Q: What attracted you to the MEECON program?

The MEECON is a great program, the most attractive part of the program was the topics and classes that we were going to go over the program, these courses go in depth over very specific topics that serve as great tools for real-world jobs. Not to mention the world-class setting of being in the Energy capital of the world, Houston; with the best professors and faculty available.

Q: What was your career like prior to the MEECON program?

Before the MEECON program, I came straight from another program that I felt didn't give me the right tools to excel within the energy sector, the program certainly gave me the exact tools needed to excel and most importantly an edge within the labor market.

Q: Where are you now in your work and what do you do?

Currently, I work for Exus, a renewable asset manager company with a global footprint in Wind and solar generation; as a Commercial Analyst within the Commercial Team. My job includes power trading and settlements for over 50 wind and solar facilities on every energy market within the US and Canada including ERCOT, CAISO, AESO, and PJM, this includes Real-Time, Day Ahead, capacity Markets, and RECs. I also manage Hedge operations with Financial institutions and offtakers which includes optimization and maker analysis of new projects.

Q: What was the highlight/most memorable moment of your experience in the MEECON program?

The connections and people you meet along the way. Students within the program, professors that are the world reference on certain topics, guests, and speakers within the Baker Institute and the Center of Energy Studies. Everyone you meet along the way has this passion for the energy sector, and they;love to share their knowledge and experiences with you. The connections that you make within the industry are priceless.

Q: What was your favorite class in the MEECON program?

This is a tough question since many of the classes are amazing. I was the only student who took every single class and elective in my year, and one of my favorite classes that I took was 'ECON 621 Electricity Industry Economics' mainly because I have a passion for electricity and because you are learning about the grid which is "The biggest machine in the world". Nowadays this is the backbone of my work and day-to-day work, certainly, this class helped me excel in my current role.

Q: What would you say to someone who is considering leaving their job for about one year to pursue a professional master's program?

If I ever went back in time, and I was making the same decisions I would not doubt a second about the MEECON program. This program will give you the best tools available to understand the Energy sector in depth and with a global perspective. The program itself is not for your average student, it requires true commitment and passion for the economics behind the Energy Sector. As the program states it's an intense year, but certainly worth your time especially if you work within the industry and love the energy sector.