Amidst a transformative shift in energy, Stephen Arbogast, head of UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School’s Energy Center, explains core challenges the industry is solving and how the Full-Time Energy MBA equips graduates with a holistic approach to the energy value chain.
There is no denying that the world is undergoing a critical transformation in the energy supply chain. Institutions, governments, industries, and researchers seek sustainable ways to replace traditionally used fossil fuels.
Stephen Arbogast is the director of the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School’s Energy Center and a professor in the MBA’s Energy Concentration. He says, “It is becoming clearer each day that renewables will be an important part, but only a part, of a successful transition to a lower carbon energy future.” (00:08)
Yet, future energy leaders must understand the full spectrum of the energy value chain. This includes how sectors design solutions to energetic challenges like their unique needs for on-demand or high heat energy, economic and social issues, political stability, and reliable supply.
Stephen explains, “This is obvious when you look at net-zero plans of major utilities. They plan to grow renewables rapidly but also plan to add nuclear and retain natural gas plants to ensure that they can balance the energy grid. Consider also heavy industry, which needs uninterrupted heat and power. Both of these are difficult for renewables to provide.” (00:18)
With this awareness, UNC Kenan-Flagler teaches a broader suite of solutions considering all aspects contributing to the transition.
Consistently ranked among the top business schools in the world, UNC Kenan-Flagler offers a wide range of MBA programs, all with a strong focus on leadership and innovation.
A highly dedicated and experienced body of professors in the Full-Time MBA equips students with analytical, business, and leadership experience.
One stand-out feature of the program is the choice between twelve concentrations. The concentration(s) students choose expand their knowledge and build expertise in a specific industry and/or functional area.
UNC Kenan-Flagler’s Energy Concentration is available within the Full-Time MBA program. This route teaches MBA students the full energy value chain and the business of energy, which is essential for leaders to create innovative and economically viable solutions throughout this transition.
“The energy transition is going to require an enormous amount of capital investment. The global energy industry will need to be profitable to generate this capital. It’s important for energy MBAs to know how to succeed commercially, which is why we stress the business of energy,” Stephen tells us. (01:02)
UNC Kenan-Flagler’s Energy MBA has been designed with pressing challenges in the evolution of the energy value chain, top-of-mind. The program strikes the right balance between sustainability and profitability to prevent potential risks such as Europe’s current energy crisis.
“We need to prevent the collateral damage from a poorly designed approach to transition. Europe is living this now, learning the hard way that by failing to develop its own energy resources beyond renewables, it has left itself dangerously exposed to inflation, disruption, and energy blackmail,” Stephen points out. (01:22)
UNC Kenan-Flagler teaches its students a comprehensive approach to managing the transition towards a more sustainable energy value chain in the future.
The Energy Concentration transforms a student’s 21-month Full-Time MBA into the Energy MBA. Here’s how the Energy MBA opens opportunities for career early and mid-career professionals.
The Energy MBA focuses on day-to-day business and economic challenges. Students can take industry-specific courses like oil & gas exploration/production, the business of electric power, refining and petrochemicals, and the business of renewables, plus electives in energy decision-making, consulting, renewables financing, project finance and energy tax & policy.
UNC Kenan-Flagler’s Energy Center enhances the student experience through events, research assistantships, and internship and full-time recruiting assistance. Student research projects on such topics as the cost of renewables as baseload power and the all-in carbon footprint of electric vehicles are presented at Center conferences.
Additionally, students can join the MBA Energy Club to gain leadership experience in case competitions for energy issues. The Energy Club also provides networking opportunities through events, conferences with industry professionals, and interaction with the Recent Alumni Council.
The skills and knowledge attained through these resources helps graduates take on leadership roles in big energy corporations. Alums tackle energy transition dilemmas for companies like Duke Energy, ExxonMobil, NextEra, Cypress Creek, Shell, Morgan Stanley, and Chevron.
In a world on the cusp of a significant energetic shift, the Energy MBA serves as a beacon. It is equipping future leaders with a thorough understanding of the business of energy across the full value chain. With an emphasis on real-world energy challenges student grasp the crucial interplay of sustainability and profitability. As graduates, they step into the industry poised to innovate, adapt, and contribute meaningfully to the ongoing energy transition.
Do you aspire to positively impact the energy value chain and become a well-rounded professional? Contact UNC Kenan-Flagler’s student ambassadors for first-hand insight into the program.
