OPT Strategy Associate Jobs
Strategy Associate roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with analytical or business degrees. Most positions qualify as specialty occupations under OPT work authorization, and many consulting and corporate strategy teams have experience sponsoring H-1B visas after your OPT period ends.
Find OPT Strategy Associate JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 4,252+ Strategy Associate jobs
See all 4,252+ Strategy Associate Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Strategy Associate roles.
Get Access To All JobsRequisition ID # 173711
Job Category: Business Operations / Strategy
Job Level: Individual Contributor
Business Unit: Strategy & Growth
Work Type: Hybrid
Job Location: Oakland
Department Overview
The PG&E Building Electrification and Efficiency Programs (BEEP) group focuses on inspiring and empowering our customers to eliminate unnecessary energy use, reduce their carbon footprint and save money. We manage a diverse portfolio of products and strategic programs that expertly deliver the right solutions across all customer segments, sizes, geographic locations and engagement preferences. As one of the nation’s largest energy efficiency (EE) portfolios, BEEP is helping to transform markets, set building codes and appliance standards, and be the marker by which all other utilities are measured.
The BEEP Policy Shaping, Analysis, and Compliance team seeks to shape and improve the policy and regulatory environment to give customers choice and control over how they use and manage energy and achieve California’s climate and clean energy goals. The team provides the larger EE team with the right tools, policies, strategy, data analytics, and compliance support they need to be successful portfolio managers. The team works closely with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and other Program Administrators (PAs) to develop and analyze EE policies and strategies, recommend policy changes, provide guidance on EE program compliance items, and communicate PG&E EE accomplishments. The team also supports other PG&E lines of business providing thought leadership on state legislative bills, California Energy Commission (CEC) proposals, and other state EE policy issues.
Position Summary
The analyst in this position will support and oversee development of regulatory reports and forecasts for PG&E’s EE portfolio. These tasks may also include data quality improvement; process improvement and documentation; mapping data flows; responding to internal and external data requests; and working with other PAs and CPUC staff on statewide processes. The ideal candidate will be detail oriented, have strong communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills, and approach opportunities for process improvement with enthusiasm and curiosity. The successful candidate must demonstrate accountability, strong project management skills, and dedication to collaborative problem solving.
This position is hybrid, working from your remote office and your assigned work location based on business need. The assigned work location will be within the PG&E Service Territory and agreed upon between the hiring leader and successful candidate. The preferred work location is Oakland, CA.
PG&E is providing the full salary/pay range for this position. The actual amount paid to an individual will be based on multiple factors, including, but not limited to, internal equity, specific skills, education, licenses or certifications, experience, market value, and geographic location. The range to reasonably expect will be between the minimum and the midpoint of the range. The final decision will be made on a case-by-case basis related to the factors above. This job is also eligible to participate in PG&E’s discretionary incentive compensation programs.
Bay Area Minimum: $80,000.00
Bay Area Midpoint: $100,000.00
Bay Area Maximum: $120,000.00
Key Responsibilities
- Support process, strategy, and policy development on data-related EE issues
- Prepare staging tables and regulatory reports using an existing Oracle SQL database architecture
- Represent PG&E EE in external engagements, such as CPUC, CEC, and IOU workshops or industry forums
- Prepare and deliver briefs and/or presentations
- Develop and advance strategic positions within EE by engaging key stakeholders
- Support cross-functional teams in implementing CPUC and legislative directives and meeting our EE goals
- Support organization by providing EE policy information, data, and direction to EE teams through various delivery channels
- Support PG&E filings in EE proceedings (e.g., advice letters, comment requests)
- Support regulatory/compliance efforts such as data requests or compliance filings, as necessary
Minimum qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, Business, Finance, Policy, Sociology, Engineering, Physics or other related fields or equivalent work experience
2 years of job-related experience
Desired qualifications
- 2 years of data analysis/management, regulatory/compliance, business analysis, project/program management, engineering, energy efficiency, or related experience
- Experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Analyzing customer and energy usage data to assess energy, bill, or related impacts of demand side management programs, or working closely with a program that uses such an approach
- Working with or analyzing/maintaining the quality of large, complex data sets
- Developing, reporting, or making business decisions based on data analytics
- Identifying or reporting performance metrics
- Developing or supporting targeted marketing or customer targeting efforts
- Analyzing or querying PG&E’s customer data or similar data
- Experience writing and modifying queries for datasets inside of Oracle SQL databases
- Knowledge of or experience working with energy efficiency or other demand side management programs
- Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to convey complex or technical information clearly, concisely, and accurately; tailor message to audience; and build and maintain positive working relationships with stakeholders of varying positions
- Strong analytical skills; ability to learn new concepts quickly and synthesize and interpret data and identify recommendations for actionable changes or next steps
- Ability to manage projects and collaborate successfully with cross-functional and cross-departmental project teams
- Attention to detail; curiosity and ability to identify challenges and develop creative solutions
- Experience using SQL, R, Python, PowerBI, Stata, SAS, MATLAB, advanced Excel, or another language/software package used to manipulate large data sets for analysis; ideally, proficiency in one of the above
- Experience with regulatory filings or data requests
Requisition ID # 173711
Job Category: Business Operations / Strategy
Job Level: Individual Contributor
Business Unit: Strategy & Growth
Work Type: Hybrid
Job Location: Oakland
Department Overview
The PG&E Building Electrification and Efficiency Programs (BEEP) group focuses on inspiring and empowering our customers to eliminate unnecessary energy use, reduce their carbon footprint and save money. We manage a diverse portfolio of products and strategic programs that expertly deliver the right solutions across all customer segments, sizes, geographic locations and engagement preferences. As one of the nation’s largest energy efficiency (EE) portfolios, BEEP is helping to transform markets, set building codes and appliance standards, and be the marker by which all other utilities are measured.
