1. Domain Expert
This summer I had the incredible opportunity to work under the CFO of a local solar energy instillation company. I met Jeff Chavkin at a local store wearing his "Geoscape Solar" sweatshirt. We discussed my intentions to major in finance with a minor in sustainability and he informed me that he also studied finance at University of Virginia. The then gave me a card and after a few emails he offered me a short term internship during summer A session when I was home. I had the opportunity to see and learn about many aspects of the solar field, including marketing and financing projects. This experience will be extremely useful if I ever hope to start my own business in the field or continue my work with Jeff and Geoscape.
2. Market Expert
A large part of my responsibility at Geoscape was in the marketing department. Nearly every week day I responded directly to the head of marketing, Irene Helfetz. Irene gave me lists of organizations and individuals to contact about projects and marketing opportunities. I also had a chance to work at vendor stations at trade shows to help sell our product. Irene will be a valuable resource to help me market my design as she is an expert on social media and customer outreach. She has also established a strong network of individuals who care about and believe in solar energy.
3. Supplier
One of the main suppliers Geoscape Solar orders from and recommends is SunPower. This american company produces the most efficient panels on the market and offer a unique 25 year warrantee. During my time I Geoscape I had the opportunity to meet with their northeaster Regional Sales Manager, Jim Brown. Together we discussed various product orders and organized shipments throughout the month. With these panels do not yet work directly on cars, this technology could one day be repurposed for my desired purpose.
Reflection
This experience was entirely unique to me. Not only was this my first "office" job but it also came in a field that I am passionate about. Working at Geoscape Solar gave me a much stronger understanding of the work that goes into solar instillations. I learned about various government incentives and marketing techniques that make Solar panels a great option for consumers. Many of these lessons can be applied to my business venture.
Zach,
ReplyDeleteYou did a really great job expanding your network! It sounds like you didn't just go out and introduce yourself, but you really spoke to them and allowed yourself to listen and learn and gain valuable information. The best way to learn sometimes is actually through experience, and it seems you definitely got that. You seem very knowledgable in the topic. Good luck with your project!
Zach,
ReplyDeleteI think your nailed this assignment by really expanding your network. Getting the chance to work under a CFO of a local energy company is amazing. It aligns perfectly with your business idea and obviously it shows that you got a lot out of it. My best advice is to really keep in contact with them as much as you can. I also think it's awesome you got to talk to GeoScape and SunPower. Awesome job!
I think you really did an excellent job with this assignment. Your short internship this summer seemed like it was extremely helpful in many different aspects. You were able to expand your personal network by meeting the three successful individuals. I am sure that there were others that you met as well that can be of get help in the future. Great job on this assignment and congrats on your internship this summer.
ReplyDeleteGreat job landing an internship in a field you find interest in. I am sure it was a different experience than a typical finance internship, in a good way. Although meeting one new person may not sound groundbreaking, it is always the start of something much bigger in the future. Every business starts with a single handshake. As you stated, these relationships may become important again later on.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your post Zach, it is pretty incredible to see that you already have hands on experience in this project. There is nothing like having hands on experience because you already know what the job it is like and what the demand is. I think you did a really great job on your post and finding good experts.
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