ESTIEM Magazine | Autumn 2021 | The New Normal

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61st Issue

THE POWER OF IEM TO SOLVE THE CLIMATE CRISIS PAGE 10

DOES YOUR COMPUTER NEED A DATING APP? PAGE 22

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THE NEW NORMAL: DRIVING GLOBAL CHANGE European Students of Industrial Engineering and Management Issue 61 2021/10 | ISSN 0874-5242 | Price €0.- | www.estiem.org

INTRODUCTION

Pursue your Master’s program in the Netherlands?

What about the masters in Industrial Engineering at Eindhoven University of Technology? tue.nl/masterprograms/oml • tue.nl/masterprograms/im • tue.nl/masterprograms/mse IE MSC wervingsad 210x135 mm.indd 1

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Central ESTIEMers

Central Entities

Get Active! Chats since 2018

What is CENTRAL ESTIEM?

Why join CENTRAL ESTIEM?

Central ESTIEM can be seen as the working place in ESTIEM.

There are a many reasons why you should join Central

It aims to provide a framework where people can work to-

ESTIEM. First of all, you will be working in an international

gether and develop their ideas with like-minded ESTIEMers.

team. In this team you can create your own impact by deve-

The Central ESTIEM structure consist of the board and se-

loping ideas or starting initiatives. Furthermore, it is a great

veral entities that support the board and the network and

opportunity to develop yourself by learning new things and

others that focus on the value creation by coordinating the

improve a variety of skills. Last but not least, it is amazing to

organization of services. More information on Central ES-

be part of an European Community. In this community you

TIEM can be found below.

will make new friends, collaborate with people from different cultures and have a lot of fun!

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ESTIEM Magazine | 61st issue - The New Normal: Driving Global Change

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INTRODUCTION

Table of contents INTRODUCTION 4 Project Leader’s Speech 5 President’s Speech 6 Magazine Team 8 Introduction to ESTIEM

FOCUS TOPIC

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10 The power of IEM to solve the climate crisis

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12 How COVID reshaped our jobs 16 The truth about cocoa supply chain and unveiling an innovative solution 20 Giving coffee capsules a second life

SCENE 22 Does your computer need a dating app?

24 What reading (at least) one book a month has taught me so far

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26 Better habits, motivation, procrastination & productivity 28 The perfect ecosystem

CAREER 29 Meet the ESTIEM Alumni board 2021/2022!

32 How to jump to the top of the applicants’ pile?

34 ESTIEMpreneurs - Opportunities can become dreams: AC Stories

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36 ESTIEMpreneurs - iGiveU

INSIDE ESTIEM 37 The solution is simple - be a deaf frog sometimes!

39 T.I.M.E.S. from the perspective of the champions 41 European development in Local Groups: What can the Members Committee bring to you?

43 Social and Environmental Responsibility Committee is back!

46 Social competences as key competences of the future

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EXPLORE 47 ERASMUS + during COVID: yay or nay?

52 Europe3D Serbia

ECO 56 Circular economy 58 Ecology today - innovations of the world we live in

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50

ESTIEM Magazine | 61st issue - The New Normal: Driving Global Change

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INTRODUCTION Project Leader Sonja Borota

PROJECT LEADER’S SPEECH

Design Veljko Tonić Tanja Gagić Article Acquisition Rana Dikmen Hasan Kapan Şevval Yayla Proofreaders Nikola Milošević Milena Zoraja Mark van Uden Evdoxia Pantazi Sebastian Hummel Jovan Vitosević Margarida Ferrari Sobral Barbosa Blog Dragana Slavić Ece Gülez With special thanks to Tanja Gagić Contact leader.magazine@estiem. org ESTIEM Permanent Office Atlas 2.328 P.O.Box 513 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands Fax: 0031-(0)40 2473871 info@estiem.org www.estiem.org Disclaimer The contents may not always reflect the opinion of the publisher. Any reproduction or copy is permitted only with the permission of the editors.

Our Partners Allianz ABB Oy Continental Eindhoven University of Technology Chalmers University of Technology Lappeenranta University of Technology Eurosender Asia Exchange Elium UNIT4 Tableau BEST EESTEC VWI

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Not so long ago, I heard a lady say ‘today is tomorrow’.

She was constantly emphasising that we should be more focused on what’s going to happen today and tomorrow rather than what’s going to happen in ten years. It made me realise that ‘think globally, act locally’ is not just a fancy phrase, but something we should really be driven by.

