A Note From an OCPA Intern: How Clean Energy Has Shaped My Career Aspirations

By Tula Larsen

As my second summer interning with Orange County Power Authority (OCPA) comes to a close, I’m reflecting on the experiences that have shaped not just my internship, but my future. From discovering a passion for energy policy to setting my sights on law school and continuing to advocate for affordable, reliable and clean energy, every opportunity in clean energy has helped clarify both what I want to do, and why I want to do it.

I am currently a Senior Intern with OCPA in the Communications and External Affairs Department, and a rising senior in college majoring in Political Science and Environmental Science at Emory University.

Reflecting backward, I have pride for both the successes and mistakes I have made that have opened doors to different experiences. Over time, I’ve recognized several major traits of what has made a difference in my high school and college journey: Being open-minded, taking advantage of new perspectives and having a willingness to tackle challenges.

My Background in Public Policy and Environmental Advocacy

Early in high school, I hoped to enter the music industry, but I developed an interest in finding solutions to environmental challenges. These interests pushed me to join local Orange County environmental organizations. I volunteered for the Climate Reality Project and created an elementary school climate curriculum, co-founded Reform and Sustain (a North Orange County-based youth climate hub), and joined Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL).

My CCL experience was something I never imagined, as I had no previous experience in policy and very little confidence in communicating legislation to Members of Congress. After CCL members pushed me to try what seemed impossible, I developed a passion for public policy analysis and grassroots lobbying.

These passions led me to attend Emory University for its strong liberal arts foundation and small class sizes. During my time in college, I have gained the hard science skills necessary to understand environmental decisions, while simultaneously gaining the reading comprehension, analysis and philosophy background to understand political and legal negotiations. Most notably, I took my high school Climate Reality volunteer experience to help lead a chapter at Emory’s Oxford College, becoming the club’s Co-President.

My classes at Emory and experience with OCPA also made me realize my passion for legal advocacy, particularly in representing ratepayers and observing environmental compliance. I hope to attend law school after graduation.

What Makes Energy So Interesting?

I first came to OCPA as an intern in the Regulatory and Legislative Affairs Department, assisting in regulatory proceeding and legislative analysis. My favorite part about policy analysis in the energy industry has been its multidisciplinary nature. The energy field combines the topics and expertise of environment-forward policy, affordability for lower-income OCPA customers, and reliability of the energy market. It is difficult to oppose affordable and reliable clean energy, and particularly energy costs that don’t fluctuate.

Now, working in Communications and External Affairs, I can communicate complex and comprehensive energy bill information to OCPA customers, which has left me with invaluable skills in external engagement. I also gained the opportunity to oversee OCPA’s administration of state grants and internal funds through the Energy Programs Department, which benefits from the knowledge I have gained on energy-related legislation.

Whether someone has an interest in environmental issues, finance, policymaking or community engagement, energy is a fascinating and ever-changing field, and the demand for expertise in the energy sector is rapidly increasing.

Recommendations in Entering College and the Workforce

Through these experiences, I have found that there isn’t a rulebook for approaching opportunities in a certain way. I have, however, grown from the times where I challenged myself, stayed open-minded and took advantage of chances for growth.

Staying open-minded about my interests and pursuits has been one of the most crucial parts of my journey. Undertaking political experience at a time when I hoped to pursue environmental science expanded my interest in policy and led me to add a double major in Political Science. While I strongly believed that I knew my ideal pursuits in high school, my future goals have drastically changed over time as I gained new experiences and knowledge.

I am equally proud of my experience undertaking demanding activities and advanced courses in college. Challenging myself has greatly expanded my skillset and opened doors for me that I would never have imagined for myself.

With an open mind and willingness to embrace new perspectives, the possibilities are endless. If the renewable energy field sounds intriguing to you and you hope to gain more experience working with a CCA, be sure to check out OCPA’s Hiring Page to learn more about internship positions.

About Orange County Power Authority

The Orange County Power Authority is a not-for-profit public agency that offers clean power at stable rates, significantly reducing energy-related greenhouse emissions and enabling reinvestment in local energy programs. To learn more, visit www.ocpower.org.