Technical Analyst Says to Learn to Speak Finance

Name: Ariel Hyre (they/them)

PhD: Chemistry, Boston University, 2020

What was your main area of research?

I studied the way electrons behave in new molecules that my lab synthesized. For one project, we wanted to make molecules that could assemble into the smallest possible conductive wire, and my work showed us how to build those molecules so they would be more conductive. For another project, we wanted to make molecules that could take a chemical called nitrate out of water to prevent overgrowth of harmful algae in lakes. I studied how to make our molecules better at doing that.

What is your current job?

I am a Technical Analyst for Clean Energy Ventures (CEV) in Boston, Massachusetts.

I study new technologies that fight climate change to determine whether our firm should invest in bringing them into the world.

I make models of how much reduction in carbon dioxide emissions each of these technologies can achieve. I also prepare and present technical reports about specific topics or sectors that my team wants to learn more about so that we are better informed about what to invest in.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

I love that I get to learn something new every day!

What is the most important skill you developed or experience you had during your PhD that now helps you in your current position?

Teaching myself new topics and how to communicate them to non-experts

How did you build the skills necessary for your current role?

Teaching undergraduate chemistry helped me with communication. Presenting at conferences gave me confidence.

How did you find this position? What were the career steps you took to get to where you are now?

Through an internship; I put my resume on a connector and got matched with CEV. I liked it so much I asked to stay on full-time.

PhD graduate ➡️ COVID pivot ➡️ Master of Public Policy (MPP) candidate ➡️ MPP graduate ➡️ Analyst

If someone is interested in a similar role, what would you recommend they start doing now to prepare?

Learn to speak finance!

Why did you decide to not pursue a career in academia?

I always wanted to go into public service and use my scientific training to write effective environmental policy. Ending up in the private sector was an accident, but the decision not to stay in academia was made a long time ago.

What advice do you have for someone getting their PhD and looking to pursue a career outside of academia?

Network
Develop excellent communication skills both verbal and written