Green Horizons: Foster MBAs Champion Sustainability in Summer Internships

Foster Full-time MBA students Monica, Phitchaya, Arpita, and Reed share their summer internship experiences in the sustainability space.

UW Foster School of Business
Foster School of Business
9 min readJan 10, 2025

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Foster School of Business students interned at companies including Starbucks, Amazon, GreyStar, and Ecolibrium, LLC.

Written By: Chirag Chinmay, contributing writer, Foster School of Business

This summer, Foster MBA students from the Class of 2025 embraced the challenge of driving sustainability, interning at companies like Starbucks, Amazon, GreyStar, and Ecolibrium, LLC. We connected with these trailblazers to delve into their experiences — from spearheading innovative projects aimed at environmental and social impact to navigating the complexities of building sustainable business solutions in today’s rapidly evolving landscape.

Meet Monica Kunzel, a Graduate EDICT (Empowering Diverse Climate Talent) Fellow at Starbucks. Before pursuing her MBA, Monica worked as an Environmental Engineer and Project Manager at ENGEO, a civil engineering firm based in the Bay Area. Additionally, she co-founded the Down to Earth Podcast, which explores the intersection of engineering and sustainability. Monica holds a BS in Environmental Economics and Policy with a minor in Sustainability from Oregon State University.

Meet Phitchaya Phansopha, who interned with Greystar as a Sustainability Summer Associate. Phitchaya is a 2024 Climate Corps Fellow with the Environmental Defense Fund. With a background in automotive engineering and his enthusiasm towards carbon removal, Phitchaya worked at Kasikornbank as a Sustainability Program Manager driving decarbonization initiatives across automotive and waste management segments prior to his MBA.

Meet Arpita Gaur, an MBA Consultant in the Circular Economy team at Amazon. Before pursuing her MBA, Arpita spent six years across Standard Chartered, Dell Technologies and Microsoft working as a software engineer, business analyst and program manager. Arpita holds an undergraduate degree in computer science and engineering from Vellore Institute of Technology, India.

Meet Reed Hawkins, who spent his summer with Ecolibrium LLC as an MBA Consultant. Reed holds a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical and Astronautical engineering and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Washington. Reed spent five years of his career at Boeing Commercial Airplanes in roles focused on production engineering and technical marketing and sales, where he led projects that improved efficiency, saved costs, and supported multi-billion-dollar sales campaigns.

Which industries did you target? And how was the internship search process?

Phitchaya: I targeted industries like tech, real estate, and consulting because they offer opportunities to impact environmental footprints while providing diverse knowledge and experience. However, my internship search prioritized roles over specific industries due to the limited availability of green workforce positions. I remained open to other industries as long as the focus was on sustainability, which is becoming increasingly relevant across all sectors. Foster’s Career Management team and my supportive cohorts played a significant role in guiding my job search, helping with strategies, timelines, and resume reviews. Additionally, I optimized LinkedIn’s algorithm to refine my search for sustainability-focused opportunities, including relevant connections, companies, and job postings.

Monica: I focused on sustainability roles across a variety of industries. Coming into the MBA program, I was determined to pivot into the sustainability sector, particularly in areas like circular economy strategy, renewable energy, and corporate sustainability.

The internship search required patience and perseverance. I utilized LinkedIn extensively and reviewed opportunities through Foster’s internal job board. Staying focused on roles aligned with my interests ultimately paid off.

Monica Kunzel is a Graduate Clean Energy Fellow at Starbucks.
Monica Kunzel is a Graduate Clean Energy Fellow at Starbucks.

Which MBA Career Management events, programs, or services did you find most helpful?

Arpita: Career Management played a crucial role in my internship recruiting journey. I relied heavily on their support to practice for behavioral interviews, where their feedback and dedicated coaching significantly enhanced my storytelling skills. I also benefited from informational sessions featuring alumni from various tech companies, which provided valuable insights into their experiences and career paths. Additionally, the Radical Collaboration program stood out, offering the opportunity to visit Seattle-based companies and work on real-world cases, providing hands-on experience and deep industry exposure.

