Emet Zeitz, recent graduate of the Master’s in Sustainable Energy Systems, just attended The Business Booster (TBB) in Lisbon with a fresh perspective… as a company delegate!
It all started with Emet’s internship at Net Zero Insights (a company that operates the most comprehensive climate tech start-up database) during his studies at EIT InnoEnergy Master School. The internship turned into a full-time job before he had even graduated – giving him quite a head start on his career. He shares how it was to go from a student to a business developer representing this company at Europe’s most relevant energy industry event.
Connecting at TBB
This exciting EIT InnoEnergy flagship event brought together high-level keynote speakers and 1,200+ industry delegates, including 150+ InnoEnergy-supported innovations. Worldwide experts participated in over 3,000 B2B meetings throughout these two days!
Emet shares how the event gives a fundamental understanding of EIT InnoEnergy’s supportive ecosystem and is the perfect venue to tap into it: “The key selling point of TBB was having so many people involved in the energy transition all in the same place. InnoEnergy’s reputation attracts startups, investors, policymakers, and consultants from all over the world and creates a great space to connect with many people in a short time. I used the conference B2B meeting tool to schedule 27 successful meetings with different investors across two days. That’s not possible in my normal day-to-day work. I was even able to negotiate my first deal! TBB is now a highlight in my professional career.”
From intern to business developer
Emet’s career at Net Zero Insights began with a collaboration for writing his master’s thesis and evolved into precisely the type of position he was looking for. “They were offering an internship to be a climate tech analyst, and during the interview process we found a great topic to write a master thesis on, so I took the internship. However, instead of staying for just a few months as an intern, I was offered a full-time position – more focused on growing the business for this early-stage start-up. Starting to work full-time before officially graduating was challenging but very fulfilling. After all, one of my goals when entering the programme was to find an opportunity like this – work that I enjoy and can be passionate about every day!”
Choosing a Masters
After completing a bachelor’s in Physics from UC Santa Barbara California, Emet shares, “I felt inspired by the climate movements I saw worldwide and wanted to contribute. But since my undergraduate studies were in physics, I felt that I didn’t have the hard skills. I also felt my background had put me in a ‘growth-limiting bubble’. I knew international experiences would push me out of my comfort zone to learn and gain new perspectives. EIT InnoEnergy Master School checked all the boxes, from the engineering knowledge and skills focused on the energy transition to joining a network of like-minded professionals passionate about making a positive impact. It was the right choice, and the programme prepared me for what I do now in many ways. It gave me a broad overview of the entire energy transition and the new technologies involved – and improved my entrepreneurship, leadership, and communication skills through many different projects. Also, the hybrid learning taught me how to collaborate remotely, across time zones in an international environment – exactly what I do now.”
A network that WORKS
Emet feels the EIT InnoEnergy network of students, alumni, startups, and investors is an excellent opportunity for all involved. He says, “I’ve made valuable industry connections and have friends who are starting their own companies, working for start-ups, corporations, and consultancies – so it’s clear that the programmes prepare students for any direction they wish to take. The network instantly connects people worldwide, creating endless possibilities for work or collaborations.” At the TBB this year, 30 students were invited to witness this high-level networking firsthand, working with 50+ exhibitors and gaining hands-on experience in crucial skills such as attracting investors and pitching technologies.
As a final thought, Emet shares, “One of the biggest takeaways from my experience in the programme is to always be proactive. EIT InnoEnergy has built an incredible ecosystem and offers tons of support, but as individuals, we are responsible for making the most of it.” So, make the most of this opportunity. Join EIT InnoEnergy Master School and The Business Booster 2023 in Amsterdam, 18-19 October 2023!