Project Finance Summer Associate (Intern)

As a Project Finance Summer Associate at Apex Clean Energy, you will be responsible for supporting the Finance and Development teams through various tasks related to project financing. Key responsibilities include assisting in financial modeling for utility-scale renewable energy projects, analyzing project documents, and helping create vital marketing materials such as teasers and Confidential Information Memorandums. You will also conduct sensitivity analysis on project performance and maintain support files that justify project assumptions.

To qualify for the Project Finance Summer Associate position at Apex Clean Energy, applicants should be graduate degree candidates with a strong academic record, preferably pursuing an MBA. Coursework or experience in the energy industry or project finance is highly desirable, along with renewable energy experience. Strong Microsoft Excel modeling skills are essential, and expected graduation dates should align with December 2025 or May 2026.

The Project Finance Summer Associate internship at Apex Clean Energy runs from June 2 through August 8, although the company is flexible with start and end dates to accommodate students' schedules. This full-time, paid internship offers hands-on experience in the exciting field of renewable energy finance.

The pay for the Project Finance Summer Associate internship at Apex Clean Energy varies based on the educational status of the intern. Undergraduates earn $17 per hour, while graduate candidates earn $27 per hour. This competitive compensation reflects the value Apex places on contributing to the clean energy sector.

As a Project Finance Summer Associate at Apex Clean Energy, you will have the opportunity to work on a unique project or initiative. These projects typically involve financial modeling and analysis for utility-scale renewable energy projects, helping innovative clients explore financing options. Each project provides an excellent chance to apply your academic knowledge in real-world scenarios while making a positive impact on clean energy initiatives.

When answering this question, you should highlight any relevant experience you have with financial modeling. Discuss specific software or methodologies you've used, and explain how this experience has prepared you for the challenges of the Project Finance Summer Associate role at Apex Clean Energy.

In your response, focus on areas such as understanding the regulatory environment, assessing risks and rewards, and the importance of financial structures such as debt and tax equity financing. Relate these considerations back to your personal knowledge or experiences.

Explain the importance of sensitivity analysis in project finance, emphasizing how it helps in understanding how different variables affect project outcomes. Provide an example from your academic work or a project where you utilized sensitivity analysis.

Discuss various financial documents you’ve encountered, such as Confidential Information Memorandums, forecasts, or budgets. Describe your attention to detail and any strategies you use to validate the information you work with to ensure precision, which is critical in project finance.

Your answer should convey an understanding of financial metrics and rhetoric persuasive to investors. Discuss benefits like returns on investment, sustainability, and how these projects align with emerging trends in energy consumption and climate goals.

Highlight specific Excel functions you've used, such as VLOOKUP, NPV, IRR, or data tables. Explain how these functions assist in financial modeling for projects, and perhaps cite a project where these skills were applicable.

Choose a specific instance where teamwork posed a challenge. Explain how you communicated with team members, resolved conflicts, and contributed to achieving your project's goals, demonstrating your collaborative skills, which are essential at Apex Clean Energy.

Share your passion for sustainability and renewable energy. Explain what draws you to clean energy finance, such as the industry’s growth potential and its impact on climate change, providing a personal touch to emphasize your motivation.

Discuss time management strategies you employ, such as creating a priority list or using project management tools. Emphasize your ability to adapt and focus on delivering high-quality work, even under pressure, which is vital for a Summer Associate role.

Provide an informed perspective on trends in renewable energy, such as advancements in technology, policy changes, and market dynamics. Relate your answer to your desire to contribute to this evolving field during your tenure at Apex Clean Energy.