MBA Summer Internship

Description

Ardent is a venture-backed series B startup that pioneers advanced membrane technologies to accelerate decarbonization and transform the global industrial and energy landscape. Our membrane technology harnesses chemistry for olefin-paraffin separations and point-source carbon capture and delivers a scalable, energy-efficient, and cost-effective solution that can decarbonize heavy industry at the gigaton scale. Our backers include major industrial players such as Chevron and Syensqo. As a rapidly growing organization, we are committed to fostering talent and providing valuable opportunities for professional development.

We are a team of inquisitive self-starters who are passionate about learning and making a positive impact on our teammates, colleagues, customers, and the world every day. Our individual missions and work are varied and our work culture is collaborative. We are looking for creative and innovative minds to help us continue to decarbonize today’s infrastructure for a cleaner tomorrow.

We are seeking a highly motivated and analytical MBA intern to join our team for a 10-12 week in-person internship. In this role, you will work closely with senior management and different teams on projects and initiatives that directly impact our business, driving strategic growth and operational excellence.

This internship offers a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between complex financial theory and real-world industrial application. You will leverage your analytical toolkit to de-risk 'first-of-a-kind' projects and architect entry strategies for new global regions, gaining experience at the intersection of corporate finance and international business development.

This is an in-person / hybrid role requiring at least 3 days a week on-site in our New Castle, Delaware office, just 40 min south of Philadelphia. Fully remote opportunities may be considered for exceptional candidates.

Key Projects & Responsibilities

The below is a non-exhaustive list of potential projects and activities. Exact projects will depend on business needs and the skills and preferences of the selected candidate.

• Strategic Financial Modeling & Analysis: Lead advanced financial modeling for our flagship FOAK (First-of-a-Kind) projects. This includes utilizing Monte Carlo simulations and sensitivity analysis (tornado charts) to identify and mitigate cost/revenue variables. You will also review project financing terms and perform BATNA analysis for upcoming negotiations.
• Global Market Expansion Strategy: Drive the research and strategy for entering new geographic regions. You will evaluate market-specific opportunities, analyze various entry models, and develop strategies for IP protection, supply chain logistics, and local manufacturing. This involves leveraging AI-supported research validated by expert interviews and case studies.
• Legacy Growth & New Market Entry: Conduct deep-dive analyses of existing product lines and markets to identify untapped growth opportunities. You will explore entry into adjacent high-growth sectors, such as Data Center cooling and industrial gas markets.
• Commercial & Fundraising Support: Directly support our Business Development and Fundraising teams in accelerating company growth, gaining first hand exposure to the startup fundraising process, financing strategies, and investor communications. You will conduct market research, identify key partners and potential investors, and develop strategic collateral, including investor decks, use-case studies, and public funding responses.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an MBA program with a focus on finance, strategy, climate technology / sustainability, or a related field.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in financial modeling and data analysis.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to synthesize and translate complex findings into actionable insights.
• Self-motivated and proactive, with a strong desire to learn and contribute to meaningful projects.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to gain hands-on experience and exposure to strategic initiatives, fundraising, and operations in a dynamic and growing venture-backed climate tech company.
• Mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals in the industry.
• Future career opportunities based on performance and business needs.