Careers in Renewable Energy Panel Discussion
On April 1, 2026, the Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute (RASEI), in partnership with (WRISE), hosted a panel discussion exploring careers in the renewable energy sector. The event brought together students, researchers, and professionals interested in learning more about the range of opportunities available in this rapidly evolving field.
Colorado WRISE, a local chapter of a nationwide organization, works to accelerate the transition to a sustainable energy future by supporting the education, professional development, and advancement of women in renewable energy. In collaboration with RASEI, the event highlighted both the diversity of career pathways in the industry and the importance of building an inclusive and connected professional community.
The panel featured six professionals representing a wide cross-section of the renewable energy landscape. Panelists included (Foss & Company), (Ulteig), Professor Tanja Cuk (CU Boulder), (Tract), Dr. (Sunforged Solutions), and Terri Walters (CU Boulder). Their collective experience spanned industry, academia, policy, project development, and engineering, offering attendees a broad perspective on how different roles contribute to the clean energy transition.
The discussion began with each panelist sharing a brief overview of their background and career journey. A common theme that emerged was the variety of entry points into renewable energy. Some panelists described following more traditional academic or technical pathways, while others highlighted nonlinear routes that drew on transferable skills from other industries. This diversity of experiences underscored a key takeaway for attendees: there is no single path into the renewable energy sector.
Panelists also addressed the evolving nature of careers in sustainability and clean energy. As the industry continues to grow, so too does the demand for a wide range of skill sets, including engineering, policy, finance, project management, and community engagement. Several speakers emphasized that the energy transition is not only a technical challenge, but also a social and economic one, requiring collaboration across disciplines.
Another important theme was the value of adaptability and continuous learning. Panelists encouraged attendees to remain open to new opportunities, build interdisciplinary and interpersonal skills, and seek out experiences that broaden their understanding of the energy system as a whole. Whether through internships, research, or networking, early career exploration was highlighted as an important step in identifying areas of interest within the field.
Following the panel discussion, attendees had the opportunity to continue conversations during a casual networking session with light refreshments. This provided a valuable space for students and early-career professionals to connect, and to learn more about job and internship opportunities in the renewable energy sector.
Overall, the event provided stories and insights around careers in renewable energy, highlighting both the breadth of opportunities available and the many pathways into the field. By bringing together professionals from different sectors and stages of their careers, the panel provided attendees with a clearer understanding of how they might navigate their own career journeys in sustainability.
RASEI and Colorado WRISE look forward to hosting similar events in the future that continue to connect the campus and broader community with leaders in renewable energy and sustainability.