“We always hear that we should network, but what does one actually do with these connections?” That was the burning question I posed to the speakers at the yearly get-together for the Elite Network of Bavaria (ENB), hosted at TUM earlier this year.
On the last day of January, first-year students from universities all across the ENB gathered for a massive welcome event. It was an incredible opportunity to meet people from different Universities from all over Bavaria with wildly diverse academic backgrounds, ranging from immunology to economics. It was refreshing to talk to peers who are either deeply entrenched in the traditional academic path or forging entirely new ones by combining what seem to be completely unrelated fields. Ultimately, this network is designed to help you broaden your perspective, grow your social circle, and expand your opportunities in life.
GCEs receiving career advice.
During the event, we learned about the extensive benefits and opportunities that come with being part of the ENB. Beyond just academics, the network supports a well-rounded student life. There are exclusive scholarships you can apply for, language courses, and educational workshops tailored to building essential soft skills. There is even space for social gatherings, in form of sports events—like the annual football ENB cup, which GCE has been participating consistently. But the highlight that I found most fascinating? The annual meet-up where students get the chance to interact with previous Nobel Prize laureates.
As the formal presentations wrapped up, we had one last chance to walk around and put our networking skills to the test. It was the perfect time to casually chat with the speakers, fellow new members, and ENB alumni. I even took the chance to step out of my comfort zone, grab the attention of a brilliant innovator, and boldly ask her for an internship. While it might not have landed me a position this time around, I am confident I left a lasting impression—and sometimes, planting that seed is exactly what networking is all about.
Speaking to Sarah Fleidcher, Co-Founder and CEO of ToZero, a German based lethium-battery recycling company.
The benefits don’t end when the event is over. Once you’re part of the ENB, you gain lifelong access to a digital platform where you can connect with members past and present. We are highly encouraged to reach out to this community for career guidance, collaborative opportunities, or simply to make a new friend.
For those of us in the Global Change Ecology (GCE) study program, this is a massive bonus. Our field inherently needs us to look at the big picture, and the ENB allows us to step outside our specific bubble. It connects us with people walking completely different—yet equally fascinating—paths of science and life, ready to share advice, opportunities, and friendships along the way.
My Name is Nada Hashish, I’m a Global Change Ecology master’s student. I come from an Environmental management practicing background. I originally graduated with a Bsc. in Environmental Health Management from the Canadian University Dubai before specializing in environmental management via several cerrtifications. I worked for 2 years in environmental consultancy and management before deciding to srengthen my knowledge with a master’s degree.
