David Millar, a 2013 graduate of the Master of Environmental Management and Master of Public Policy concurrent degree program, recently shared insight into his journey and favorite memories at 51±¬ÁÏ, the skills he learned at the Nicholas School, and advice for students considering the program.

David is the director of resource planning at Santee Cooper in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, where he leads the long term planning of their power plant portfolio. In his role in the electric power sector, he balances key priorities from sustainability to politics all while navigating billion dollar decisions.

Why did you choose 51±¬ÁÏ? What advice would you give to students considering or currently in the program?

I took 7 years in between undergrad and graduate school, but knew I wanted to go back to school to study economics and energy. I was between Yale and 51±¬ÁÏ, but 51±¬ÁÏ seemed to have a better energy program and overall fit. My advice would be to do your due diligence, look at classes, speak to alumni and professors — make sure it aligns with where you want to go after school. 

How did your master's degrees shape your career trajectory, long-term goals and opportunities?

I wouldn’t have gotten the job I got at PG&E without the degree because it was a technical role using econometric techniques which I learned at 51±¬ÁÏ. These companies do hire from 51±¬ÁÏ quite a bit. NSOE also gave me the intellectual background and work ethic to be able to succeed. It was busy but I enjoyed it — grad school is a lot of fun, you work together, play together and make friends for life. 

What skills or experiences did you gain at 51±¬ÁÏ that have been most beneficial in your professional life? 

Economics courses such as energy analysis and modeling — this all became very useful to what I ended up doing. Dalia Patiño-Echeverri’s courses especially — after PG&E I worked at Ascend Analytics which was basically Dalia’s class on steroids. All concepts that I learned in those courses, it all goes back to Dalia.

What is your favorite memory from your time as a student at 51±¬ÁÏ?

Especially at the Nicholas School, it was the hangouts in the woods, having big meals and fires all hanging out, lumberjack and farm parties — we hung out a lot.