That is how, my dear readers, ‘The New Normal - Driving Global Change’ as a focus topic of the 61st issue came to life.

We are witnessing a big shift, not only in our own countries, but all over the world. Now the question is, how do we adjust to this change and what should our focus be on. With both, established and upcoming, a goal of ESTIEM Magazine is to reflect on this change and explore what levers ESTIEMers could use to move the world.

Why do we do this? The answer is simple. We do this because we believe in information transparency, and our mission is to keep track of global events, understand their impact on people, become inspired to take meaningful action and transform all of that into a comprehensive, international perspective on critical events shaping our world.

Archimedes once said: ‘Give me a place to stand and with a lever I will move the whole world’.

So, I say: take the lever, go towards what frightens you the most, and remember that no one is too small to make a difference!

Hugs from Novi Sad, Sonja Borota ESTIEM Magazine Project Leader

ESTIEM Magazine | 61st issue - The New Normal: Driving Global Change

INTRODUCTION

PRESIDENT’S SPEECH Dear reader, Thinking of yourself two years ago, would you suspect how different our life would be today?

While you think about it, do you find it exciting?

Fascinating? Concerning? All of us had different experiences during these couple of years but we cannot deny that every person experienced changes in their life. The 61st issue of the ESTIEM Magazine will help you dive into the “New Normal” and see the impact of the last few years on people as well as different areas of life and our Network.

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and its continuing worldwide effects are transforming the way we live, learn and work. The situation in the world took us to a “New Normal”, in which digitalization enforces ways of working and learning. It drives education further into technologization

and

exploration

of

new

methodologies and approaches.

When people started to be confronted with unprecedented challenges we had to rethink and reflect on the opportunities offered by this

On the pages of the 61st issue of ESTIEM Magazine you will find articles about our life transformation and insights from companies, universities and students of our organization!

pandemic. Therefore, it led us to tremendous

I hope this issue will make you think about the New

changes in our personal, social, economic and

Normal and find an answer to what is the New

spiritual spheres. We cannot deny that those

Normal for you! Enjoy reading!

changes were not always good, some areas of life ​​suffered damage because of the pandemic.

Daria Bakaeva

However, we believe that adapting to the New

ESTIEM President

Normal nobly affects our future.

For most ESTIEMers their worst nightmare came true. Traveling and meeting old friends and new people became impossible all of a sudden, which inhibited ESTIEM to function as it had before. Could we have imagined closed borders and cancellation of events? No. Could we have envisioned ESTIEM to adapt to function online for more than one full year? We had doubts. Can we say that due to the pandemic our organisation accelerated the development of new opportunities and offers, implemented innovative ideas and stayed active for the whole time? Certainly!

The whole world as well as our network learned how to play by pandemic rules, how to adopt and benefit from it and how to build a “New Normal”!

ESTIEM Magazine | 61st issue - The New Normal: Driving Global Change

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INTRODUCTION

ESTIEM MAGAZINE TEAM Sonja Borota ESTIEM Magazine Project Leader

Rana Dikmen Article Acquisition Task Group Leader

Nikola Milošević Proofreading Task Group Leader

Hasan Kapan Article Acquisition

Mark van Uden Proofreading

Şevval Yayla Article Acquisition

Evdoxia Pantazi Proofreading

Ece Gülez Blog

Sebastian Hummel Proofreading

Sena Horoz Vice President of Public Relations 2021/2022

Tanja Gagić Project Leader 2020/2021, Design, Proofreading

Milena Zoraja Proofreading

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Margarida Ferrari Sobral Barbosa Proofreading

ESTIEM Magazine | 61st issue - The New Normal: Driving Global Change

Veljko Tonić Design Task Group Leader

Dragana Slavić Blog Task Group Leader, Promotion, Proofreading

Jovan Vitosević Proofreading

INTRODUCTION

ENJOY YOUR

READING!

ESTIEM Magazine | 61st issue - The New Normal: Driving Global Change

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INTRODUCTION

ALL OVER EUROPE...

Back in 1990, students from five different countries founded an organisation, which they named ESTIEM: European Students of Industrial Engineering and Management.

