From battery storage to artificial intelligence, students at CSI recently connected with employers shaping New York City’s growing clean-energy workforce at the College’s Green Job Fair. Students connected with leading companies, organizations, and non-profits to explore a wide range of career opportunities committed to sustainability. 

Representatives from organizations including NYC Parks, NYPIRG, Department of Environmental Conservation, and Orenda attended the fair to introduce students to careers in renewable energy, engineering, public service, and real estate. It allowed students to network directly with professionals while learning about industries focused on sustainability and energy efficiency. 

One of the recruiters present at the fair, Michael Porto, Director of External Affairs at Orenda, emphasized that internships at Orenda are open to a variety of majors and that students should take advantage of these opportunities. 

“Everything from sustainability to business to engineering, even AI machine learning is of interest to our company,” said Porto. “People who know real estate would be good for our origination team. “We’re building over 200 projects throughout the City, including on Staten Island. We’re here to get kids excited about clean energy, and preach the benefits of battery storage, how they’re safe, or they can help the grid, and bring down bills,” said Porto. “We have a rolling internship program, so we’re always looking for good talent.” 

Employers emphasized that technical skills are only one part of what companies are seeking from young professionals entering the workforce. Recruiters encouraged students to develop communication skills and adaptability alongside industry knowledge. 

NYPIRG, a statewide nonprofit organization focused on environmental advocacy and civic engagement, discussed volunteer and internship opportunities with students. Daniel Bayer, a CSI student who serves on the organization’s board of directors, spoke with attendees about getting involved in canvassing efforts, public-interest campaigns, and hands-on internship experiences at the organization. 

Underscoring the importance of Green Jobs, Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced a $50 million investment to expand workforce training programs for clean energy and renewable energy careers. The funding, part of a larger $320 million statewide commitment, will support technical training, career preparation, and internship opportunities in fields such as energy storage, building electrification, and renewable energy systems.  

State officials said the initiative is designed to help prepare students and workers for growing demand in the clean-energy industry while creating more family-sustaining jobs across New York. 

With that state support and encouragement in mind, recruiters and students at the fair spent the afternoon exchanging contact information, discussing internship opportunities and exploring future career paths in sustainability. Organizers said the event helped expose students to the growing demand for workers in clean energy and environmental industries across New York City. 

By S. Manai