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Venezuela is the country with the largest proved oil reserves according to the 2022 BP Statistical Review of World Energy, and is also one of the top ten countries with the largest reserves of natural gas. The economy of the South American nation is reliant on its fossil fuel industry, hence its being highly vulnerable to the so-called Dutch disease, in which a government develops a risky dependence on natural resource exports to the detriment of other sectors in the economy. After years of economic decline, the nation’s economy grew 17.73% year-over-year in the first three quarters of 2022 according to Venezuela’s Central Bank.

Rodrigo Quintero, MEM Alumnus from the 2023 class and now Energy Economist at BloombergNEF, shares with us how ESCP Business School’s MSc in Energy Management (MEM) equipped him with the right tools to thrive in an exciting career in the United Kingdom at one of the most respected energy research companies.

Can you tell us more about your background before starting the MSc in Energy Management at ESCP Business School?

I hold a BSc in Economics and MSc in International Management from the Metropolitan University in Venezuela. After my undergraduate degree, I did an internship at Shell in its External Relations Department, and continued as a Consultant in the External and Government Relations teams for two years.

Were you always interested in the energy industry, or did you just fall into it?

I have always been curious about the oil and gas sector, driven by Venezuela’s big reserves and potential to create value from its national resources. I feel that my country is missing a unique opportunity to bring revenue to a country that needs it so much now that the world is transitioning towards different technologies and resources. I learned more about this entire situation during my time at Shell, increasing my interest on the whole energy system.

What led you to apply to the MEM?

I had experience in the oil and gas sector only, and I wanted to understand the general picture of how energy is supplied in the world and the main trends coming. The MEM specialisation was a perfect match due to the quality of the students and professors at ESCP and the curriculum which covered the different technologies and skills I needed to excel in the industry.

You have a background in Economics; how did the curriculum of the MSc in Energy Management help you in your career?

I believe that after my undergraduate and first master’s I was missing details about the power system, such as how it is profitable and how the technologies compare to one another. Also, looking back, I feel we have an advantage as we understand the main trends in the energy industry, the theory behind the different resources and ways of producing electricity, and how these are business models.

How was the transition from working in LATAM to Europe?

Challenging but smooth. My experience in Venezuela was amazing and I learned a lot as it was my first work experience. Shell was a perfect place to begin, and the ER and GR teams were incredible. In Europe it’s another environment. The combination of cultures is amazing, and I feel BNEF is a place where the best people get together to generate unique ideas. I have the opportunity to learn from my colleagues every day by working in sectors such as power, buildings and transport, to name only a few.

Can you tell us more about your current position?

I am part of the Energy Economics team and BloombergNEF. Our main goal each year is to develop the New Energy Outlook, which is BNEF’s long-term energy outlook. We create scenarios for different countries and sectors, trying to show how the energy system can evolve towards 2050.

What drives you at work? What aspect of your job is most exciting to you?

The learning opportunities – every task brings new things to me. I interact with people who have been developing scenarios for years and specialists in different sectors and regions.

Do you find you have to be innovative in your role, considering the current dynamics in the industry?

Innovation is a daily topic in the industry. Different stakeholders are seeking new investment opportunities that can support a transition towards net zero. BNEF is open to listening to new ideas enabling us to develop new reports, which I will publish in the coming months.

What are your most valuable takeaways from the MEM?

The future energy system requires a lot of innovation and manpower. There are great opportunities in the industry where collaboration is key. Also, the policies are a unique lever for green energies and new technologies that are needed to decarbonise different sectors.

How was your experience working on the Company Consultancy Project (CCP)?

Unique! My CCP was with Engie UK. We had the opportunity to meet and work with an amazing and inspiring team, and learn new things about hydrogen and bio-methane, which are new/trendy technologies. It improved my presentation skills, and also helped me secure my current role and excel at it.

Tell us about your experience of securing a job in the UK and the visa application process.

I had a few interviews. The process can take a long time and rejections can be tough. However, is important to have patience and to stay up to date in the industry. I also had coaching sessions as part of ESCP’s student career services (thanks Enrico Cocci!), which helped me prepare for the interviews and get the job I wanted.

From my experience, the most important thing when having a job interview is to show real excitement and motivation to work in the specific company and role you are applying for. The visa process was very fast; once I received the job offer, the visa was all done in less than a week.

In your opinion, what are the qualities required to succeed in a career in energy?

Have curiosity! Keep up to date with the latest in this dynamic industry, looking at what is happening around the world. Being informed about the important developments around the world I think is key, even though they are not directly related to your job. And finally, you need to have this 360-degree view of the industry to understand the key challenges, constraints and how we can collectively achieve net zero and create a better future for everyone.

What’s the most useful piece of advice you’ve received when it comes to your career?

That I need to prepare myself and have patience, which I learned from my parents. With their example, I’ve persevered through my career, enabling me to find a role at a top company like Bloomberg.

What would you tell somebody who is thinking of doing the MEM but is still on the fence?

Where else would you have the opportunity to do such a well-designed master’s degree in two great cities like London and Paris? You’ll meet great people, learn a lot and have an amazing time. The ESCP Business School, constantly ranked among the best business schools in Europe, constitutes a great asset in the eyes of leading companies in the industry, as evidenced by ESCP’s extended network of corporate partners.

What are your hopes for the future?

To keep improving myself. Bloomberg and London are the right places for me at the moment. I am very lucky to be where I am. Of course, it would be amazing to be closer to my family in the future and have the opportunity to bring something positive to Venezuela.

Impressed by Rodrigo’s journey and how he tackles the challenges that energy leaders must overcome to be successful in this dynamic industry? To follow in his footsteps, check out ESCP Business School and its Energy Management programmes:

MSc in Energy Management
Executive Master in Future Energy