The BEEP Policy Shaping, Analysis, and Compliance team seeks to shape and improve the policy and regulatory environment to give customers choice and control over how they use and manage energy and achieve California’s climate and clean energy goals. The team provides the larger EE team with the right tools, policies, strategy, data analytics, and compliance support they need to be successful portfolio managers. The team works closely with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and other Program Administrators (PAs) to develop and analyze EE policies and strategies, recommend policy changes, provide guidance on EE program compliance items, and communicate PG&E EE accomplishments. The team also supports other PG&E lines of business providing thought leadership on state legislative bills, California Energy Commission (CEC) proposals, and other state EE policy issues.
Position Summary
The analyst in this position will support and oversee development of regulatory reports and forecasts for PG&E’s EE portfolio. These tasks may also include data quality improvement; process improvement and documentation; mapping data flows; responding to internal and external data requests; and working with other PAs and CPUC staff on statewide processes. The ideal candidate will be detail oriented, have strong communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills, and approach opportunities for process improvement with enthusiasm and curiosity. The successful candidate must demonstrate accountability, strong project management skills, and dedication to collaborative problem solving.
This position is hybrid, working from your remote office and your assigned work location based on business need. The assigned work location will be within the PG&E Service Territory and agreed upon between the hiring leader and successful candidate. The preferred work location is Oakland, CA.
PG&E is providing the full salary/pay range for this position. The actual amount paid to an individual will be based on multiple factors, including, but not limited to, internal equity, specific skills, education, licenses or certifications, experience, market value, and geographic location. The range to reasonably expect will be between the minimum and the midpoint of the range. The final decision will be made on a case-by-case basis related to the factors above. This job is also eligible to participate in PG&E’s discretionary incentive compensation programs.
Bay Area Minimum: $80,000.00
Bay Area Midpoint: $100,000.00
Bay Area Maximum: $120,000.00
Key Responsibilities
- Support process, strategy, and policy development on data-related EE issues
- Prepare staging tables and regulatory reports using an existing Oracle SQL database architecture
- Represent PG&E EE in external engagements, such as CPUC, CEC, and IOU workshops or industry forums
- Prepare and deliver briefs and/or presentations
- Develop and advance strategic positions within EE by engaging key stakeholders
- Support cross-functional teams in implementing CPUC and legislative directives and meeting our EE goals
- Support organization by providing EE policy information, data, and direction to EE teams through various delivery channels
- Support PG&E filings in EE proceedings (e.g., advice letters, comment requests)
- Support regulatory/compliance efforts such as data requests or compliance filings, as necessary
Minimum qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, Business, Finance, Policy, Sociology, Engineering, Physics or other related fields or equivalent work experience
2 years of job-related experience
Desired qualifications
- 2 years of data analysis/management, regulatory/compliance, business analysis, project/program management, engineering, energy efficiency, or related experience
- Experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Analyzing customer and energy usage data to assess energy, bill, or related impacts of demand side management programs, or working closely with a program that uses such an approach
- Working with or analyzing/maintaining the quality of large, complex data sets
- Developing, reporting, or making business decisions based on data analytics
- Identifying or reporting performance metrics
- Developing or supporting targeted marketing or customer targeting efforts
- Analyzing or querying PG&E’s customer data or similar data
- Experience writing and modifying queries for datasets inside of Oracle SQL databases
- Knowledge of or experience working with energy efficiency or other demand side management programs
- Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to convey complex or technical information clearly, concisely, and accurately; tailor message to audience; and build and maintain positive working relationships with stakeholders of varying positions
- Strong analytical skills; ability to learn new concepts quickly and synthesize and interpret data and identify recommendations for actionable changes or next steps
- Ability to manage projects and collaborate successfully with cross-functional and cross-departmental project teams
- Attention to detail; curiosity and ability to identify challenges and develop creative solutions
- Experience using SQL, R, Python, PowerBI, Stata, SAS, MATLAB, advanced Excel, or another language/software package used to manipulate large data sets for analysis; ideally, proficiency in one of the above
- Experience with regulatory filings or data requests
See all 4,252+ OPT Strategy Associate Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Strategy Associate Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Strategy Associate
Target companies with a history of H-1B sponsorship
Consulting firms and large corporations that regularly hire Strategy Associates often have established H-1B sponsorship processes. Prioritizing these employers means your OPT period is more likely to lead to long-term work authorization rather than a dead end.
