Jobs fuel growth of MME program

The Master of Management in Energy (MME) program welcomed its largest class in nearly a decade this fall, another sign that interest in energy education at Tulane is on the rise.

Pierre Conner, professor of practice and executive director of the Tulane Energy Institute, says student interest in the MME is based in large part on its placement record. One hundred percent of the 2024 class had jobs within six months of graduation, and the 2025 cohort is nearing that level four months after their graduation.  

“There are lots of great energy programs that are technical or legal, but at the Freeman School we’re also looking at energy from a business perspective,” Conner says. “Whether you’re working in traditional or renewable energy, it’s a capital-intensive sector, and the need for expertise in energy and business is in high demand.”

Especially today, with data centers, electric vehicles and resurgent manufacturing driving demand, energy touches every corner of the economy.

“When you think about it, everyone is involved in the energy industry in one way or another,” he adds. “You’re either making, moving or using energy. And right now, the market is very strong for those looking to get involved.”

According to the U.S. Energy & Employment Report, jobs in the energy sector are growing at twice the rate of the rest of the economy and with salaries that outpace most other industries. With the demand for skilled energy professionals on the rise, MME graduates are entering a sector ripe with career prospects.

To help students capitalize on these opportunities, Freeman’s Career Management Center (CMC) provides support in every step of the job search, from resume writing to interview prep. The center also has a robust partnership program that connects students with leading energy companies.  

“The CMC hosted over 150 employer and professional development events last year, representing a diverse number of industries and companies,” says Mallory Asp, the center’s assistant director.

And those industry connections lead to jobs. In recent years, MME graduates have found employment with companies including ENFRA, NextEra, Entergy, DCOR, Goldman Sachs, The Energy Authority, PHI Aviation/Q Investments, LG&E, Petroleum Fund Lesotho and ERM (Environmental Resources Management). Their roles range from equity analysts, traders, and data scientists to sales associates, energy managers, compliance officers and consultants.

Katie Gemmell (MME ’24), who works as an energy analyst at ENFRA’s Baton Rouge office, leveraged CMC’s industry connections to find her position. Gemmell initially began connecting with recruiters through ENFRA’s 360 Promise, an initiative that puts Tulane graduates into the company’s hiring pipeline. 

“I landed my current role through a combination of networking and persistence,” she says. “I first connected with ENFRA at the 360 Promise Reception and made it a priority to attend every event they hosted on campus. I also regularly checked ENFRA’s website for opportunities that matched my interests and skill set, which ultimately helped me secure the right position.”

Similarly, Brandon Lewis (MME ’24), a fuels supply representative at Entergy, attended an MME program guest lecture that opened doors for him. 

“The industry professionals were so impressed with my questions after the lecture that they offered me an interview," Lewis says. " And that’s what ultimately helped me land my job."

While 22% of the 2025 cohort plans to remain in the New Orleans area post-graduation, global opportunities abound in the energy sector, with recent graduates finding work in Africa and South America. 

No matter where they land, MME graduates have a reputation for hitting the ground running.  “Employers say our energy students really understand the industry and start contributing on day one without the need for additional training,” Asp says.

A big reason they’ve earned that reputation is the Freeman School faculty, who prepare students to be leaders in the industry.

“The coursework is taught by extraordinary faculty,” Conner says. “We have tenured-track faculty in energy economics and data analytics, and a good component of the program is taught by practitioners who’ve made hiring decisions and know what employers are looking for.” 

As conversations around energy continue to evolve, Conner says the MME program is also evolving. The Tulane Energy Institute Advisory Council, comprising more than 30 executives from national and international companies, ensures that the curriculum matches market needs, and Conner says additional cross-disciplinary engagements with Tulane’s Law School and the School of Science and Engineering are in the works.

All in all, Conner says energy studies have a bright future at Tulane.  

“We’re attracting a new generation of accomplished, well-qualified students,” he says. “Our enrollment is up, and given the high level of discussion around energy in the media and in the markets, I think it will continue to rise.”