Summer Internship Spotlight: Michelle Kolacz (ESM’25), Center for Green Market Activation

Each year, our students spend their summers in Washington, D.C., across the nation, and around the world working in corporate, nonprofit, and government organizations. Meet a few of our graduate and undergraduate students in our Summer Internship Spotlight series.

This summer, Michelle Kolacz (ESM’25) explored market-driven solutions for decarbonization with the Center for Green Market Activation, a globally focused nonprofit dedicated to catalyzing the adoption of low- and zero-carbon fuels, materials, and services. Here, Kolacz shares insights into the impactful projects she worked on, the skills she developed, and advice for getting the most out of your internship experience. 

Tell us about your internship.

This summer, I’m working as an Advanced and Indirect Mitigation (AIM) Platform intern at the Center for Green Market Activation (GMA). I support the Standards and Guidance team by conducting research and contributing to the development of technical content for the AIM Platform, which seeks market-based pathways to decarbonization.  

The AIM Platform provides clear, science-aligned guidance on how companies can credibly account for and invest in emission reductions in their value chains. By clarifying when and how these interventions can support climate goals, the platform seeks to accelerate private-sector climate finance and scale global mitigation impact. The AIM Platform is convened by GMA, the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, and Gold Standard, and consults closely with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and the Science-Based Targets Initiative.  

This internship has been a great opportunity to engage with experts across sectors and gain insight into how diverse stakeholders are advancing credible decarbonization strategies. The experience has further solidified my commitment to high-impact climate work, and I look forward to continuing to grow and contribute in this space. 

How did your internship relate to your professional or personal interests?  

I’ve been increasingly interested in how we can accelerate decarbonization, especially through market-driven solutions, which is why the Master of Science in Environment and Sustainability Management (ESM) program appealed to me. I appreciate a balance of science and business thinking in decision-making. This internship allows me to work directly on strategies and standards that support that focus, while gaining experience at the intersection of climate, policy, and systems change. 

How did you find your internship?  

One of my professors shared the job post with our class. The company contact had taken a course with the same professor years ago, so it was great to see that full-circle connection, and it reminded me of the strength of alumni networks and faculty relationships in one’s career. 

What is the most interesting or impactful thing you worked on during your internship? 

All of my work contributes to the goals of the AIM Platform, and knowing that our efforts reduce barriers to decarbonization in hard-to-abate sectors makes the internship incredibly fulfilling. It’s meaningful to contribute to an effort that has both immediate technical relevance and long-term climate impact. 

What did a typical day look like working for a globally-focused nonprofit? 

My days are a mix of research, writing, and collaborative meetings. I primarily focus on supporting technical content development, but I also contribute to other materials and provide editorial input as needed.  

What advice do you have for other students when it comes to internships? 

Work experience is incredibly valuable. If you are early in your career or pivoting into a new focus area, I recommend pursuing internships during the academic year, not just over the summer, because applying classroom learning in real time deepens your understanding of those concepts. Furthermore, internships are an excellent way to explore your interests and gain practical experience in your desired field of focus. They can also open doors to exciting networks and opportunities, preparing you for post-graduation success, especially in the D.C. area.