Frame your degree as a direct match for the role
Strategy Associate roles typically require a degree in business, economics, finance, or a related field. Make that connection explicit in your resume and cover letter so employers immediately see your qualifications meet specialty occupation requirements for OPT work authorization.
Start your search early relative to your OPT start date
Hiring timelines for strategy roles at larger firms can run eight to twelve weeks from application to offer. Beginning your search at least three months before your OPT authorization begins gives you room to clear background checks and onboarding before day one.
Be transparent about your OPT timeline upfront
Strategy teams value planning and clarity. Disclosing your OPT end date and STEM extension eligibility early in conversations signals professionalism and lets hiring managers assess sponsorship feasibility before investing heavily in your candidacy.
Highlight quantitative skills that are hardest to source domestically
Employers are more likely to pursue sponsorship when a candidate fills a specific skill gap. If your background includes advanced modeling, data analysis, or market research expertise, lead with those skills to strengthen the case for your hire over a local candidate.
Use Migrate Mate to focus on verified OPT-friendly employers
Browsing generic job boards means filtering through hundreds of roles where sponsorship is unclear. Migrate Mate surfaces Strategy Associate positions from employers who have sponsored international candidates before, making your search significantly more efficient.
Strategy Associate OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Strategy Associate role qualify for OPT work authorization?
Yes, in most cases. Strategy Associate positions typically require a bachelor's degree or higher in business, economics, finance, or a closely related field, which satisfies the specialty occupation standard for OPT authorization. If your degree aligns with the analytical and business functions of the role, you're generally on solid ground. Roles that are vague about degree requirements can be harder to justify, so look for postings that specify a relevant field.
Am I eligible for a STEM OPT extension as a Strategy Associate?
It depends on your degree. If you graduated with a STEM-designated degree such as economics with a quantitative focus, operations research, management science, or a related field, you may qualify for the 24-month STEM extension. Business administration degrees without a STEM designation typically do not qualify. Check your degree program against the official DHS STEM designation list and confirm with your DSO before accepting an offer based on extension eligibility.
How do I find Strategy Associate jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
The most efficient approach is to use Migrate Mate, which focuses specifically on employers who have sponsored international candidates for work visas. This filters out roles where OPT and future H-1B sponsorship are unlikely, saving you the frustration of advancing through hiring processes only to learn sponsorship isn't available. Strategy roles at consulting firms, financial services companies, and large tech corporations tend to have the most established sponsorship infrastructure.
Will a Strategy Associate employer sponsor my H-1B after OPT ends?
Many do, but it's not guaranteed and varies significantly by employer size, industry, and internal policy. Large management consulting firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain have historically sponsored H-1B visas for high-performing associates. Smaller boutique firms or early-stage companies may lack the legal infrastructure or budget to sponsor. The H-1B is subject to an annual lottery with roughly a 25% selection rate, so even willing employers face uncertainty. Raise the sponsorship question directly during the offer stage.
Does working as a Strategy Associate count toward STEM OPT practical training requirements?
Only if you're on a STEM-designated OPT extension and the work is directly related to your STEM degree. Standard OPT requires that your employment be related to your field of study, which is a broader standard. For STEM OPT, the connection must be more specific, and your employer must participate in E-Verify and sign a formal training plan. Confirm that your Strategy Associate duties map clearly to your degree's curriculum when working with your DSO to validate the role.