Meteorologists working for energy firms face a number of complex weather and climate-related issues and problems, many of them that require knowledge (i.e., risk analysis and management, development and use of decision support tools, etc.) and skills (i.e., effective communication skills, problem solving, working collaboratively with non-meteorologists, etc.) that are not typically taught in undergraduate meteorology programs. To help rectify this problem, Chesapeake Energy Corporation has continually supported an internship program within their meteorology group in Chicago. This internship program has given students the opportunity to learn firsthand what types of issues energy meteorologists face whether they involve operational decisions (i.e., daily forecasting to assist marketing/hedging decisions) and long-term planning decisions (i.e., determining the seasonal temperature anomalies and their impact on natural gas supply/demand). Furthermore, through a relationship with Northern Illinois University's (NIU) meteorology program, NIU undergraduate meteorology students work collaboratively in small groups on applied research projects for Chesapeake Energy. These projects allow students to become more aware of the challenges faced by energy decision makers. Overall, these experiences suggest that there are benefits for both students and energy firms when partnerships exist. This paper will further discuss how these academic-private sector partnerships can develop and evolve, what the internships/projects should entail to benefit all parties, and issues/risks that undergraduate meteorology programs may encounter as we move into the 21st century.