The CommUnity by EIT InnoEnergy is a network that is open exclusively for EIT InnoEnergy students and alumni. It has many different functions and operations. For one, the online platform provides a space for students to interact with one another as well as with industry and academics. It also has a space for articles and other publications that are mostly written by EIT InnoEnergy students. Lastly, the EIT InnoEnergy Career Centre often posts on the dedicated Job Board, connecting students with open positions from companies such as Tesla, Vattenfall, Northvolt, EDPR and many others leading in the energy industry. 

The operations can be broken down into both local and topic CommUnities. Local CommUnities operate in most cities which host an EIT InnoEnergy university – Stockholm, Grenoble, Barcelona, Eindhoven, etc. Topic CommUnities, meanwhile, are not bound to one specific location, but by a shared interest; this includes, for example, the Energy Policy Program (EPP).

As soon as I heard about the CommUnity by EIT InnoEnergy, I knew I wanted to get involved. I had a few ideas for events I would like to host and bring to life. Since Stockholm is the largest local CommUnity, there were plenty of opportunities, resources, and people to work together with to make it happen. I also applied (and was selected for) the open role of Communications Manager, working to facilitate communication both within our local CommUnity as well as with the central office.

Through my role as Communications Manager, I landed in Eindhoven in November 2019 for the Leaders’ Summit. This three-day event brought together EIT InnoEnergy student leaders from all over Europe for team building, leadership development, and idea sharing. I left the summit feeling energised and inspired – and ready to do more for my local CommUnity.

At the end of the first semester, as second year students, the Local and HR Managers were both moving away to do their master’s theses. This left an opening for the Local Manager position which I applied for and eventually took over. As only a first-year student, I felt a little unqualified and intimidated, but rose to the challenge. 

During my time as Local Manager, we organised many events: a panel on data intelligent cities, a lunch seminar on nuclear energy and tour of the KTH reactor (open only few times a year), a social event with board games, a career workshop with an EIT InnoEnergy alumni, a webinar on wind energy, and more. This was all possible to a motivated and hard-working team, whose passion fueled the organisation and success of these events!

During the 9 months I served as Local Manager, I learned a lot. Although I had been nervous to work with a team that was generally older than me, it was never an issue – and provided me with valuable experience for the real-world workspace as well. I strengthened my communication skills and reaffirmed the true meaning of leadership. It is not about dictating orders or setting up rules, but rather, listening. Listening to others, tying their needs with creative solutions, facilitating a dialogue, and planning for the organisation’s future.

If you are a prospective student, I highly, highly recommend becoming involved in CommUnity. It is not only an extensive network of great individuals, but also just simply a great community to learn from and grow from. 

Interested in joining the CommUnity? Accepted applicants for intake 2021 who have confirmed their seat and paid the registration fee are welcomed to join the CommUnity even before starting their programme! There is a dedicated group called “Applicants Intake 2021”. Check it out and connect with fellow new students.

by Emilia Chojkiewicz, EIT InnoEnergy student 

Photo credit:A board games evening with the Stockholm CommUnity in February 2020.