Saad, Economist & Energy Analyst at Environmental Law & Policy Center: Advize Career Interview
A career journey from mechanical engineering internships at Volvo and Robert Bosch in India to a master's in Energy Resources at UT Austin and roles at Stanford and GTI Energy, culminated in a position as an Economist & Energy Analyst at the Environmental Law & Policy Center.
This impactful career involves expert testimony in utility rate cases, economic evaluations for state utilities, and contributing to decarbonization programs and US energy market policy.
The work blends data analytics, engineering, economic modeling, and policy, influencing legislation impacting vulnerable populations.
Success requires a blend of hard and soft skills—technical expertise, strong communication, and navigating diverse stakeholder perspectives—all while bridging the gap between traditionally siloed disciplines.
A passion for the cause, combined with focused expertise and continuous skill-building, are essential.
Entry-level opportunities exist as analysts in various sectors, demanding strong analytical skills and proficiency in tools like Excel or coding languages.
The field offers a chance to integrate value-driven social goals and professional ambitions, showcasing the exciting and intentional transition within the energy industry.
A broad undergraduate experience, embracing diverse activities, is highly recommended to develop clarity and navigate this dynamic and rewarding field.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Saad Siddique
Economist & Energy Analyst
Environmental Law & Policy Center
Visvesvaraya Technological University, India
The University of Texas at Austin
Engineering - Mechanical
Energy and Utilities
Data and Analytics
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, First Generation College Student
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Career Path of an Economist and Energy Analyst at Environmental Law and Policy Center
Saad's career path progressed from a mechanical engineering background in India, including internships at Volvo and Robert Bosch, to a master's in Energy Resources at UT Austin, where "first formal experience in the energy and environment space" came from an internship at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Subsequent roles at Stanford as a sustainability analyst and GTI Energy, focusing on "decarbonization technologies like hydrogen," culminated in Saad's current position as an Economist & Energy Analyst at the Environmental Law & Policy Center.
Main Responsibilities Of An Economist And Energy Analyst At Environmental Law And Policy Center
Saad, an Economist & Energy Analyst at the Environmental Law & Policy Center, provides "expert testimony in utility rate cases" and conducts economic evaluations and research for state utilities and energy policy issues, including work on "decarbonization programs and US energy markets". This involves serving as a technical expert for regulatory and policy proceedings, particularly concerning the future of natural gas and assisting in drafting energy bills for the legislature.
A Day In The Life Of An Economist And Energy Analyst At Environmental Law And Policy Center
Saad's work as an Economist & Energy Analyst at the Environmental Law & Policy Center involves a diverse range of tasks, including "data analytics, engineering analysis, and economic analysis and modeling," ultimately focusing on comparative cost-benefit analyses of different energy technologies and projects to determine if "they provide the same benefit for the cost." This multifaceted approach allows for a comprehensive evaluation of the economic and technological feasibility of various energy solutions.
Most Important Skills for an Economist and Energy Analyst at Environmental Law and Policy Center
Saad's work as an Economist & Energy Analyst requires a blend of "hard skills," such as data analytics and technological understanding, and "soft skills," emphasizing communication with diverse stakeholders—"getting bills passed" necessitates understanding "the perspectives of stakeholder opinions." This multifaceted approach, combining technical expertise with strong communication and an understanding of the political and economic context, underpins their success in driving science-based policy change.
Favorite Parts of Being an Economist and Energy Analyst at Environmental Law and Policy Center
Saad's work as an Economist & Energy Analyst blends "engineering, economics, policy law, and public affairs," allowing for both independent analysis and broader communication of findings. The most rewarding aspect is seeing research directly impact communities, such as through "bills for electricity or gas for vulnerable populations," making a tangible difference in people's lives.
Biggest Challenges Faced By An Economist And Energy Analyst At Environmental Law And Policy Center
Saad's biggest challenge as an Economist & Energy Analyst is the interdisciplinary nature of the work, requiring communication between traditionally siloed disciplines; the difficulty stems from needing to translate technical information between engineers and lawyers, requiring "a lot of practice" to bridge the communication gap and achieve effective collaboration.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Energy Industry as an Economist and Energy Analyst
Saad, an Economist & Energy Analyst, finds the current energy industry transition "more intentional and more exhilarated" due to climate change concerns, creating a significant and exciting challenge. The "time constraint" and "large goals" in shifting to less polluting energy systems make the work both compelling and impactful.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Energy Industry, According To An Economist And Energy Analyst At Environmental Law And Policy Center
Success in the energy industry requires a "passion for the cause," given the long-term nature of work and inevitable criticism, coupled with focused expertise in a niche area developed over many years; becoming an expert and having that passion are key to thriving.
What An Economist And Energy Analyst At Environmental Law And Policy Center Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Environmental Policy Industry
Saad, an Economist & Energy Analyst, learned the crucial importance of understanding "people and how they work," emphasizing that convincing others is key to effectiveness, far beyond simply possessing strong research and facts. This necessitates skillful communication and relationship-building with colleagues and external stakeholders, even those on opposing sides of issues.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Economists and Energy Analysts
Entry-level positions in the field for undergraduate students are primarily "analyst" roles, available in various sectors including "engineering companies, consulting companies, think tanks, nonprofits, or research labs." Success in these roles hinges on strong analytical skills, specifically proficiency in tools like "excel or a coding language, uh, or some statistical analysis experience."
Significant Career Lesson from an Economist and Energy Analyst at Environmental Law and Policy Center
Early in their career, Saad initially believed that pursuing "value-driven social goals and professional goals separately" was necessary; however, they learned it's possible to integrate these, either by finding or creating roles that align "values and professional goals at the same time." This realization, coupled with continuous skill-building, has allowed for a more fulfilling career path.
College Experiences That Helped An Economist And Energy Analyst At Environmental Law And Policy Center Succeed
Saad, an Economist & Energy Analyst, recommends undergraduates immerse themselves in diverse activities, even if their future relevance is unclear, emphasizing that "the more broader experiences you have...will give you more clarity as to what you like and what you don't like." This broad approach, according to Saad, fosters professional growth and aids in post-graduation decision-making.
How Identity Has Influenced An Economist And Energy Analyst At Environmental Law And Policy Center's Career
Saad's experience as an immigrant significantly shaped their career path, requiring adaptation to "the American way of doing things," including communication styles and job application processes. The limited job opportunities available to visa holders presented a "dilemma," forcing a choice between persistent application or pursuing more accessible options, ultimately highlighting the challenges and resilience required to navigate a career in a new country.
Advizer Personal Links
linkedin.com/in/saad-siddique