Embracing New Industries, and Expanding My Skillset: Consulting in the Sustainability Sector

Coming into the SIRI practicum, I felt incredibly fortunate to be selected for this highly competitive course. While I have some experience in consulting, I recognize that each project presents a unique set of challenges—requiring different skills, industry knowledge, and problem-solving approaches. This is why my current engagement is particularly exciting to me, as it allows me to explore the intersection of sustainability, climate finance, and political stability in a way I had not considered before.

My team is consulting for an organization that uses climate finance to promote peace in fragile and conflict-affected states. Their work centers on an innovative financial instrument that helps monetize renewable energy in conflict zones. This model not only supports corporate sustainability goals but also fosters economic development, energy access, and stability in areas that need it most. I understand that the need for energy transition as well as the importance of political stability in economic development and overall quality of living. However, combing the two together is an ingenious solution that policymakers and corporations should care about. Through this project, I am gaining valuable insights into how clean energy solutions can be tailored to complex geopolitical realities and how financial incentives can drive sustainable development, even in high-risk regions.

What I’m Gaining from This Consulting Experience

One of the most rewarding aspects of this engagement is learning how organizations in the sustainability sector operate at the intersection of policy, finance, and development. Unlike traditional renewable energy projects, which often focus purely on carbon reductions or economic efficiency, this approach integrates peacebuilding into the equation. This broader impact-driven strategy provides a fresh perspective on how sustainability initiatives can be adapted to fragile states, where infrastructure is often unreliable, and investment is scarce.

This project has also sharpened my understanding of voluntary clean energy markets, including how corporations leverage them to meet sustainability goals. Through our research, we hope to identify ways to scale these initiatives by integrating them into public-private partnerships and advocating for their inclusion in sustainability frameworks. The challenge lies in making these efforts both a viable business proposition for corporate buyers and an effective tool for driving renewable energy adoption in conflict zones.

Additionally, this experience is enhancing my ability to work on projects that require a multidisciplinary approach. Energy markets, policy frameworks, and development finance are each complex fields in their own right—combining them requires an ability to navigate uncertainty, think strategically, and engage with a diverse range of stakeholders.

Preparing for the Engagement: Consulting Workshop Takeaways

Before diving into our engagement, our cohort participated in a consulting workshop designed to build key skills and prepare us for real-world client interactions. The workshop provided an opportunity to hear from other teams about their experiences working with different clients, offering valuable insights into consulting best practices and industry-specific challenges.

One of the key takeaways was the importance of adaptability in consulting. Every client has different priorities and constraints, and successful consultants must be able to pivot their approach based on the needs of the organization. Through interactive exercises, we practiced structuring client deliverables and refining our problem-solving frameworks. These skills will be crucial as we navigate the complexities of energy financing in fragile states.

Beyond technical skills, the workshop emphasized the value of teamwork and communication. Consulting projects require strong collaboration, and the exercises helped our team build trust and establish effective workflows. The ability to manage expectations, align on objectives, and synthesize different perspectives will be instrumental in delivering high-quality recommendations.

Looking Ahead

As our project progresses, I am eager to delve deeper into the policy and financial mechanisms that can support the growth of sustainable energy financing in fragile regions. I am particularly interested in identifying how policymakers can be better engaged to drive demand for renewable energy investments and how public-private partnerships can be structured to support their adoption.

Working on this project has already expanded my perspective on the role of sustainability in fragile contexts, and I look forward to applying these insights to future consulting and policy-related work. The experience of collaborating with an organization focused on sustainability and learning from their expertise is proving to be one of the most intellectually rewarding aspects of the SIRI practicum, and I am excited to see the tangible impact our recommendations can have in scaling this important work.