Lujuan outside the Marshall Student Center after Graduating
When Lujuan Wang arrived in the United States in 2020, she was not beginning her career, she was redefining it. With more than a decade of experience as an in-house legal counsel for major tech companies in China, Wang had already reached a leadership level many professionals strive for. But despite her success, she felt ready for something more.
I felt like I had reached the ceiling. I wanted to gain new knowledge and do something meaningful, for the environment and for future generations.
Lujuan Wang
P&P Implementation and Contractor Engagement Specialist
That desire led her to the 91社区, where she pursued both a master鈥檚 degree at the Patel College of Global Sustainability (PCGS) and an MBA at the Muma College of Business. It was a bold decision. One that would reshape her career and purpose.
Life as a Student
At PCGS, Wang focused on the business side of sustainability, learning how to connect strategy with environmental and social impact. Courses in entrepreneurship, systems thinking, and sustainability strategy helped her build a new skill set, one she could immediately apply in real-world settings.
鈥淚 learned how to think from both a business and sustainability perspective,鈥 she explained. 鈥淎nd I was able to use that knowledge directly in my work.鈥
One of the most transformative experiences during her time at PCGS was her internship coursework, where she analyzed a company鈥檚 operations and proposed sustainability-driven improvements. That experience gave her the confidence to approach challenges with both a strategic and impact-oriented mindset, something that would soon prove essential.
While still a student, Wang discovered an internship opportunity through a college announcement on Canvas. The Solar and Energy Loan Fund (SELF), a nonprofit green bank, was seeking support to improve its internal processes and business strategy. She applied, interviewed, and secured the role.
Lujuan working with the Solar and Energy Loan Fund (SELF)
As an international student, Wang understood that landing a job would require more than qualifications, it would require persistence, adaptability, and results. She focused on proving her value first.
鈥淐ompanies may not be familiar with sponsorship,鈥 she said. 鈥淪o, you need to show them what you can do鈥攜our performance and your contribution鈥攂efore asking.鈥
Her efforts paid off. In April 2024, she received a full-time offer as a P&P Implementation
and Contractor Engagement Specialist, along with H-1B visa sponsorship, an achievement
that reflects both her performance and determination.
Current Role
Today, Wang鈥檚 work at SELF is rooted in impact. The organization provides affordable
financing for home improvements such as solar panels, roofing, and energy-efficient
upgrades, primarily serving low-income communities.
鈥淲e help people who otherwise couldn鈥檛 afford these improvements,鈥 she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚
meaningful work because we鈥檙e improving homes, supporting families, and helping communities
become more resilient.鈥
Lujuan interning for the Fatbeetfarm
In her role, Wang contributes to improving systems and processes, including the use of AI to streamline loan applications and make services more accessible. It is a position that brings together everything she studied: business strategy, technology, and sustainability.
Looking back, Wang credits her experience at both PCGS and the Muma College of Business for preparing her for this path.
I gained different perspectives from both colleges, and I use that knowledge in the real world every day.
Lujuan Wang
P&P Implementation and Contractor Engagement Specialist
For students who hope to follow a similar path, especially international students, her advice is clear: stay curious, take every opportunity, and do not be afraid to start over.
Her story is a powerful reminder that sustainability careers are not always linear, but with the right mindset and education, they can be deeply impactful.