Meet Sabin, an international student from Kerala, India. After earning his master’s degree in renewable and clean energy engineering from the University of Dayton, he secured a position as an energy trainer at AES Clean Energy, marking an important milestone in his career. Read on to learn about why he chose the University of Dayton for his studies and how he landed a job with a Fortune 500 company.
Sabin’s Experience at the University of Dayton
Sabin’s academic journey began with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Kerala Technical University. In 2021, Sabin chose to pursue a master’s degree in renewable and clean energy engineering at the University of Dayton.
“I was fortunate enough to connect with a [University of Dayton] professor, Dr. Rufus Melford, on LinkedIn when I was back in India. There I got a research opportunity on bifacial solar panels, which is related to my coursework,” he said.
Without prior coding experience, Sabin took on the challenge of data modeling for bifacial solar panels. This hands-on experience became an important learning opportunity, providing practical insights into mechanical engineering principles and renewable energy research during his program at the University of Dayton.
Located in western Ohio, the University of Dayton stood out to Sabin for its commitment to academic excellence and affordability, ranked #32 in Best Value Schools by U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, the university is dedicated to fostering inclusivity, ensuring students reach high academic standards and are prepared for the challenges of a globalized world. From specialized courses led by expert faculty to a collaborative community that encourages cross-cultural interactions, the University of Dayton lays the foundation for students to not only pursue their academic passions, but also excel in their careers.
Navigating Challenges and Building a Support System
Arriving in the US as a new graduate student, Sabin faced challenges adapting to a different education system and a new cultural environment.
“When I [first] came in I was really puzzled, and I had a lot of questions,” Sabin said. “The UDayton Global office, those were my [go-to] people to ask these questions. [They were] a really huge help.”
The UDayton Global team not only helped Sabin transition to studying in the US, but also provided valuable guidance outlining timelines and strategic steps to ensure a stress-free transition into full-time employment and internships.
One of Sabin’s key takeaways was the importance of building a network. His involvement with various offices and students at the University of Dayton, along with internships and coursework, contributed greatly to his growth. He recalled working on projects with peers from America, Indonesia, UAE, and Zimbabwe for his building energy informatics course and attributes the richness of perspectives in that collaborative setting to his professional development.
“It was a cultural mix where we all have different ideas, different approach[es], and that was huge,” he said. “That helped me [in] understanding where I am and [will] help me a lot in the future for sure.”
Sabin’s Career as a Renewable Energy Engineer
After completing his master’s degree in renewable and clean energy engineering, specializing in the generation of renewable energy, Sabin was able to apply his theoretical knowledge to real-world settings through his internship with AES Ohio.
“I had a really good mentor, Anthony Coate. He was my manager, and he guided me a lot, which helped me land this job,” he said.
This internship experience proved instrumental in shaping Sabin’s understanding of the energy sector’s complexities and the intricate processes behind energy generation, and directly led to the opportunity at AES Ohio’s sister company, AES Clean Energy, a global power company that’s leading efforts to transition to clean, renewable energy. Known for sustainability and innovative energy solutions, AES has undertaken many projects across the globe, including in Colombia, Mexico, and Panama.
Sabin now works as a short-term trader/dispatcher at AES Clean Energy, where his job involves bidding out energy in a day-ahead market (e.g., a financial market where participants buy and sell electric energy at specific prices for the following day). In this role, he uses the mechanical engineering and data modeling expertise he gained through his UDayton degree program.
“Through all my journey for the past two years I had successes, but I also had a lot of falls,” Sabin said. “Learning from the falls is what helped me to be here, and the continuous support from my family and the UD community helped me push even harder.”
Words of Wisdom for Future International Students
Reflecting on his journey, Sabin offered valuable advice to international students planning to enter the US educational system.
“[Get out of] your comfort zone and build your network, and even if you fail, take that as a learning experience and work for the future. Because a person who didn’t have any professional background landed a [job], I’m doing what I love [and] what is my passion now, and if I can do it anyone can do it,” he said.
From a student navigating a new country to a professional contributing to the clean energy sector, Sabin’s journey inspires and encourages future international students to embrace challenges and work toward rewarding careers.
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