Master of Environmental Management student Akosua Bandoh shares her journey to choosing the Energy and Environment (EE) concentration and how it’s preparing her for a successful career. From initial motivations to key experiences in the program, get an inside look at how this concentration is shaping her future.
What drew you to the EE concentration and how is it preparing you for your career?
My previous work in the energy sector helped me see how central energy is to national development. While I had experience in oil and gas, I became increasingly aware of the urgent need for more sustainable approaches to energy—especially for communities that still lack reliable access. I chose the Energy and Environment concentration to grow beyond what I had known and to better understand the technologies, systems, and policies that can drive a just and sustainable energy transition. This concentration is giving me the tools to engage critically with energy issues, explore clean energy solutions, and contribute meaningfully to efforts that expand access and address environmental challenges at the same time.
How does that skillset complement what you're learning in your other concentration?
My secondary concentration is Environmental Analytics and Modeling (EAM) and it complements well Energy and Environment. While Energy and Environment helps me understand the systems, structures and decision-making around energy, EAM strengthens my ability to interpret and analyze environmental and energy data. It equips me with tools to model and analyze energy and environmental systems, which supports data-driven decision-making.
What has been the most rewarding experience or project in the program?
One of the most rewarding parts of the program has been the realization that I can now understand and engage with energy, policy and sustainability news in ways I couldn’t prior to grad school. That shift, from not fully grasping certain topics to confidently following and analyzing them, has been incredibly fulfilling. I’ve also really appreciated how my class naturally bonded while working through challenging assignments and projects together each week. There's something special about growing alongside people who are equally passionate and curious. In addition, participating in career treks has enriched my learning by helping me connect classroom concepts to real-world applications. Hearing from professionals across sectors has helped clarify what’s possible and inspired me to explore new career paths in energy and sustainability.
What advice would you give to someone considering this concentration?
Go for it—it’s absolutely worth it! The Energy and Environment concentration is incredibly relevant in today’s world, where energy plays a central role in everything from climate policy to development and innovation. It gives you a solid foundation to understand how energy systems work and how they connect to the environment, economy and society. Even if you're not sure where you want to focus long-term, this concentration opens your eyes to a wide range of opportunities. The learning curve may feel steep at times, but each class, conversation and experience builds your confidence. Take advantage of career treks, speaker events and group projects— they'll help you connect theory with practice and find your place in the energy space.