Q&A: Sabah Bayatli ’15 is supporting the next generation of energy leaders

DECEMBER 11, 2024 — Sabah Bayatli ’15 earned his master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on sustainable energy resources at UTSA. He is currently the president of OCI Energy, a San Antonio company specializing in the development of large-scale solar and battery energy storage projects in the U.S.

Bayatli’s academic and professional journey began in Türkiye, where he completed his bachelor’s in mechanical engineering and master’s degrees in thermodynamics. He launched his career as Chief Commercial Officer at Sabsan Ltd., a family-owned business with a focus on oil and gas equipment export, gaining valuable experience in the energy sector. He then moved to San Antonio in 2013 to pursue his second master’s degree at UTSA, where his academic studies intersected with hands-on industry exposure. This is when he began an internship with OCI Energy, setting the foundation for his rise to become the company’s youngest president at age 38.

Today, as president of OCI Energy, Bayatli remains deeply connected to UTSA. He actively hires graduates and offers internship opportunities to foster the next generation of talent in the renewable energy sector.

UTSA Today spoke with Bayatli to learn more about his career, the lessons he learned as a UTSA grad student and how he’s passing that knowledge on to the next generation of business leaders.

“I am so proud to be a UTSA alumnus. The university played a pivotal role in my career, particularly through its Texas Sustainable Energy Research Institute.”

You moved all the way from Türkiye to San Antonio for your master’s degree. What attracted you to UTSA?

SB: Initially, I was searching for universities where I could pursue a program after completing my first master’s degree in Türkiye. While exploring options in Europe and the U.S., I spoke with a friend in San Antonio who told me about Texas and UTSA. I saw the incredible growth potential in the state and the city and all the opportunities here. When I evaluated UTSA, I was drawn to its leadership and the university’s push for this same caliber of growth and development.

Tell us about OCI Energy and its impact in San Antonio and beyond.

SB: OCI develops utility-scale solar and battery energy storage projects across the nation. We’ve contributed significantly to the Texas energy market, adding affordable, clean energy to the grid and supporting the transition to sustainable power sources. Over the past few years, we’ve expanded nationally, developing projects in states like Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia, Oklahoma and Colorado.

Bayatli and his family

Tell us about your roles at OCI Energy as former vice president of project development and now as president.

SB: I started as an intern at OCI in 2013 while I was pursuing my second master’s degree at UTSA. Over the years, I’ve worn multiple hats, from engineering to project development and finance. As vice president of project development, I oversaw project development, execution, strategy alignment and team management. When I became president in 2023, my focus shifted to the company’s long-term vision.

Now, I’m responsible for shaping OCI’s growth trajectory over the next three to five years. This involves strategic planning, resource allocation and market expansion. For example, we’ve been diversifying beyond Texas into new states, which requires careful consideration of where to invest and how to position ourselves in those markets.

Another critical aspect of my role as president is managing our human capital — ensuring that our team has the skills, resources and support it needs to thrive. I also look at how we can innovate and adapt to changes in the clean-energy industry to remain competitive and deliver value to our stakeholders.

What role did UTSA play in shaping your career?

SB: I am so proud to be a UTSA alumnus. The university played a pivotal role in my career, particularly through its Texas Sustainable Energy Research Institute (TSERI).

During my master’s program, the institute provided me with opportunities to gain hands-on experience and connect with industry professionals. It bridged the gap between the technical knowledge I brought from my engineering background and the practical, commercial insights I needed to succeed in the energy sector. For example, the institute’s programs introduced me to the energy and power market in Texas, which prepared me for my internship at OCI Energy.

How do you continue to support UTSA and its students?

SB: At OCI Energy, we actively hire UTSA graduates and interns and most of them transition into full-time roles. Right now, we have five student interns on our team and approximately 25% of the company is from UTSA.

Our internship program is designed to be flexible and impactful. Unlike traditional summer internships, ours run year-round and adapt to students’ academic schedules. Our interns gain hands-on experience working on real-world projects, which prepares them to hit the ground running when they graduate. It’s not uncommon for some interns to be offered full-time roles even before completing their degrees, depending on their performance and availability.

Personally, I make it a priority to interview every candidate myself, including interns, because I want to ensure we’re investing in people who are passionate, motivated, and eager to learn. This approach has not only benefited OCI Energy’s growth but also contributed to developing a pipeline of skilled professionals who will make a lasting impact in the clean energy sector.

Supporting UTSA is a way for me to give back to the university that played such an important role in my own journey, and I truly value the opportunity to help shape the next generation of leaders.

What do you look for when hiring interns and young talent?

SB: Aside from a relevant academic background, I look for motivation, eagerness and a willingness to learn. For example, if we’re hiring an electrical engineering student to support grid analysis, they need the technical foundation, but experience is not something we expect from interns or young graduates. Instead, we focus on their potential — how quickly they can adapt, how much they are willing to learn, and whether they genuinely want to be part of this industry.

I also look for what I call “the spark.” It’s that enthusiasm and drive that show me they’re excited about the opportunity and will put in the effort to succeed. Since these candidates are at the beginning of their careers, it’s not about what they’ve done; it’s about what they can do and how they approach challenges.

What advice do you have for UTSA graduates?

SB: My first piece of advice is to focus on solutions, not problems. When challenges arise, it’s easy to dwell on what’s wrong, but shifting your mindset to look for solutions makes a big difference. Employers value people who can adapt and bring practical ideas to the table, even in difficult situations.

Second, keep searching for opportunities and don’t limit yourself to a narrow set of options. The job market can be tough, but there are opportunities out there if you think creatively and explore beyond your immediate expectations. It’s important to remain persistent and open-minded. For example, don’t fixate on a specific title or company. Sometimes the best opportunities come from unexpected places.

When it comes to interviewing, my biggest advice is to be yourself. Authenticity builds trust, and trust is one of the most valuable things you can offer as a candidate. Employers aren’t just looking at your skills; they’re trying to see if they can rely on you and if you’ll fit into their team.

Trying to be someone you’re not can come across as insincere. Instead, focus on showing your true self and what you genuinely bring to the table. I know many graduates feel pressure to act or present themselves in a certain way to impress employers, but I can tell you as someone who interviews many candidates, authenticity stands out.

Finally, remember that the path to success is not always linear. Stay persistent, keep building your skills and don’t be afraid to take risks. Whether you’re applying for internships, entry-level positions or exploring different industries, trust in your ability to grow and find your way.

— Jordan Allen