College Experiences That Helped a Director Business Development Clean Energy Transition at American Bureau of Shipping Succeed
Kirk's undergraduate and graduate studies in environmental engineering provided a strong technical foundation, allowing him to focus on "novel ideas" and understand both "business demands and technical demands." This early focus on bridging technical requirements with industry needs directly translates to his current role in clean energy transition business development, where the successful deployment of new technologies hinges on this very skillset.
Technical Skills, Business Acumen, Problem-Solving, Innovation, Clean Energy
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Kirk Waltz
Director, Business Development - Clean Energy Transition
American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (MS), Rice University (MBA)
Engineering - Civil, Engineering - Environmental
Climate, Environment, Sustainability & Waste Management
Sales and Client Management
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Develop a strong technical foundation in a field you are passionate about (e.g., environmental engineering).
2. Seek novel ideas and explore how to develop and deploy new technologies.
3. Understand both the business and technical demands of the industry to effectively develop and implement new concepts and technologies.
Transcript
What did you do in undergrad to set you up for success in your career?
My favorite aspects of undergraduate and graduate school in engineering were building a strong technical foundation in environmental engineering. I enjoyed exploring novel ideas within that field and understanding the process of developing and deploying new technologies into industry.
I follow a similar path in my current role in clean energy transition business development. New technologies and ideas are essential for industries to continue their decarbonization efforts.
Early in my career, I learned the importance of understanding industry needs and the technical requirements and challenges involved in pushing concepts forward, even in the early stages of development. Grasping both business and technical demands was very useful.