EIT InnoEnergy's career focus leads to rising employment rates!

The way the world networks has undergone a drastic change, making it essential to not only offer engaging online events – but more of them! EIT InnoEnergy offers an impressive calendar of online matchmaking events with EIT InnoEnergy pan-European network of start-ups, scale-ups, and big-name industrial partners.

As Marloes Wichink Kruit, Human Capital Manager at EIT InnoEnergy, explains, “We teach students not to wait until they finish their studies to find a position. Our vision is that once you enter the Master School, your career starts immediately. It’s not like doing a 2-year programme and thinking ‘what’s next?’ – so we connect them to the industry early on and as often as possible!”

With the world going remote during COVID times, it’s the natural evolution for internships, as well. The Career Centre gives students a foot in the digital door – with access to fully remote internships from top companies such as Vattenfall, Northvolt, Tesla, Prio Portugal, Seaborg Technologies, Siemens Energy, Vestas, Hardt Hyperloop, Engie Impact, TNO, UNDP, Valmet Automotive, and EDP. Students receive a further advantage, through career webinars, CV checks and interview training!

The Career Impact Challenges are also an opportunity for ambitious students to put their skills to test by tackling real-life industry challenges while doing some major networking with influential players in Europe’s energy scene.

EIT InnoEnergy student Mexi Sandoval shares his experience at the last Career Impact Challenges, “I loved taking part in CIC 2020. My team and I had excellent synergy during the creative process, even with the online format. For me, this event highlights the importance of collaboration, especially in times of COVID-19.”

For two consecutive years (2019 and 2020), EIT InnoEnergy has achieved the goal to connect students with at least 120 placement opportunities within their network each year. The sustainable energy industry is growing even more and set to explode over the next few decades as the European Green Deal turns climate and environmental challenges into real opportunities. The recovery from COVID-19 (with Sustainable Energy at its very core) will create even more options in this sector for trained young professionals – and EIT InnoEnergy Master School is committed to providing the industry with the talent it needs.

The pandemic certainly has changed “business as usual”; therefore, the Career Centre has adapted their strategies to help students overcome new challenges. Students can expect the same expert support to ensure a smooth and empowered transition into the labour market, with the clear advantage of being in the heart of Europe’s largest energy ecosystem. The energy transition needs skilled innovators – and it’s EIT InnoEnergy’s mission to get them out there as soon as possible so that they can make a difference!