Graduate Experience:
Roxana Ren

What led you to Aurora, and what did you do before?

I graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Master’s degree in marketing analytics. I was keen to find a job where I could apply both my skills in qualitative market research and quantitative analysis. At a career fair, I connected with Aurora’s recruiting team and was immediately drawn to the company’s values and vibe. Talking with current employees solidified my interest in rogram. It seemed like the perfect fit for me—a chance to develop a strong mix of qualitative and quantitative skills while gaining deep insights into the energy industry. That’s why I decided to pursue a career at Aurora.

Can you describe a typical day in your role?

My day typically begins with a morning check-in with the full ERCOT team , where we share our to-do lists and plan assistance to colleagues as needed. After that, I dive into my current project—as an analyst in Advisory, my work revolves around project-based tasks that are often client-facing. Projects typically span 3–4 weeks and involve various analyses and client presentations. Throughout the day, I participate in internal project check-ins to discuss findings with the team and receive feedback from senior stakeholders. In the afternoon, we wrap up with a team check-out where we review our progress and identify any support needs among team members before signing off.

If you were to pitch your job to someone, what would you say you enjoyed the most?

What I enjoy most about my job at Aurora is the people and the culture. The environment here is incredibly supportive and friendly, from colleagues who readily assist each other to senior management who actively engage with the team. For someone starting their career, Aurora provides an ideal setting to learn and grow, not only in analytical skills but also in career progression and personal development.

How would you describe the culture at Aurora?

The culture at Aurora is exceptional. Everyone here is sharp, knowledgeable, helpful, and great to hang out with!

Can you share a moment when you felt particularly empowered at Aurora?

One of my proudest moments at Aurora was tackling a tough modeling task successfully. We were working on a project financing opportunity, and the client was really sharp. Our challenge was to model the economics of a co-location battery, using our in-house battery dispatch model, Chronos, that had just been rolled out in the US. I was brought in to help with this analysis, and despite feeling the pressure, I also feel trusted to deliver. It was a period of intense effort—I spent a lot of time testing the model, discussing ideas with the team, and refining our results through multiple iterations. Thankfully, everything came together in the end, and the client was pleased with the outcomes. We even had some fruitful discussions on co-location. This experience was a significant milestone in my growth journey at Aurora, and I’m grateful for the support I received from my team throughout this challenging task.

In what ways does Aurora support your sense of purpose in your career?

Aurora supports my career sense of purpose in several ways. Firstly, I resonate with Aurora’s commitment to driving the energy transition, and this shared focus provides a strong foundation for my sense of purpose. Additionally, the sense of achievement I experience at Aurora is crucial. With each project I complete, I gain valuable domain knowledge and enhance my modeling skills. This continuous growth and positive reinforcement motivate me to keep pushing forward. Lastly, Aurora’s senior management team plays a significant role by offering consistent support and sharing their own experiences. Their guidance is instrumental in shaping my career path and fostering my professional development.

What have you gained from your time at Aurora, and what do you hope to achieve next?

During my time at Aurora, I’ve developed expertise in modeling, expanded my knowledge of several energy marke ts, and refined my client-facing and project-management skills. Looking ahead, I aim to further enhance my modeling and analytical abilities while improving my communication and client engagement skills, ultimately becoming more well-rounded.

Reflecting on your start at Aurora, what’s one thing you wish you would have known, and what advice would you give a new starter?

One thing I wish I’d realized earlier at Aurora is the value of asking for help. I felt confused about the concept of the ancillary services market when I first started but was hesitant to reach out. Fortunately, a senior leader generously offered me a knowledge-sharing session that clarified everything for me and completely changed my understanding. It taught me that seeking clarification from knowledgeable colleagues is crucial, especially when starting with limited experience in the power sector. My advice to newbies is don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek guidance from colleagues. Everyone here is willing to help, and it’s the fastest way to learn and develop professionally.