An Interview with Aaron Menkin, President of the George Washington University MBA Energy Group
1. What are the goals of the Energy Group and can you tell me how the organization got started?
The GWU Energy Group enhances the networking and educational opportunities for students and the GW community interested in the investment, development and regulation of the energy and sustainable development industries. With a focus on the Renewable Energy, Cleantech and Green Building markets, the group meets regularly to develop skills, share experiences, contacts, and coordinate speakers/events. The ultimate goal of the group is to maximize GWSB’s standing as a leading knowledge center and talent pool in energy and sustainable development.
Learning of the great interest of GW MBA’s in the energy and sustainable development industries through contact with the then MBA Association President, I was inspired to form an organization that brought the speakers and programs to campus that would prepare myself and my classmates for careers in the field. Before arriving on campus this fall, I had prepared the organization’s Statement of Purpose, filed necessary papers with the student government and expedited the process of budget approval. I have spent the last year recruiting members, producing programming and coordinating the Business Response to Climate Change Conference.
2. What type of events does the organization run during the year?
Energy and Brew
A monthly speaker series in which we ask a GW student to arrange a presentation on an area that they have done research on or have experience in to improve the collective awareness and education of the group.
Dinner with the Professionals
A speaker series where group members bring in local professionals to speak about specific industry issues or their career/company, over dinner.
Keynote Event – The Business Response to Climate Change
DC entrepreneurs, consultants, policy experts, corporate officials and non-profit leaders came together at The George Washington University on April 8th 2010, to challenge the economic, political, and social status quo to offer a vision for a renewable and sustainable future.
3. Aaron, can you tell me about yourself?
I am driven to improve the environment through business innovation.
Currently a first year student in GW’s full-time Global MBA program, I concentrate my studies on real estate and energy markets as well as relevant analytical techniques and marketing strategies. I am the President and Founder of the GWU Energy Group as well as the President of GW's Real Estate Investment and Development Organization.
Before starting the program, I worked for AECOM and the US Renewables Group in the energy and development markets as both an Analyst and Marketing Coordinator. I have prepared real estate and infrastructure development recommendations for teams of planners, engineers, architects, municipal officials and developers on over 20 projects in both domestic and international markets. I am a LEED Accredited Professional and have devoted my career to financing and marketing sustainable development solutions that contribute to the bottom line.
4. What does the job market look like in Washington, DC? (finance and sustainability/clean energies)
I am very happy with the job prospects within the DC Energy and Sustainability Industries. There are a great combination of investors, utilities, consultants, industry organizations, start-ups, government departments and non-profits to explore my interest and advance my career after graduation. DC’s relative stability during the recent economic recession speaks to the strength of its local economy. With aging energy infrastructure, higher fuel costs and pending carbon legislation, there only promises to be more opportunities and challenges in the coming months and years in this city.
5. Where can students go to get more information about your organization or to reach out to you? (and another associated organizations)
http://gwmbaa.com/mba-student-orgs/energy-club/