After 30 years, it has grown into an organisation

The decision-making body of ESTIEM is the

bringing together over 60,000 students from 79

Council, which meets twice a year, in autumn

universities in 31 European countries, and it is

and in spring. Each university, represented by

still growing. All these universities offer courses in

its so-called “Local Group”, sends two student

IEM. Based on this structure, ESTIEM forms links

representatives. The six members of the Board

between students, academia and companies in

of ESTIEM are elected during the spring Council

order to create an Europe-wide, multi-level IEM

Meeting. The Board is responsible for the

network. ESTIEM has continuously increased the

management, coordination and administration

number of its activities, thus being able to offer

of the association.

a great variety of events to IEM students and an opportunity to experience different cultures, take part in international projects and become friends with other ESTIEMers from all over Europe.

and as Project or Committee Leaders, ESTIEM members can also take up responsibilities by working in one of the Projects, Committees or

Naturally, the backbone of ESTIEM is the

Initiatives. With lots of teams and tasks to choose

European IEM student. The students involved in

from, there is a place for everyone.

ESTIEM incorporate both the skills required for modern business and an open-minded approach towards other people and cultural issues.

8

Besides taking leadership positions in the Board

75

180+

Local Groups in 27 countries make ESTIEM a large network.

events are organised

by Local Groups every year.

For

more

detailed

information

about

our

organisation and its activities, please visit our website at www.estiem.org.

3,000 travels are made yearly by 2,000 students.

ESTIEM Magazine | 61st issue - The New Normal: Driving Global Change

8,000

members and a reach of 60,000 towards IEM students in Europe.

INTRODUCTION

OUR MISSION Connect and support the growth and sustainability of European associations of IEM students, to foster relations and to develop their IEM students, personally and professionall

OUR VISION Be the connector of IEM Students with an IEM Europe An IEM Europe is the ecosystem of companies, universities, organisations and other entities interested in the field of IEM. We are striving for each IEM Student to have a connection not only with other students all over Europe of the same field but also to other companies and universities, to ensure each student as a voice as well as the opportunity to make a difference, and to allow each outstanding innovative idea to become reality.

OUR FOUR CORE VALUES

Embracing diversity

Striving for development

We see multiculturalism as a strength of ESTIEM. We benefit from our cultural diversity by being able to approach chances and challenges with different insights. Respect is not just something we strive for, but part of the very basis of our network.

We grow together by trying hard and learning from mistakes, we are eager to go through a learning process and see accessibility and freedom as highest goals. ESTIEMers gain practical experience and important soft-skills needed in today’s world.

Encouraging participation

Aiming high

ESTIEM being a democratic organisation with a flat hierarchy encourages the participation of all its members. We inspire each other to partake in ESTIEM’s activities and develop new ideas.

We are not afraid of stepping out of our comfort zone. ESTIEM’s members are proactive students that always give 100%. We encourage an entrepreneurial spirit among students and other stakeholders by gathering and exchanging experiences and best practices.

ESTIEM Magazine | 61st issue - The New Normal: Driving Global Change

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FOCUS TOPIC

THE POWER OF IEM TO SOLVE THE CLIMATE CRISIS How we can drive sustainable change in our professional lives from within

Florian Fesch Data Scientist

The Climate Crisis is undoubtedly our generation’s biggest challenge. The global warming that human influence has created will dramatically impact our life on this planet. We are facing an increasing number of weather extremes all around the globe and it is predicted to exacerbate in the coming years [1]. But the good news is: We can still solve this crisis and turn it into the biggest social and economic innovation project of our time!

Where do we start? A widely known concept in

optimizing processes so that the system works

this context is the personal carbon footprint.

better. While the financial incentives may be a good

Interestingly, the personal carbon footprint was

vehicle to improve processes, it is time to work on

popularized in the early 2000s by the fossil fuel

a better definition of what ‘good’ means and how

company BP

. When you calculate your own

these higher climate goals can be integrated in

carbon footprint, you will very quickly realize

this approach. So, here are some ideas which we

that it highly depends on the social, political,

as IEM students and professionals can implement

and economic system you are part of and the

in this context:

[2]

carbon intensity of the services and products these systems offer you (e.g., mobility, energy, choices of products). While the personal carbon footprint is very helpful in raising awareness and

Create transparency and get the data right

adjusting our individual choices, it falls short of identifying levers to systematically lower indirect

While we have access to the environmental

emissions. For the latter, we need to dive deeper

and emissions data within an organization, the

into the fundamental design and optimization of

willingness and the ability to share them between

whole systems to transition to a low-carbon (and

companies is very limited. If more of this data

eventually zero carbon) state.

was shared, transparency and climate actions across companies would be made. This would also enable new business model opportunities and open future markets. So, let’s propose new ways of sharing data and show all the stakeholders the benefits of doing so.

