More Advice to Young Reader on a Career in Renewable Energy

A young reader asked me for more clarification on what coursework he should pursue, given that he intends to make his career in renewable energy.  I respond:

It really depends on your strengths and interests.  Check out how broad “environmental science” is.  If you’re a math/science guy, that’s a great thing in which to major if you want to pursue renewable energy.  If you have a fantastic resume, you could aim for the Bren School at UCSB (near me); it’s probably the top school in the world in this discipline.  

Of course, if you’re a super heavy duty math/science guy, and you want to develop the next-generation of photovoltaics, for example, you’ll want to go after something more specific, in that case, semiconductor physics/engineering or materials science.

If, on the other hand you’re stronger in the humanities, you could go after law, politics, economics, journalism.  In fact, one of the people I admire most in this whole industry is Stephen Lacey, formally the managing editor of Renewable Energy World.  That was his first job out of college, where he had majored in journalism.  Two years after graduation, he knew more about the industry than most people twice his age who had spent their entire adult lives in this space.  Quite an impressive young man.

Again, best of luck.