"My internship at NEST allowed me to think critically about the relationships amongst community organizations and residents. I owe my experience here to becoming more passionate about real issues that matter and forging the way to having conversations about how these issues can be solved, all while having fun, making new friendships, and being a part of an amazing team! My favorite memory at NEST was tabling at the Grassroots Festival in Trumansberg, NY!"

"At Salas O'Brien, an engineering and design firm, I work on projects varying from building design to energy benchmarking to clean energy transition work. During my time at NEST, I learned about state and local clean energy programs, clean heating & cooling technology, and how to advocate for the causes I believe in. The most important lesson I learned from this experience is to be knowledgeable and well- spoken about your work or interests and then get out there and talk to people as much as possible. Collaboration and teamwork lead to better chances of success, and in sustainability, we are all part of the same team."

"The Energy Corps internship was a great base for learning about the energy sector in New York. I learned about the science of solar energy and the dynamics of financing with net metering. It provided the opportunity to illustrate the benefits of solar energy to potential customers and government officials. In my career, the internship improved my collaboration, customer relations, presentation, and project management skills. My fondest memory would be bonding with the team and traveling around the Southern Tier."

"The internship experience at NEST is as valuable as you make it. There are ample opportunities to learn about all aspects of the renewable industry and follow your specific interests and curiosities. I was able to focus on policy, the regulatory process, grassroots action, project development, and community education. This experience gave me a robust understanding of how the industry works and provided a foundation to build my career upon."

"My current job has direct overlap with what I did as an intern. I do outreach for the NYC Department of Transportation, which requires the skills that I acquired when conducting outreach as a NEST intern. The Energy Corps internship helped me sharpen my outreach skills, from public speaking to data analysis, both of which have helped shape my career."

"Working the Energy Corps Internship was a very promising experience. Not only did I learn about the different facets of the renewable energy industry, but I also obtained many transferable skills such as public speaking/presenting, communication, writing, and problem-solving. I was fortunate to spend most of my time doing education and outreach with HSST and I am confident that the things that I learned while working the Energy Corps internship will set me up for success as I venture into the clean energy workforce."

"The internship taught me all about how customer relations management systems worked and absolutely set the groundwork for my current job. In addition, it gave me different connections within the clean energy industry. I don't have a singular fond memory of the experience because it was all great. I did really enjoy that the office was right in downtown Binghamton though because it was the first chance that I had to explore the city."

"Without the Energy Corps internship, I would not have been able to secure the position I currently hold as the Sustainability Organizer for the Long Island Progressive Coalition, where I lead efforts for energy democracy and climate justice in the region. I help manage LIPA’s solar campaign to service nonprofits, houses of worship, and affordable housing developments with low-cost solar. The altruism that drives the NEST program and the tangible effects that it has in the Southern Tier is truly inspiring."