Calculate the climate effects of business decisions We are often asked to make things financially more supply

efficient, but what if we also started measuring

chains) are complex networks that are highly

greenhouse gas emissions? We could identify

interconnected across industries. Many of these

cases where going green also makes sense just by

systems are optimized for financial profits. Doing

the financial numbers. Not being aware of climate

so makes them very effective in many ways.

risks in your organization will financially hurt them

And that’s something all of us as IEM students

in the long term. This insight led to a fundamental

and professionals have been doing repeatedly:

shift in how investors assess future financial risks

These

10

systems

(e.g.,

manufacturing

ESTIEM Magazine | 61st issue - The New Normal: Driving Global Change

FOCUS TOPIC of carbon-intense business practices[3]. So, let’s take a moment and start with a quick back-of-theenvelope measurement of emissions in our next project.

Drive the change in your organization from within We are often asked by management to analyze and recommend actions. Many of us work as consultants after graduating. What if we made the climate question a part of every project? Every great idea and movement started with individuals who had begun behaving as the change they want to see. So, let’s include the climate perspective in our work and keep talking about it.

Now, you may say: My organization only has a limited effect on the whole picture. But think about the multiplicators that you can have. What if it inspired others to follow? What if you managed to set new industry standards? I believe that the greatest (and most successful and desired) companies of our time will be those that managed to get the answer to the climate question right.

So, let’s get started and leverage our IEM skills to work on this once-in-a-lifetime chance to build something truly great.

It’s worth it – for all of us!

References 1. https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/ 2. h t t p s : / / w w w . t h e g u a r d i a n . c o m / commentisfree/2021/aug/23/big-oilcoined-carbon-footprints-to-blame-us-fortheir-greed-keep-them-on-the-hook 3. https://www.ft.com/content/83b4ba6bbef9-45d3-a6fb-087ef3143a43

Questions, comments, or thoughts to share? Email me at hello@florianfesch.com. Curious to hear about your ideas!

ESTIEM Magazine | 61st issue - The New Normal: Driving Global Change

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FOCUS TOPIC

HOW COVID RESHAPED OUR JOBS

Alina Sidbrant Local Group Saint Petersburg

How was your industry affected by the new way of working? What are the things that got better/worse?

What opportunities/risks does the new way of working bring to your personal work - life?

To be honest, as a Digital Innovation and Marketing

My husband and I were switched to remote

Consultant in a digital agency, I was quite lucky

work on the same day. We live in a small house

because our industry and business were not

in Dublin city center, and were barely able to fit

affected that much. All operations we had were

all our (and our cat’s) things, when suddenly we

online and on Cloud long before Covid hit, all

had to accommodate two fully equipped working

communication systems were in place, and all the

spaces. With our company’s support, we were able

services we provided for our clients were digital. I

to order a desk, several lamps, a screen, and other

did, however, notice how it affected some of our

needed devices, and soon we had a little table

clients, representing different industries. Covid hit

in the corner of our guest room, and I settled to

hard on certain sectors, such as Travel & Hospitality,

work on our kitchen table. Setting up the working

Retail, Governmental Health authorities. However,

spaces was challenging, but I think in the end it

while some struggled to adapt and transition

has worked out quite well. Furthermore, our home

to the new normal, others embraced the

aka shared office allowed me and my husband to

opportunities to quickly develop new services and

better understand each other’s jobs, share lunch

invest in Innovation. An example of that would

breaks and spend more time with our cat.

be Irish Legal and Insurance sector players, who used the beginning of Covid to rebrand their sites and enhance their value propositions from local to global, and are now actively developing international

client

relationships,

recruiting

international talent, and improving their overall digital customer experience.

The most challenging aspect of working from home for me was not being able to share a common space and bond with my colleagues fully. I am an extroverted person, who loves meeting new people, and working in teams gives me energy, so I felt like with everyone working remotely from their improvised home offices it was much harder to engage with those colleagues, with whom you are not working directly on the same project.

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ESTIEM Magazine | 61st issue - The New Normal: Driving Global Change

FOCUS TOPIC

How did you react/adapt to it?

To make sure our company wouldn’t get siloed, I had to take up a more active role in the social side of the business, that would usually be left to HR. Together with another colleague and a friend of mine we took charge of organizing several official and unofficial team gatherings, several quiz nights, the Halloween Kahoot challenge and others. When planning these activities our aim was to actively create situations for people to chat and learn about each other’s out of work character and hobbies.

