Jake Sweed's Journey as Chief of Staff at TS Conductor: A Transformative MBA Summer Internship Experience

For many MBA candidates, the summer internship is a pivotal opportunity to apply academic learning in real-world settings. For Jake Sweed, this experience was not just about flexing MBA muscles, but about leading the strategic growth of a cutting-edge company. Serving as Chief of Staff at TS Conductor, a Series A manufacturer of patented electric transmission conductors, Jake embarked on a challenging yet rewarding journey that pushed him to apply his multifaceted background in ways he never imagined.

The Cross-Functional Role of a Chief of Staff

During his MBA summer internship at TS Conductor, Jake Sweed held a uniquely cross-functional role that required more than just technical knowledge. TS Conductor, backed by major players like Breakthrough Energy Ventures, NextEra, and National Grid, is revolutionizing the electric transmission industry with its innovative technology. For Jake, the role was a crash course in balancing multiple disciplines, as he quickly became an expert on the company's manufacturing process while utilizing his business acumen.

One of Jake's primary responsibilities was spearheading the company's expansion strategy. This involved an intricate process of identifying the ideal location for TS Conductor's mega-facility, a project that would define the company’s next growth phase. From scouting potential sites to conducting thorough evaluations, Jake took on the lead role in laying the groundwork for a crucial infrastructure investment. His work would eventually be presented to TS Conductor's Board, venture capitalists, and even the Department of Energy's Loan Program Office.

The Importance of Industry Knowledge

Although Jake’s role was rooted in strategy, becoming intimately familiar with TS Conductor's manufacturing process was crucial. This knowledge enabled him to contribute meaningfully to decisions about where and how the company could scale. "It wasn’t just about finding a location; it was about understanding how our technology could be produced at scale efficiently," Jake recalls.

By quickly diving deep into the engineering and production processes, Jake was able to align TS Conductor’s expansion strategy with their technological capabilities. This ability to switch gears between the technical and strategic aspects of the business is something Jake attributes to his MBA training, but also to the diverse experiences he brought into the role.

Drawing on Government and Military Experience

Jake’s unique blend of experiences, from his time in the Army to working with Starburst—a venture firm focused on aerospace and defense technologies—became invaluable assets during his tenure at TS Conductor. His background gave him a strong foundation in working with government entities, a crucial skill set for dealing with federal funding channels such as the DOE Loan Program Office.

In building out TS Conductor’s data room, a key task in securing approval and funding from stakeholders, Jake drew heavily from his government experience. The data room contained all the necessary information about the company’s operations, financials, and future plans, packaged in a way that appealed to both private investors and public entities. The ability to communicate TS Conductor’s mission and potential to different audiences was essential to securing backing for the company’s ambitious plans.

Presenting to High-Level Stakeholders

One of the most critical aspects of Jake’s internship was his opportunity to present his work directly to key stakeholders, including the company’s Board of Directors, venture capitalists, and officials from the DOE Loan Program Office. "This was the ultimate test of my ability to translate complex data into a compelling narrative," Jake notes. His presentation skills were put to the test as he had to clearly articulate TS Conductor's plans and why they were worthy of substantial investment and support.

For Jake, this experience was a culmination of everything he had learned in his MBA program, from financial modeling to strategic communication. The high stakes of these presentations pushed him to refine his approach, ensuring that every aspect of the company’s vision was communicated with clarity and conviction.

The Lasting Impact of the Internship

Reflecting on his time as Chief of Staff at TS Conductor, Jake Sweed considers the internship a transformative experience. "It wasn't just a job where I could apply what I learned in school. It was an opportunity to make a tangible impact on the future of a company that’s shaping the future of energy transmission." The cross-functional nature of the role, combined with the high-level exposure to stakeholders and government agencies, gave Jake a holistic view of what it takes to scale a tech company in the energy sector.

Jake’s journey is a testament to the value of an MBA internship that challenges you to step out of your comfort zone and apply a diverse skill set. From government liaison to strategic planner and technical expert, Jake leveraged his background to lead TS Conductor’s expansion strategy. His experience stands as an inspiration for other MBA candidates looking to make a significant impact during their internships.

As Jake moves forward in his career, one thing is clear: his summer at TS Conductor has armed him with the experience, confidence, and skills needed to tackle future challenges in the fast-evolving world of business and technology.