How Georgetown’s Environment and Sustainability Management Program Supports Careers in Energy and Sustainability

Georgetown University’s Environment and Sustainability Management (ESM) program helps students connect environmental science, data analysis, and business to address real energy and sustainability challenges. For Margaret Benson (ESM’26), who previously managed a $430 million Department of Energy grant portfolio, the program offered a way to deepen her technical knowledge, broaden her perspective, and clarify her next step in the energy field.

Key Takeaways

• Margaret Benson supported the management of a $430 million grant portfolio at the Department of Energy before joining the ESM program.
• Georgetown’s Washington, D.C., location provides unparalleled access to professional and alumni networks.
• The curriculum expands expertise through ecology, data analytics, and advanced energy coursework.
• Capstone projects provide hands-on consulting experience, including projects focused on solar and battery storage optimization.
• Prospective students should review the curriculum carefully to understand how the program’s science, data, and business courses align with their career goals.

Why Choose Georgetown’s ESM Program for an Energy Career?

Offered jointly by Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business and Earth Commons, the ESM program builds a broader foundation across environmental science, data analysis, and business by combining rigorous scientific coursework with practical business training in an integrated 50/50 curriculum.

This intersection of disciplines resonated deeply with Benson’s career goals. She previously worked as a technical project officer in the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program in the U.S. Department of Energy, managing energy efficiency and renewable energy grants and overseeing a portion of the portfolio that distributed $430 million to 2,700 local governments, states, and tribes. She joined Georgetown to expand her knowledge in new areas like ecology and data tools.

For Benson, studying in Washington, D.C., also meant being close to the policy, nonprofit, energy, and alumni networks that shape the sustainability field.

 “I was really interested in attending a university in Washington, D.C.,” said Benson. “I knew that Georgetown had connections in the city with alumni and programs that we could leverage to build and strengthen our network.”

How Do ESM Students Bring Professional Experience Into the Classroom?

ESM students bring a wide variety of professional and academic experiences to the classroom. Because ESM is a 10-month, cohort-based program, students learn closely with classmates who bring different academic, professional, and personal perspectives to sustainability challenges.

Before her tenure at the Department of Energy, Benson earned her undergraduate degree in agricultural economics from Virginia Tech. Following graduation, she served as an AmeriCorps member with City Year, an education nonprofit, where she ran after-school environmental clubs for middle school students. She then transitioned to become an Oak Ridge Science Technology Policy Fellow right before the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 

“I came to Georgetown with a background of working with people who really care about the industry, and that’s something that I’ve noticed in the ESM program, too,” said Benson. “This is a very group-oriented, project-heavy program, and I get to work with people who are not just trying to complete the project but trying to learn and get something out of it, too.” 

Experiences like these highlight the varied, passion-driven backgrounds of the Georgetown cohort. Students learn from one another, ensuring that group work is focused on true comprehension rather than just completion.

How Does the Curriculum Support Career Goals?

The Georgetown ESM coursework builds foundational scientific knowledge before moving into advanced, big-picture sustainability topics. This progression ensures graduates understand both micro-level implementations and macro-level impacts.

During the first half of the year, students focus heavily on environmental science, including ecology and data analysis tools. In the spring semester, students then transition to advanced energy classes.

This structure allows students to see how individual energy efficiency upgrades directly influence overall grid resilience and energy pricing. 

“The first half of the year did not have a large energy focus, so I was able to learn ecology and different types of data tools that I hadn’t used before and see firsthand how these systems could connect back to my prior work experience,” said Benson. “In the spring semester, we took many big-picture energy classes where I could see how individual energy efficiency upgrades directly affect overall grid resilience and energy pricing. It’s been really cool to gain a comprehensive, full-circle view of sustainable business.” 

What is the Capstone Project Experience Like?

To culminate her experience in the program, Benson worked with Nexus Renewable Power, a solar development company based in Texas, for her capstone project. The ESM capstone is a semester-long opportunity to work with an external organization on a real environmental or business challenge. It provides practical consulting experience that is highly valuable for post-graduate job interviews.

“I was really interested in the capstone component of the ESM degree, where we get to feel like we’re working with another company that is external to Georgetown and see what it’s like working on those types of projects for the whole semester,” said Benson. “That experience was transferable in job interviews and just talking to other people working in different areas of the energy industry.” 

As part of the project, Benson’s team was tasked with optimizing energy costs by analyzing how to combine solar power and battery storage effectively.

“We evaluated the financial benefits of selling energy back to the grid versus utilizing firm-priced contracts,” said Benson. “This direct engagement with industry professionals equips me with practical insights, relevant talking points, and a stronger understanding of the energy sector.”

How Can Students Balance Coursework and Work Experience?

According to Benson, balancing the accelerated Georgetown ESM program with internships requires strict calendar management and a proactive approach to scheduling. While demanding, it helped her to gain concurrent industry experience.

“Transitioning to a full-time accelerated program can feel like a round-the-clock commitment, especially when balancing coursework with a part-time job,” said Benson, who currently works part-time doing community engagement for a solar company, which complements her studies.

“To manage group projects and individual assignments, I rely heavily on keeping a strictly updated calendar.” The workload requires planning and tradeoffs, but Benson found that clear scheduling, flexible employers, and supportive faculty helped her manage the pace.

How Does the Career Center Support Post-Graduate Success?

The McDonough Career Center provides active, ongoing support for students navigating their career transitions. Professional development is woven into the student experience.

Even professionals with extensive prior experience often use the ESM program to discover exactly where they want to fit within the broader sustainability field. The McDonough Career Center is highly responsive whenever students hear back about applications or connect with new leads at networking events.

Georgetown ESM students also receive career support from dedicated staff, including Director of Career Services Emily Kane, who helps students think through applications, networking opportunities, and next steps as they refine their goals. This ongoing guidance helps students refine their focus over the duration of the 10-month program.

Frequently Asked Questions

What background do you need for the Georgetown ESM program?

Students come from diverse academic and professional backgrounds. While some have degrees in environmental science or business-related fields, others pivot from entirely different fields. The program is designed to provide a comprehensive foundation, so prior subject matter expertise is helpful but not strictly required.

Does Georgetown provide career support for ESM students?

Yes, Georgetown provides a dedicated director of career services to help ESM students navigate their post-graduate goals. The McDonough Career Center staff is highly accessible, offering personalized advice on applications, networking events, and industry leads.

What advice do you have for prospective applicants?

Prospective students should carefully review the core syllabus and coursework before applying. Understanding the specific classes and learning outcomes ensures the program aligns with your career goals. Returning to school is an excellent way to broaden your horizons and refresh your industry knowledge.

Take the Next Step

Interested in building a career at the intersection of sustainability, energy, and business? Explore Georgetown’s ESM program to learn more about the curriculum, admissions requirements, and how the 10-month experience can help you clarify your next professional step.

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