Aurora Energy Research Business Analyst interview questions & guide 2026

Getting Ready for Your Interviews

Preparation at Aurora Energy Research should be systematic. You should focus on demonstrating both "hard" analytical skills and "soft" communication abilities.

Analytical Rigor – You must be comfortable with mental math and logical deduction. Interviewers look for candidates who can break down "Fermi-style" estimation questions into manageable components and communicate their calculation steps clearly.

Industry Fluency – You do not need to be an energy expert, but you must be conversant in the core concepts. Familiarize yourself with basic units of energy, market structures, and current trends in the energy transition.

Structured Communication – When presenting insights or solving cases, your ability to provide a clear, logical narrative is paramount. Always state your assumptions clearly before diving into the data.

Interview Process Overview

The recruitment process at Aurora Energy Research is designed to evaluate your problem-solving capabilities and your potential to fit into a collaborative, intellectually driven team. You can expect a multi-stage process that typically includes a combination of behavioral interviews, technical assessments, and case studies. The pace can vary, but we prioritize finding candidates who demonstrate both technical proficiency and a genuine passion for our mission.

The timeline above illustrates a standard progression from initial screening to final-round case presentations. Use this to pace your preparation, ensuring you have ample time to brush up on both your mental math and your understanding of energy market fundamentals before your final rounds.

Deep Dive into Evaluation Areas

Problem Solving & Logical Reasoning

We value candidates who can approach ambiguity with a clear, step-by-step framework. You will be evaluated on your ability to simplify complex problems.

Be ready to go over:

• Estimation (Fermi) problems – Practice breaking down large numbers into smaller, logical buckets.
• Data interpretation – Be prepared to look at a graph or table and extract meaningful business insights quickly.
• Methodology – Always explain your logic; an interviewer would rather see a sound process with a minor calculation error than a "correct" answer with no explanation.

Technical Competency

While not a coding role in the traditional sense, you will be expected to use tools like Excel to manipulate data and model scenarios.

Be ready to go over:

• Unit conversions – Be fluent in converting between kW, kWh, MW, and TWh.
• Excel proficiency – Using keyboard shortcuts and maintaining clean, auditable models is highly regarded.
• Basic modeling – Understanding how revenue and profit are modeled in an energy context.

Key Responsibilities

As a Business Analyst, your primary responsibility is to produce high-quality, data-driven analysis. You will build and maintain quantitative models that forecast market trends, which are then used by our clients to make critical investment decisions. You will work closely with senior associates and managers to refine these models and present findings in a clear, compelling manner.

Collaboration is key; you will often be involved in cross-functional projects where you must balance rigorous technical output with the need for clear communication. You will move between researching market-wide energy trends and performing deep-dive analysis on specific assets or technologies. Expect to manage multiple streams of work, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to pivot as project requirements evolve.

Role Requirements & Qualifications

A strong candidate for Business Analyst brings a mix of quantitative aptitude and intellectual curiosity. We look for individuals who are not just capable of performing calculations but who are interested in the "why" behind the data.

• Must-have skills: Strong proficiency in Excel, excellent mental math and logical reasoning, and a demonstrated ability to communicate complex data.
• Nice-to-have skills: Prior experience or academic background in economics, engineering, or physics; familiarity with energy market structures.
• Experience level: We recruit both graduates and early-career professionals; the primary requirement is a track record of high achievement and strong analytical potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much time should I spend preparing for the case studies? A: You should prioritize building a logical framework rather than memorizing solutions. Spend time practicing mental math and getting comfortable with basic energy units, as these are the tools you will use during the case.

Q: What is the most common reason candidates are not selected? A: Often, it is not a lack of intelligence, but a lack of structured communication or an inability to explain the "how" behind their logic. Always talk through your steps out loud.

Q: Is it necessary to have a background in energy? A: No, we value intellectual curiosity and analytical ability. While you must show an interest in the sector, we provide the training to develop your specific domain knowledge.

Q: What is the culture like at Aurora Energy Research? A: We pride ourselves on being an intellectually stimulating environment. We value high performance, collaboration, and people who are proactive in their work.

Other General Tips

• Talk through your math: Never sit in silence while calculating. Interviewers need to hear your thought process to evaluate your logic.
• Ask clarifying questions: If a case study seems ambiguous, ask for the constraints or assumptions before you start.
• Be prepared to defend your assumptions: If you estimate a population or a capacity, be ready to justify why you chose that specific number.
• Know your CV: You will be asked about your past experiences, so ensure you can clearly link your previous work or projects to the skills required for this role.
• Practice your "Why Aurora?" answer: Show that you have researched our recent reports or public articles on the energy transition.

Summary & Next Steps

The Business Analyst role at Aurora Energy Research is a unique opportunity to shape the future of the global energy landscape. By focusing your preparation on structured problem-solving, logical communication, and a clear understanding of energy fundamentals, you position yourself as a strong candidate for our team.

Remember that our interviewers are looking for how you think, not just for the final answer. Approach every challenge with curiosity and a clear framework, and you will demonstrate the analytical rigor we value. We encourage you to continue refining your skills and exploring our insights to ensure you are fully prepared for the process ahead.