Welcome to The Blue Couch, a series spotlighting members of the AESP community who are doing exceptional work across the energy industry. Through these conversations, we explore what drives them, the paths that brought them here, and the impact they’re making along the way.

In this interview, AESP’s Ian Perterer sits down with Jared Casey, an associate energy engineer at Michaels Energy, to discuss his path into clean energy, what it means to grow a career in energy efficiency, and why emerging professionals play a critical role in shaping the industry’s future.

Ian: what originally pulled you into clean energy, and what keeps you here?

Jared: Growing up in Gen Z, climate awareness was baked into my education—from “reduce, reuse, recycle” posters in elementary school to being that kid who reminded his parents to turn off the lights. By the time I was in high school, climate change had shifted from a scientific concern to an urgent political reality. It became clear that maintaining the quality of life we value would require fundamental changes—starting now.

A turning point for me was chemistry class, where I learned that chemistry is “the study of change.” That idea stuck. Seeing how small components can work together to create measurable impact shaped how I view society and the energy transition. I went on to study chemical engineering, discovered energy efficiency through coursework and internships, and never looked back.

I stay in this industry because energy enables life. If we want a sustainable future, energy has to be part of the solution. The work we do today will shape what’s possible tomorrow—and I want to be one of the people helping make that change happen.

Ian: What does a “day in the life” actually look like for you?

Jared: My days vary a lot—and that’s what I love about energy efficiency consulting. Recently, that variety also includes frequent walks with our new Corgi puppy, Fern.

On the work side, I might be forecasting future energy use, analyzing DOE rulemakings, supporting utility impact evaluations, implementing strategic energy management programs, or traveling to document building equipment. To an outsider, it may look like long hours at a keyboard, but the work is engaging, meaningful, and constantly changing.

Ian: What’s one skill you didn’t expect to use so much in your role?

Jared: Objectively: Microsoft Excel. What started as a frustrating requirement in undergrad turned into one of my most valuable professional tools. Being comfortable building calculations from scratch and reviewing complex models has been essential in my work.

From a soft-skills perspective, it’s ingenuity. I’ve learned quickly that there’s rarely one “right” answer in engineering. Problems can be approached from many angles, and part of the job is thinking critically, independently, and confidently—even when more experienced voices are in the room.

Ian: What excites you most about where clean energy is headed?

Jared: I’m excited by the possibility of maintaining modern comfort while dramatically reducing our environmental impact. The industry’s growing focus on inclusion—ensuring efficiency programs reach more people and communities—gives me real hope for a cleaner future that everyone can benefit from.

Ian: What would you tell someone thinking about entering clean energy?

Jared: Stop thinking and take action. This field is growing fast, driven by economic, policy, and planning realities. There’s room for everyone—whether you’re technical, policy-focused, or people-oriented.

Ian: What’s one thing you wish more people understood about early-career roles in clean energy?

Jared: Where you start is rarely where you end up. Clean energy offers paths for nearly every background, and career pivots are common. Engineers become program managers. Analysts become executives. All it takes is that first step into the industry.

Ian: What should emerging professionals stop doing?

Jared: Stop doubting yourself. Apply for the job. Speak up in meetings. Growth only happens when you take risks. You were hired for your perspective—use it.

Ian: What should they start doing immediately?

Jared: Be yourself and take chances. You don’t need a separate “work persona.” Opportunities compound when you say yes, speak up, and ask to get involved. Sometimes, all it takes is sending the email.

Ian: Why should others participate in or support AESP’s Emerging Professionals Special Interest Group?

Jared: Solving climate change requires collective effort. Emerging Professionals bring fresh ideas, optimism, and new ways of thinking—qualities that can push the industry forward.

This Special Interest Group is about channeling that energy into a space where ideas flow freely, stories are shared, and early-career professionals can connect both professionally and personally. It’s a platform to show the industry that emerging professionals are capable, engaged, and ready to lead—together.

Ian: What Emerging Professional accomplishments are you most proud of?

Jared: I’m most proud of our ambition. This year saw a record number of applications for the Emerging Professional Scholarship, and reviewing them was incredibly inspiring. The passion, thoughtfulness, and early-career impact across applicants made it nearly impossible to choose.

It was a powerful reminder of how much emerging professionals are already contributing—and how much more is still to come.