Bridging finance and sustainability: RIT student interns at New York Climate Exchange

Ericka Chen, a third-year accounting major from Great Neck, N.Y., was one of 11 students­­­–­­­­­­­­­­­and the first student from RIT–to intern this past summer for the New York Climate Exchange in New York City as part of their inaugural internship program. The Exchange is a first-of-its kind international consortium that brings public and private higher education institutions and companies together with a goal of developing and deploying effective and inclusive solutions to our global climate crisis. RIT is a proud higher education partner in The Exchange, joining other prestigious institutions including Stony Brook University, Georgia Tech, Duke, Oxford, and the University of Washington.

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Ericka Chen

Ericka Chen (middle row, second from left) poses with fellow interns and staff of the New York Climate Exchange. Chen, a third-year accounting major, was the first RIT student to participate in this internship.

Chen, a Beta Gamma Sigma honoree this past April, has also earned the Saunders College of Business Women’s Alumnae Network, and Daniel D. Tessoni and Donald Margolis CPA endowed scholarships. She serves as an accounting tutor and resident assistant at RIT, and is the president of Delta Sigma Pi, a professional co-ed business fraternity, as well as the vice-president of communication for the Next Generation of Accountants, a professional organization within the Saunders College of Business.

As an accounting major, what inspired you to pursue an internship with the New York Climate Exchange?

In my first year, I took an honors course called “Greening of RIT,” which introduced me to various sustainability initiatives and programs. The course also highlighted wasteful practices and areas of improvement, sparking my interest in sustainability. Therefore, when I learned about the New York Climate Exchange, I decided to apply as a finance and accounting intern. I was also curious about the sustainability efforts in New York City, given its proximity to my home on Long Island.

What specific projects were you involved in during your internship?

The internship was split into two parts. From Monday to Thursday, I worked with my host organization, the Beam Center. I was involved in various projects where I analyzed their financial statements, created year-by-year comparisons, and broke down their expenses by program. Another significant project I undertook was managing their database through Airtable, where I ensured all information was up to date and created new interfaces to improve efficiency.

On Fridays, I worked with the New York Climate Exchange staff on Governors Island, where I participated in professional programming focused on sustainability initiatives across a range of organizations from small nonprofits like the Billion Oyster Project to large corporations such as IBM and Bloomberg. Following these sessions, I developed a capstone project that provided recommendations on how the Climate Exchange could enhance its partnerships and introduce new programs that benefited both the organization and its partners.

How did your experience on Governor's Island and in New York City shape your understanding of climate change and sustainability, and what impact do you hope to make in this field going forward?

I was able to observe the wide range of initiatives undertaken by different organizations, each focusing on different aspects of the climate challenge, yet all working toward the common goal of addressing climate change. Witnessing these organizations make tangible progress and achieve impacts on their communities filled me with hope and reinforced my belief in the necessity of collective action. Looking ahead, I aim to contribute by incorporating sustainability into accounting practices and creating clear guidelines that support organizations in the fight against climate change. While this may take a long time to achieve due to its impact on multiple interests, it’s a goal I am determined to pursue.

How did your experience at The Exchange broaden your understanding of the role of financial management in addressing climate change and sustainability challenges?

My experience provided valuable considerations for the future, particularly in New York City. It broadened my understanding of how I can contribute to various projects as an accountant while integrating sustainability, demonstrating how sustainability can be a part of any career path.

For example, in various discussions, I explored materiality and climate disclosures, specifically how climate awareness can help companies mitigate potential damages by proactively planning for changes. A clear example of this is the New York Climate Exchange’s site, which was designed with future flooding on the island in mind, ensuring its resilience and longevity.

Finally, what made RIT and the Saunders College of Business the right fit for you?

Both RIT and Saunders provided me with opportunities that aligned with my aspirations. As a third-year accounting student, I’ve taken on various roles, from serving as a resident advisor to working with e-boards such as Delta Sigma Pi and Next Generation of Accountants. These roles have honed my leadership and teamwork skills, allowing me to thrive while building upon my existing knowledge.

My entire time at RIT has been filled with new experiences, allowing me to engage with others and understand new perspectives. Working with impactful organizations such as the New York Climate Exchange has been a significant part of this journey, helping me grow both personally and professionally. Without the support from Saunders and RIT, my journey and achievements wouldn’t have been possible.