Monica: The interview bootcamps at Foster were incredibly valuable, as they helped me refine my resume and enhance my interviewing skills. I also benefited greatly from the one-on-one coaching sessions with my career coaches. Another highlight was participating in the Foster Mentorship Program, which connected me with an accomplished leader in the Seattle area. Her insights and guidance were both inspiring and instrumental in shaping my professional journey.

Reed: Mock interviews and résumé reviews were essential for refining my personal narrative and positioning my technical background for business-oriented roles. Career treks provided exposure to diverse industries, while Foster’s student clubs and organizations created a network of peers who offered invaluable advice and support throughout the process.

How was your internship structured, and what were the major deliverables?

Phitchaya: My 12-week internship as a Climate Corps fellow focused on developing a data-driven GreenStar Recommendation Tool, an internal sustainability monitoring dashboard for Greystar. The structure encompassed data integration, crafting tailored recommendations, engaging with stakeholders, and creating user-focused content. Key deliverables included:

  • GreenStar Recommendation Tool: Developed in Power BI to provide actionable insights.
  • Data Integration: Combined data from the GreenStar report and Annual Sustainability Survey to support decision-making.
  • Tailored Recommendations: Focused on reducing energy, water, waste, and carbon footprints.
  • End-User Support: Delivered instructional materials and an implementation plan for deploying the tool across Greystar properties.

I even got to deploy the GreenStar recommendation tool within GreyStar’s intranet. Watching the tool evolve from concept to implementation, with the potential to drive meaningful environmental impact across 1,300 properties, was both fulfilling and inspiring. Witnessing stakeholders actively using these tools further fueled my passion for sustainability.

Phitchaya Phansopha interned with Greystar as a Sustainability Summer Associate.
Phitchaya Phansopha interned with Greystar as a Sustainability Summer Associate.

Monica: My internship revolved around a primary project, but I was given the autonomy to shape my final deliverable. The project focused on expanding electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across U.S. company-owned Starbucks locations. Key deliverables included:

• A Tableau dashboard summarizing my findings.

• A strategic plan for EV charging expansion.

• A presentation of recommendations to the Sustainability team and key stakeholders.

Arpita: My 8-week internship was focused on researching six sustainability practices — such as Resale, Refurbish, Durable Content, Reuse, Recycle & Renew. The goal was to conduct an in-depth analysis of each practice within Amazon, including market sizing, consumer behavior, adoption trends, and potential barriers. The first six weeks were dedicated to comprehensive research and analysis for each practice. In the final two weeks, I compiled my findings into a detailed report, which included data-driven recommendations on which sustainability practices Amazon should invest in. The report provided a thorough analysis of each practice, backed by data and insights, followed by a well-supported recommendation which I then presented to senior stakeholders in my organization.

Reed: My role focused on developing strategies for revenue growth, including a business case for an event barn, and building a roadmap for integrating newly acquired properties into operations. Ecolibrium’s commitment to organic practices and sustainability made it a particularly rewarding experience. I evaluated new revenue streams, prioritizing high-impact opportunities like an event barn for weddings and retreats and digital sales expansions. Deliverables included a financial model to guide capital allocation, a strategic roadmap for integrating new properties, and recommendations on scaling operations while maintaining organic market gardening practices. The internship allowed me to present actionable recommendations to senior stakeholders and align business decisions with long-term goals to increase stakeholder value.

The farm’s community supported agriculture (CSA) boxes of organic produce were part of my compensation, and they were a highlight! It inspired me to cook more, and it was probably the healthiest summer I’ve ever had gastronomically, since, well, let’s just say I’ve never eaten so much dietary fiber in my life. Beyond that, it reminded me of how rewarding it is to align my professional work with my personal values, like minimizing environmental impact and contributing to community well-being. For those interested, the farm’s 2025 CSA Preseason Sign-Ups are open here!

Please tell us about some of the challenges you faced and how you overcame them.

Reed: Balancing profitability with environmental and community considerations was a rewarding challenge. Corporate Finance helped me refine the financial models, while Strategy class of my first quarter equipped me to align business goals with long-term value creation. I also strengthened my project management and communication skills by delivering clear, actionable recommendations to stakeholders. Ecolibrium is entrepreneurial, sustainability-driven, and highly collaborative. The culture encourages creativity and collaboration, with a strong openness to exploring new ideas. While my mentorship was informal, the team provided valuable guidance and support which was very helpful. The experience reinforced my belief in the importance of adaptability and creating value in ways that minimize environmental impact.

