Internships and Fellowships
Internships
Internships are a great way to learn about clean energy as a possible future career path. All current college and graduate students are encouraged to apply.
Beginning in 2024, NYSERDA will also work in partnership with the SUNY Climate Corps Internship Program, which is designed to help SUNY students learn about climate policy and programs, help to advance the Governor's environmental agenda, and cultivate the next generation of knowledgeable, diverse, and New York-rooted climate leaders. All qualified candidates of the SUNY Climate Corps Internship Program are encouraged to apply for NYSERDA internships.
As a NYSERDA intern, you’ll be paid. And, you will have an opportunity to work with the people driving New York State’s nation-leading clean energy initiatives.
Internships are offered during the summer and school year. They have a flexible/hybrid status, so hours can be worked from home and office.
NOTE: Interns must be located in New York State while working. It is expected that interns will follow our telework policy, with a combination of in-office and remote work.
To be alerted when new opportunities are posted for the 2023/2024 academic year, sign up for the careers email list. Due to the volume of inquiries we are not able to reply to general applications.
Fellowships
New York is a leader in the fight on global climate change and the transition to a clean energy economy. As a unique public service opportunity, NYSERDA Fellows will be on the front lines of this work, involved in launching comprehensive efforts to advance new markets for clean energy technologies, including offshore wind, solar, energy storage, energy efficiency, smart grid, net zero and grid-interactive buildings, and electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.
NYSERDA is looking for the next generation of strategic leaders to help meet the State’s nation-leading climate and energy goals, setting New York on a path to a carbon neutral economy. NYSERDA Fellows will bring their diverse backgrounds and new perspectives to discussions with academia, government officials, industry, entrepreneurs, and other key stakeholders. As full-time employees, NYSERDA Fellows will join program teams to develop and execute new market-focused initiatives. This hands-on approach will expose NYSERDA Fellows to all aspects of growing New York’s clean energy economy, including but not limited to identifying market barriers and opportunities; strategic policy development; program design, development, and implementation; and project and program management. Fellows will also engage with senior members of the organization, as well as other key policy making groups at national, state and local levels, to help create and influence policy in New York State. This is an opportunity to focus on the most pressing issues of the day.
Fellows will take part in NYSERDA’s pivotal role of shaping the broader energy and climate policy landscape. They will work to meet the State’s bold climate and clean energy commitments and help navigate New York through this exciting uncharted territory on the forefront of the global energy transition.
NYSERDA Fellowships are designed to be flexible to attract all levels of experience, both recent graduates and working professionals with demonstrated experience. While opportunities listed are intended to offer an impactful experience, the fellowship may be adapted to the NYSERDA Fellow’s skills, interests, and career goals.
Fellowship Details
Qualifications
Additional requirements may be included with each Fellowship Opportunity.
- 2+ years of professional experience
- Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D. or JD graduates, with superior academic performance
- Strong analytical, research, and communication skills
- Ability to initiate independent projects and work across disciplines
- Ability to facilitate cross-functional, multi-disciplinary teams of professionals to solve policy, technology, or market opportunities/challenges
- Driven to advance innovative energy solutions and policies in ways that improve New York’s economy and environment
Employment Details
- NYSERDA Fellowships typically have a 2-year term
- Location is dependent on each fellowship opportunity, but Fellows will be located in either Albany or New York City
- NYSERDA Fellows are full-time NYSERDA employees, paid a competitive salary, and receive full benefits
- Fellowship opportunities become available and start at various times throughout the year, depending on the opportunity
- Fellowships are merit-based and result from a competitive application process
Additional Information
Strong candidates demonstrate:
- Critical thinking
- Fact-based critical analysis of primary research
- Fresh and innovative perspectives
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to demonstrate leadership or innovative thinking in your field
- Ability to provide influential and transformational impact
- Enthusiasm and commitment to public service
NYSERDA provides Fellows with:
- Opportunities for collaboration with State policy makers
- Engagement with leading technical experts and innovators
- Opportunity to make a significant impact in New York’s transition to a clean energy economy and the fight against global climate change
Will I get a full-time job after the NYSERDA Fellowship?
While there is no guarantee of employment after the two-year fellowship, Fellows may have the opportunity to continue in a non-fellowship role depending on work performance and availability of open positions.