Lena Essak
By connecting with a variety of different people in the industry, I’m learning about the role I can and want to play in the future of renewables.
Pronouns
Degree and Class Year
Hometown
Major
Minor
What three words would you use to describe L&C?
What is your internship this summer, and what are your basic duties?
My internship this summer is in the Community Relations department at EDP Renewables North America. The main responsibility of our office is to help strengthen the relationship with the landowners and communities of our wind and solar projects around North America. We also support other departments with various projects and questions, usually related to community engagement or external facing communication.
What’s the best part of your internship?
The best part of my internship is meeting so many incredible people involved with the company, and learning about the renewable energy industry as a whole.
How has the Sustainability Internship course supported you in the process of finding and securing your internship?
The sustainability internship course was crucial in securing this opportunity. I met with Amy before joining the course, and then stayed in close contact with her throughout the interview process. She was very supportive in helping me choose the position that was the best fit, and advocated for me to the employers I was most interested in working with.
How do you see this internship leading to a career in your chosen field and aiding in your overall career development?
I’ve recently become interested in pursuing a career in the energy industry, which makes this internship a perfect introduction to potential future jobs. By connecting with a variety of different people in the industry, I’m learning about the role I can and want to play in the future of renewables.
How does this internship support your interest in sustainability?
Overcoming the challenge of how we will have enough energy to support our growing population, and how we will produce the energy in a clean, sustainable manner is a pressing issue. I believe working in renewables is one of the most effective ways I can be involved in sustainability efforts that make a real difference. This internship is interesting to me, and will help me grow my knowledge and network in an industry related to sustainability.
