Jennifer Gorman MPP ’26 reflects on her summer with American Honda Motor Co.’s Hydrogen Solutions Team, where she gained firsthand insight into how corporations, policymakers, and implementers collaborate to advance clean energy solutions.
Where are you working this summer and what are your primary responsibilities or focus areas day-to-day?
This summer I interned at American Honda Motor Co. on their Hydrogen Solutions Team within the Sustainable Business Development Unit. One of my main projects was a market validation analysis, where I mapped regulatory requirements, reviewed decarbonization plans across California, and interviewed potential public sector offtakers to help Honda assess fuel cell market demand and shape its commercialization strategy. I also created a workforce development strategy for internal use to guide the company’s efforts to build a skilled workforce capable of servicing its fuel cells. Together, these projects helped Honda better understand where demand for fuel cells is strongest and how to support the workforce needed to scale its hydrogen business.
What’s one insight or perspective you’ve gained that surprised you, shifted your thinking, or changed how you approach public policy?
Through conversations with transit agencies, cities, and energy service providers, I realized how critical it is to include implementers in policy design. Too often, policies are developed at a high level without fully accounting for the realities faced by those responsible for executing them. For instance, California’s Innovative Clean Transit rule requires transit agencies to purchase 100% zero-emissions buses by 2029, but currently, only one zero-emissions bus model meets the range needed for most routes. Engaging implementers can reveal practical challenges and opportunities that aren’t apparent from a pure policy or analytical perspective. Policymaking must be a collaborative process that integrates the expertise of those who will bring policies to life on the ground.
As a policy student, what insights have you gained about how large companies like Honda navigate government regulations, environmental standards, or energy policy?
Working at Honda showed me that corporate sustainability strategy isn’t just about following regulations; it’s also about anticipating policy trends to guide strategic planning and investments. Companies actively advocate for policies and programs that align with their business goals, monitor emerging standards, evaluate potential market opportunities, and plan technology and workforce development accordingly. This experience gave me a new perspective on how policy impacts real-world outcomes: it shapes the pace of innovation, and the practical steps companies take to implement cleaner energy solutions.
Any advice for peers seeking similar internships or career paths?
Don’t be afraid to explore careers or internships beyond the traditional government or nonprofit paths. The private sector plays a critical role as both an advocate and implementer in policy processes. Experiencing policy from this perspective can reveal how decisions are put into practice, how incentives shape behavior, and ultimately how change happens. These insights can help you become a more thoughtful and effective policy practitioner in any context.