We would, for example, always make sure to put people from different functions, not working with each other directly, into the same team. We have really enjoyed these events ourselves and got very positive feedback from colleagues, who felt that through our online activities we have managed to bring back the family feeling that we had back in the office.

to choose their preferred workplace freely. I also hope that people will be more likely to stay home when feeling unwell, pregnant women would be able to start working from home in the middle of their term (or whenever they want to), and that it would be easier to go on work holidays abroad, to work during the day and reconnect with family and friends during the evenings.

How do you imagine a perfect workplace in the future? (Would you prefer to go back to the old way?)

I am quite happy with the way the companies have adapted and adjusted to the new normal. I think, however, the governments have to make the next step. I really liked working in the office, but as a true ESTIEM-er, I have always loved traveling and exploring the world. I have been on some work holidays this year, once the restrictions in Ireland have loosened up, however, I feel like my

Do you like how Covid reshaped the company’s approach to work and do you expect it to be sustainable in the future?

movement is still restricted due to the local tax

Being an optimist by nature, I choose to look at

My dream workplace future is a “balanced hybrid”

opportunities the pandemic has brought to our

- with us having to work some months in the

lives. My favourite thing that Covid has changed in

office, and some months from any place we want,

relation to work is how this experience has shown

with any preferred ratio. I think this would open

our corporate management, that most of us can

up opportunities for everybody to work for any

deliver high-quality outputs no matter where we

company in the world, based on their knowledge,

work: office or home, Ireland or Estonia, Europe or

skills, experience, interests, and remove other

overseas. I would hope that us having successfully

often irrelevant barriers such as distance, location,

practiced remote work for nearly 2 years now, will

tax, origin and others that exist today.

system, which only allows working from abroad for a little while.

eliminate the pressure from employees globally

ESTIEM Magazine | 61st issue - The New Normal: Driving Global Change

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FOCUS TOPIC Project Management of European Commission funded projects entail mobility, and frequently, my office was in any city of Europe with a stable internet connection and a good cup of coffee. In March 2020, while preparing for a business trip Danijel Pavlica Local Group Novi Sad

to Paris, a note of an urgent cancellation reached my inbox one day before the event. Little did I know that that email would have marked the start of a year and a half long travel ban, and more unpredictably, a new age likely to redefine the industry as we know it.

Suddenly, everybody became aware of how vulnerable certain businesses are. As luck would have it, and in combination with the industry’s habit of working online in general, swift digitalisation of physical activities enabled us not to stop all of them, and to keep being vigilant and proactive in navigating the uncertain situation.

Nevertheless, this change also came with its challenges. For instance, during this time of halting travel of all kinds, many believe that business trips as we know them will cease to exist.

That thought truly influenced me, as some of the best collaborations and spontaneous project ideas occurred on the margins of business events.

Everything went online, which meant once the organisers press the button to “end the meeting for all”, those valuable moments disappear instantly.

Having the European Commission as the only “client” means my job is heavily deadline and impact-oriented,

yet

less

location-bounding.

Moreover, if the coronavirus outbreak has taught project management businesses anything, it is that people can work effectively from home (or wherever) and still produce excellent results. Thus, for the time being, I find the “phygital” (physical + digital) model to be working rather well for me.

Essentially, in the midst of chaos – there is also opportunity. Despite the fact that the pandemic may have created turmoil in numerous industries, it has also given everyone a possibility to pause, reflect, and rethink professional strategies and personal priorities for the future.

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ESTIEM Magazine | 61st issue - The New Normal: Driving Global Change

FOCUS TOPIC I work in IT, which is convenient during Covid times

way to think about the future is to think forward.

because of the nature of the work. The transition

People tend to resist change, but we also get used

into working from home was relatively smooth, as

to the benefits of it pretty fast. For example, I don’t

the only real reason for coming to the office before

look forward to spending an hour at least daily to

was for easier communication. This was the only

commute again, and I can imagine that the new

aspect that had to be cleverly replaced.

way of working has yielded some form of benefits

This did take some getting used to, as it is a major social change, but ultimately the industry, in my opinion, is one of the least affected by the new way of working. Even better; for me, it mostly brings opportunities, as literally all my work is remote now. On a few occasions I have used this to combine work and travel flexibly and I plan to keep doing that in the future. I am, so far, really

for most people, who are not going to want to go back. Of course, there are downsides to everything, but in my experience people are more willing to

Sebastian Hummel Local Group Eindhoven

make the downsides workable than to revert back to the old status quo. The way I imagine the future workplace is with a continuation of the trend of using more and more technology to facilitate workflow and communication.

enjoying the possibilities of having a flexible worklife balance and how work can tie into my personal schedule more smoothly.