Arpita: One of the biggest challenges I encountered was knowing when to limit my research, given the vast amount of information available on sustainability practices. Regular discussions with my Amazon manager were crucial in helping me focus and prioritize effectively. Another challenge was finding reliable research materials for certain practices, but Amazon’s internal resources proved invaluable. The MBA elective course, Customer Analytics by Max Kleiman-Weiner played a significant role in my success, equipping me with the skills to conduct in-depth consumer analysis and extract actionable insights. This knowledge helped me navigate complex data and make informed recommendations.

How would you describe the culture of the organization? Did you have good mentors? And did you meet colleagues or other MBA students from peer schools you plan to stay in touch with post internship?

Monica: The culture at Starbucks was outstanding. Weekly sustainability team meetings began with coffee tastings, seamlessly blending the company’s product into its work culture.

I was fortunate to have several mentors who supported my professional development and guided me through my project. Their dedication made my internship truly enriching. I also had the opportunity to connect with peers from other MBA programs, relationships I plan to maintain post-internship. I even got a chance to meet Michael Kobori, Starbucks’ Chief Sustainability Officer. The support and encouragement I received from the team made my experience unforgettable.

Phitchaya: The culture at Greystar was collaborative and innovation-driven, with a strong focus on sustainability and operational excellence. I had support from day one. I worked closely with Madeline Robertson, the Director of Sustainability and my supervisor, and Jamie Abernathy, Senior Manager of Sustainability, who was my mentor and provided invaluable guidance and support throughout the fellowship. I also collaborated with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, including sustainability professionals and analysts. I connected with other MBA students, from Northwestern Kellogg, Cornell Johnson, and Columbia Business School fostering relationships. I plan to maintain these connections while exchanging ideas in their focused areas including investment and product management.

What are your plans for the second year of MBA? Anything you’re looking forward to?

Monica: In my second year, I am serving as Co-President of the Net Impact Club, Foster’s sustainability-focused organization. This role allows me to engage with the broader Seattle community and organize impactful sustainability events on campus. I am also a Fritzky Leadership Fellow, mentoring first-year students and helping them navigate their MBA journey. I aim to continue to pursue my ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) Leadership Specialization and look forward to host IdeaLab, UW Foster’s annual sustainability conference this year.

Monica Kunzel is Co-President of the Net Impact Club.
Monica Kunzel is Co-President of the Net Impact Club.

Arpita: In my second year, I plan to make the most of my time by attending as many events (there are so many!) as possible with my cohort, building stronger connections before we graduate. I’m excited to explore a few intriguing electives that align with my interests. Additionally, I look forward to supporting first-year students through involvement in the technology club and mentoring opportunities. I am also exploring the Climate Risk Lab, a one-of-its-kind innovation center led by Phillip Bruner to understand how climate-related financial risk applies to corporate decision making.

What advice do you have for first year students regarding summer internships?

Reed: Polish your résumé early and take advantage of mock interviews and career treks to prepare to put your best foot forward. Highlight how your unique experiences make you an asset to your target companies, and don’t underestimate the value of Foster’s student clubs and organizations for connections and insights. Most importantly, keep an open mind, as the best opportunities often align with both your career aspirations and personal values. Oh, and enjoy the experience while it lasts; the program moves faster than you think, so make the most of every opportunity!

Phitchaya: My advice for first-year students preparing for summer internships is to prioritize crafting a strong resume. as it plays a crucial role in securing interview opportunities. Networking is invaluable, it helps you demonstrate your potential to employers and stand out among candidates. Don’t overlook the support of your classmates; they’re on the same boat and often willing to help. Additionally, optimize your LinkedIn profile to target specific industries or roles — it’s a time-intensive but worthwhile effort that complements networking.

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Foster School of Business
Foster School of Business

Published in Foster School of Business

The UW Foster School of Business provides undergraduate through PhD students with a rigorous, comprehensive business education focused on providing current and future leaders with the skills to better humanity through business.

UW Foster School of Business
UW Foster School of Business

Written by UW Foster School of Business

Located in Seattle, the University of Washington Foster School of Business serves 2,500+ students through undergraduate and graduate degrees.

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