May 15, 2015
In an effort to give our current students a look at the opportunities that await them after graduation, we reached out to a few graduates to check in on the many ways the Nelson Institute helped shape them into the employees, alumni and leaders they are today. View the full series of career profiles here.
Clint Fandrich graduated in 2014 with a bachelor's degree in environmental studies and political science.
Nelson Institute: Please provide an overview of your current position.
with the understanding that
human development can be
at once harmful and helpful
to the wellbeing of the surrounding
environment can allow me to
be a better public servant and
a more positive influence on
my community."
Fandrich: I am working at the Wisconsin State Energy Office as a bioenergy analyst. Currently, my primary efforts involve an evaluation of Wisconsin's biogas/anaerobic digester industry to make policy recommendations for system operation, siting and economics.
How do you feel attending UW as a student in the Nelson Institute prepared you for this work?
Environmental studies were essential for preparing me for this work. Throughout my time at UW-Madison, I was exposed to many theories and established conventions concerning interaction between industrialized society and the environments it interacts with.
How do you apply this knowledge to growing as an employee and as a leader in the workplace?
Clint Fandrich
Understanding the interconnectivity of complex human and non-human systems is important when considering public policy in Wisconsin and around the world. I like to think being armed with the understanding that human development can be at once harmful and helpful to the wellbeing of the surrounding environment can allow me to be a better public servant and a more positive influence on my community.
What advice do you have for current Nelson students?
Use the resources of the Nelson Institute and UW in general to have as full of an educational experience as possible. Take local, national and international internships. Travel abroad to gets hands-on experience with what you are studying in course work. These are valuable additions to the University of Wisconsin-Madison entry on your résumé.
This interview is part of a series conducted by Johanna Wirth, a life sciences communication and environmental studies double major graduating in May 2015.