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InnoBlog: CommUnity Days in Berlin inspire EIT InnoEnergy students and alumni

In early November, EIT InnoEnergy students and alumni reconvened for the 2021 CommUnity Days in Berlin.

All day Friday, EIT InnoEnergy students and alumni from all over Europe arrived at the NH Alexanderplatz hotel. As hugs, fist-bumps and elbow nudges were exchanged, the air was abuzz: it had, after all, been almost two years since most of us had seen each other.

 

As pandemic-induced lockdowns and travel restrictions confined us to our homes, we transitioned to working and studying from our rooms. The student community – a highlight feature of the EIT InnoEnergy Master’s programmes – was shifted online. Meet-ups, conferences and events were all held virtually. But now, regulations finally allowed us to reconvene in person for the CommUnity Days, a hallmark event of the EIT InnoEnergy CommUnity.

What is the CommUnity?

CommUnity is a student-led organisation composed of EIT InnoEnergy students and alumni. There are local CommUnities all over Europe, at the university locations offered by EIT InnoEnergy Master School. For me, it has been a great way to connect with like-minded peers and different energy stakeholders from the community, industry, or government.

Saturday: the main highlight

After an initial welcome on Friday evening, most of the CommUnity Days programme took place on Saturday. It began with an icebreaker and an introduction to the event. That was followed by a panel discussion and debate, on topics including hydrogen and smart cities.

 

After lunch, we split into three workshops: one exploring energy policy under different scenarios, one on personal branding and networking, and one on future engagement as an alumni. Then a round of team-building through a fun, escape room-style card game, and the day was done!

Thanks to EIT InnoEnergy

The unique close-knit CommUnity fostered by the EIT InnoEnergy Master School is a natural result of the dual-degree nature of the programme. By studying at two different European universities, you are exposed to more international perspectives and diversity than by studying at one school alone.

 

As a result, I left Berlin newly motivated to tackle energy and sustainability challenges: seeing the work that my friends and peers are doing only drives me to work harder myself! Will YOU be at the next CommUnity Days? Hope to see you there!

 

By Emilia Chojkiewicz, EIT InnoEnergy Master School graduate