In this original blog post, Andrew Mukurazita, MSBA/MBA ’25, shares his summer internship experience!
This summer has been a truly transformative experience, not only professionally but also personally. I had the incredible opportunity to work as a Business Development Associate at the InnoEnergy Skills Institute, an arm of EIT InnoEnergy, renowned for building one of the largest sustainable energy ecosystems globally.
By being based at Greentown Labs in Somerville, MA, and participating in the MassCEC Clean Energy Internship Program, I was at the intersection of innovation and sustainability – a space where critical global energy challenges are tackled with ingenuity and commitment.
The Recruitment Process
My internship journey began with my registration with the MassCEC Clean Energy Internship Program, which connects students with companies in the clean energy sector. Afterwards, through networking, I connected with Browning the Green Space, an organization committed to diversity in the green economy, where I completed my first interview. Browning the Green Space then brought me to the attention of InnoEnergy Skills Institute, and I went through three rounds of interviews with their team.
Throughout the process, I made use of the CSE resources at Brandeis International Business School, and with the guidance of my Career Coach, I successfully negotiated an increase in my internship compensation. The experience taught me the importance of leveraging career support and being proactive in advocating for my value.
Diving into Clean Energy and Business Development
My role at InnoEnergy Skills Institute was multifaceted, covering market research, grant writing, lead generation, and partnership development, all while contributing to the organization’s expansion efforts in North America. This hybrid internship offered flexibility, allowing me to work both remotely and in person, providing a unique perspective on the dynamics of a global workforce.
One of my main responsibilities was conducting in-depth market research in clean energy sectors like electric vehicles (EVs), batteries, hydrogen, and solar energy. The insights I gathered were pivotal in shaping InnoEnergy’s strategic decisions, including identifying emerging market trends and evaluating competitors. The research helped sharpen my analytical skills, teaching me how to synthesize complex data into actionable recommendations.
Shaping Strategic Growth and Exposure to Greentown Labs
A major focus of my internship was supporting InnoEnergy’s expansion in North America through strategic partnerships, grant research, and market development. I worked closely with the sales and marketing teams on lead generation and outreach strategies, crafting compelling communication materials to engage potential clients and partners.
I also identified relevant federal and state funding opportunities, playing a key role in streamlining the grant application process to align with InnoEnergy’s goals.
Additionally, the exposure to Greentown Labs’ vibrant climate tech ecosystem allowed me to connect with innovators and entrepreneurs, broadening my perspective on the cutting-edge technologies driving clean energy.
Key Learnings and Takeaways
One of the most rewarding aspects of this internship was the opportunity to continuously learn and grow. Here are some of the key takeaways that I will carry forward:
1. Volunteering and Proactivity: One of the early lessons I learned was the importance of volunteering to take on tasks, even those that may seem outside of my immediate responsibilities. However, it was equally important to ensure that I fully understood the scope of the work before diving in. I made it a point to seek clarification whenever I had any doubts, which not only helped me deliver better results but also built trust with my team.
2. Getting Things Done: I embraced a mindset of focusing on outcomes. In the fast-paced clean energy sector, having the ability to complete tasks efficiently is invaluable. I quickly realized that being resourceful and using all available tools to solve problems helped me stand out and consistently meet my targets.
3. Teamwork and Networking: Being a team player was critical to my success. Whether I was working closely with colleagues at InnoEnergy or collaborating with external consultants, fostering good relationships was key. Additionally, networking within Greentown Labs and beyond allowed me to form valuable connections that I will carry with me throughout my career.
4. Foresight and Anticipation: Anticipating future needs became a vital part of my work. Whether it was preparing for potential client meetings or identifying industry trends ahead of time, this ability allowed me to offer strategic insights that helped my team stay ahead of the curve.
5. Preparation for Meetings: Entering every meeting fully prepared became a personal best practice. I took time to understand the key points to be discussed, anticipate potential questions, and formulate ideas for contributing to the conversation. This level of preparedness not only boosted my confidence but also increased my effectiveness during discussions.
What’s Next?
As I embark on my final semester at Brandeis International Business School, I carry forward the lessons learned during this internship. My time at InnoEnergy has solidified my commitment to the clean energy sector and honed my skills in business development, market research, and partnership building. I am excited to continue working toward a future where sustainability and innovation drive meaningful change.
