InnoBlog: How diversity and inclusion prepare us for the future!

Diversity, simply put, is the representation of different types of people. Often, people always limit diversity to just race and gender, but as much as race and gender form critical components of diversity, it also includes, nationality, religion, physical challenges, social standing and so on.

Inclusion is the intentional act of creating a welcoming environment for different types of people. Inclusion creates an atmosphere where everyone can prosper without being weighed down by their backgrounds.

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As our network grows which extends beyond the scope of the student body and the faculty, we can see the benefits of having a diverse mix of people in our connections. Diversity helps us to engage with a wider perspective as we hear the opinions of people from different backgrounds. It helps to build stronger communities because it opens our eyes to new ways of thinking which further helps in problem-solving skills.

Diversity and inclusion also help in creativity because hearing the challenges and the experiences of people from different backgrounds, aids us in thinking about significant solutions to worldwide problems [1].

In addition, having a diverse and inclusive experience in higher education will greatly benefit us during job applications as we will have access to an international learning environment. Companies these days, are giving higher preferences to diversity and inclusion as they have seen an improvement in revenue growth, increased employee retention and engagement and improved hiring experiences. Hence, coming from a diverse and inclusive environment will shape how we think and react to different situations which will make us stand out from the crowd during the hiring season!

Personally, I have been able to see the changes in how I think and react because of the experience I have gotten as an EIT InnoEnergy Master’s student. Hearing first-hand the experiences of different people have made me more aware of the challenges and the advantages that the diverse student body face which shaped how I think about various challenges. Group activities have become more meaningful and an enriching experience as I not only learn technical concepts but also develop my soft skills through positive interaction with an international team whilst improving my cultural awareness as well.

Achieving successful inclusion of a diverse student body and faculty will create space for a wider range of perceptions and voices to be heard. By creating such a space, we will be able to cater to unique and fresh goals and objectives which not only help in the growth of each individual but the organisation as a whole [2]. So, being part of a more inclusive and diverse group will help us to have an all-rounded development that promotes an interactive and harmonious environment.

By Sharon Santhosh, EIT InnoEnergy Master’s in Energy Storage Student

References:

[1] S. C. Carleton, "The Importance of Diversity in Higher Education," 23 February 2021. [Online].
Available: https://www.northeastern.edu/graduate/blog/importance-diversity-higher-education/. [Accessed 27 December 2021].

[2] J. Anderson-Maples, "UAH communication arts professor explains why diversity and inclusion matters," UAH, 19 June 2019. [Online].
Available: https://www.uah.edu/news/news/uah-communication-arts-professor-explains-why-diversity-and-inclusion-matters. [Accessed 27 December 2021].

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EIT InnoEnergy stimulates diversity and inclusion in its programmes through numerous ways, including dedicated scholarships for top students. For intake 2022, nine Diversity & Inclusion Scholarships (full fee waiver) are available amongst candidates accepted in application Rounds 1, 2 and 3:

Candidates who enrich the gender diversity of our programmes.

Candidates from EIT RIS (regional innovation scheme) countries.

Candidates with proven entrepreneurial experience (i.e., having set up their own venture).

For more information, visit Fees & Funding.

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