Some unforeseen crises such as Covid-19 can create many challenges. However, EIT InnoEnergy students continuously demonstrate adaptability and innovative solutions to make sure that they achieve their goals. MSc Energy for Smart Cities student George Arende’s story demonstrates how the pandemic need not get in the way of education or career. The Kenyan/Southern Africa native took full advantage of the EIT InnoEnergy Master School’s remote learning opportunities at the time. He followed his second-year classes at Universitat Politecnica de Calatunya in Spain while still based in Sweden, which allowed him to secure an internship within EIT InnoEnergy, assisting to develop the roadmap for energy storage and smart grids. This connection led to his current internship and Master’s thesis work at the innovative green lithium-ion battery manufacturer, Northvolt. George shares how EIT InnoEnergy has helped him make those all-important connections to industry – as well as offered support along the way.
Learning about engineering and entrepreneurship
George stumbled across the EIT InnoEnergy community while searching for start-up accelerators online. “What was astounding about EIT InnoEnergy was that they provided a master’s school that develops both technical and business skills. I found out that EIT InnoEnergy has been behind many successful European start-ups, and the more I read about their initiatives, the more I was impressed. Such as the Hardt Hyperloop, where they assisted students with no entrepreneurial experience or financial resources, just technical skills, to start their own initiatives. This made me want to be part of their network and get myself to the centre of the green revolution – Europe. I knew that the EIT InnoEnergy Master school was the best place to start.”
Connecting and supporting students
Being in the right place at the right time is a big part of a success story; however, one also needs to take advantage of all the opportunities offered. George was quick to immerse himself into both the learning and support that EIT InnoEnergy provided. “All the amazing programme activities give students the platform to interact with industry. And their support is extremely helpful, from making sure we get to know the right people to helping us find internships. EIT InnoEnergy is a brand name that enables you to get your foot in the door of major industry players. Organisations are aware of the quality of education that EIT InnoEnergy Master School delivers by focusing on the technical aspects and business perspectives. EIT InnoEnergy also provides coaching and carrier development through the Career Impact Programme. I made sure not to waste any opportunities given.”
An easy transition
In the summer of 2020, George applied for a project assistant Internship role with EIT InnoEnergy. This role led him to build connections with EIT InnoEnergy-supported companies like Northvolt. He shares his experience during his internship: “EIT InnoEnergy is one of the best places to work in Scandinavia. Every day was a learning experience, as I gained knowledge from my supervisor and the Smart Grids and Energy Storage team. I worked with the European Battery Alliance, Battery Recycling and Second life applications, among many other areas – all of them fascinating topics! The programme perfectly set me up for this internship, as EIT InnoEnergy knows what’s needed in the industry, and they include that in the education, assuring an easy transition for students to a working environment.”
Making valuable connections
George explains how this EIT internship transitioned into working at one of Sweden’s most exciting green battery companies: “We worked with several organisations Europe-wide during the roadmap development, giving me the chance to interact with a lot of high-profile people in the energy industry. Through one of the participants (a representative from Northvolt who is now a member of the European Parliament), I became aware of and applied to a Master thesis position. Getting selected was a dream come true!” When asked what it’s like to work at Northvolt, recently voted as one of the top employers for students in Sweden, George says, “It’s multi-cultural and fast-paced with a lot of expectation from its employees – but also rewarding in terms of the calibre of the people you work alongside. I am developing a concept of lifecycle assessment within the battery value chain, not previously explored, so it’s exciting work!”
Continued learning
George has some final thoughts on his experiences so far: “It’s been a learning experience that keeps going. EIT InnoEnergy has a network of scalable industrial innovations. As I finish up the academic part of my journey now – my next focus is to understand how such industries are structured and run and to understand the concept of funding by studying successful EIT InnoEnergy start-ups. There is much to learn, and students have lots of valuable resources and support at their fingertips. If we remain teachable and take advantage of the opportunities available to us, a lot of avenues will open up – so we can be a part of their growing success stories!”