Pursuing a EIT InnoEnergy master’s programme is a different experience for everyone. In addition to choosing your programme, which university to attend and which elective courses to take, the master’s is also compatible with various internships and research opportunities.
The Paradox of Choice
If you’re about to apply for an EIT InnoEnergy master’s, you probably already feel you have enough decisions to make. Similarly, if you are a year one student trying to land your second-year university, odds are that you are already having a hard time weighing in university specialities, study tracks, and student life. And then, here I come throwing in another parameter to account for.
Depending on which university you choose, you will have different options to perform internships. These can be part of your degree or an activity that you do on the side. Internships can be paid or unpaid, with an external company or within your university.
Working during your studies
Curious about the opportunities available? Let’s look at what some of my student colleagues are doing. Some popular companies for so-called ‘curricular internships’ that give university credits, include Tesla – the famous electrical car manufacturer andNorthvolt – a Swedish battery developer and manufacturer supported by EIT InnoEnergy. Some other classmates work for companies focused on smart energy solutions together with EIT InnoEnergy alumni. Finally, some people also work in local consultancy companies or energy start-ups.
In their roles, my colleagues are acquiring various skills, within engineering, business, energy markets and technology. In addition, when applying for jobs having professional experience is a valuable booster to their CV.
Contributing to the Energy Transition
Personally, I have gained professional experience from summer internships. I chose to pursue my internship, which is a mandatory part of my degree, within research at my university, namely Universitat Politecninca de Catalunya. Currently, I am a second-year student of the Master’s in Smart Electrical Networks and Systems, and I conducted my internship within the area of power electronics. Specifically, I have spent the last six months learning a new, publicly available simulation and programming tool which can be used for power applications. My focus has been on technologies that are vital for enabling a transition to an energy mix with a higher penetration of renewables.
Exploring Research Opportunities
I have long been curious about working within research, and the skills I have acquired through my work go beyond traditional classroom knowledge. Working together with talented researchers has been an inspiration, learning more about the work and ideas of others, getting close to the state-of-the art of my field and getting a valuable network in academia. This experience has given me a much better idea of what it means to pursue a post doc., and I feel much better prepared to make my first career step.
If you’re curious about a specific company, a position or a career path, make sure to explore the opportunities you have to learn outside of the classroom during your EIT InnoEnergy experience!
By Maria Isabel Bang Jensen, EIT InnoEnergy Master School student