on a daily basis to make progress in the energy used by commercial and industrial buildings. These two pillars enabled me to make a change within Setpoint.ai’s mission by being armed with both the know-how and know-why to operate in a useful capacity and be an asset to the progress of reducing energy consumption on a large scale.

Although I was prepared to operate in this position I was met with some challenges. The most blatant challenge was working remotely and troubleshooting mechanical problems at sites without having been there to gain hands-on exposure and confidence personally. While solving issues, I had to actively listen to understand the root of the issue while being patient with both the Setpoint.ai team with finding a solution and the end-user for understanding and properly implementing it. In addition, I was working with a time zone difference of seven hours from headquarters, which increased the difficulty in providing immediate service for my difficult issues at times. The benefit of these challenges is it improved my ability at organization and communication. In the wake of these frustrations I realize I have honed and polished my aptitude for diplomacy and professionalism and channeled it in the direction of a worthy and impactful cause.

My key takeaways revolve around organization, communication, and persistence. The first takeaway, organization, was essential to operating within an international startup. Although roles and departments are assigned, many projects required the cooperation of multiple departments and stepping outside of the confines of traditional job descriptions. This was only possible by the use of multiple essential task management tools and client relation software. Secondly, communication of what needed to be done, fixed, and completed was necessary from all team members. End-of-day reports for management, bugs encountered for the R&D team and scopes of work for the technicians and site administrators were crucial to successful operation and scaling the business. Finally, persistence was key to making progress as technology in general can be finicky and even more so when new ideas are being introduced to change the industry of property tech. I will keep all of these takeaways close to me as lessons learned and skills to be remembered as I develop each one of my businesses and organizations."