The main risk that I see is that it is more difficult to form relationships with colleagues and clients, the former being by far more relevant for me. The functioning of the whole department depends heavily on the communication flows between members, which is realistically just a lot more difficult to manage. On paper, there are many good ideas–like having a short social call every morning– but in my experience, it is hard to consistently make an effort to manage social ties when you are never forced to do so, like in an office setting.

By spending more time communicating with colleagues, learning about their roles and what I can expect from them, I could surely improve my productivity. I have tried to do this already, for example by joining a group where you talk briefly to a different random colleague every week, but I haven’t made enough of an effort to be satisfied with the result. You could say that I am still adapting to it.

I am hopeful though because of the upward trend in productivity since the transition. It started out pretty rocky; every week we weren’t sure if we would be allowed in the office, which created uncertainty and a lack of structure. It was unclear if the new way of working was going to last, making many people commit only 50% to the new methods. This has since improved dramatically and I think we will find ways to perfect the new way of working.

Even more, we kind of have to; I don’t think you can go back to the old ways. To me, the only logical

ESTIEM Magazine | 61st issue - The New Normal: Driving Global Change

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FOCUS TOPIC

THE TRUTH ABOUT COCOA SUPPLY CHAIN AND UNVEILING AN INNOVATIVE SOLUTION Ahmet Kaplan Local Group Istanbul Bogazici

1. The Problem

The current consumer landscape seemingly facilitates the sheer inequality that hinders the improvement of the system by, for instance, paying

Around 95% of the global cocoa production

prices that do not reflect the true costs of production.

originates from smallholders, who work on land plots of 1 to 3 hectares. Most of them live in Western Africa, with Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire accounting for

2. Assignment

70% of global cocoa production. The large majority Rebekka Nagel Local Group Dortmund

Max Koffi Africa in Motion

of cocoa farmers do not make a living income to

Africa in Motion conducted an in-depth research

provide a sustainable livelihood for their families,

‘Beyond Fair Trade’ [1] on the living income of cocoa

let alone invest in their farms and cocoa trees.

farmers, together with Wageningen University,

Low cocoa prices for consecutive years and falling

The research quantified the gap between actual

productivity combined with high transaction

income and the income needed to make a living

and high input costs, put pressure on farmers’

and sparked different ideas to improve farmers

income and subsequently on cocoa supply. While

living conditions. One is to tackle how products are

companies can hedge cocoa at the stock exchange

certified as “fair”. Six months ago, the foundation

and further reduce the risks, farmers are at the

initiated another research-project with SHAER

losing end of the supply chain. They bear virtually

and ESTIEMs Social Environmental Responsibility

all the risks of price volatility, whilst having the

Committee. The goal: develop and explore the

weakest economic reserves in the entire supply

feasibility of an innovative certification scheme

chain. As consumers, we often feel powerless

that ensures truly fair profit distribution along

when it comes to such abstract and big issues

the cocoa value chain. Curious what the project

and thus tend to continue with business as usual,

team found out? The following article provides an

the issues just seeming to be too big to have an

overview on the insights the students gained!

influence on. At the heart of most challenges within Teresa Ribeiro Local Group Coimbra

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the cocoa industry lies severe poverty, upholding many of the other aforementioned issues.

ESTIEM Magazine | 61st issue - The New Normal: Driving Global Change

FOCUS TOPIC

3. The issue with the status quo

Fairtrade Foundation and Mondelez International reveals a concerning trend. Sector-wide efforts to improve the lives of farmers, communities and the environment are having little impact; the scope of

Farmer poverty is an important element for CSR

proposed solutions is not even in the ballpark of

initiatives in the chocolate sector. Despite two

addressing the scope of the problem [2].

decades of sustainability programs, voluntary action, and well-intentioned promises by the

The chocolate industry makes about $130B

chocolate industry and policy makers, cocoa

through cacao farmers, who make only $1 or less a

farmers are still confronted with issues such as

day. The report, published in 2015, demonstrates

extreme poverty, child labour, gender inequality

that the average farmer will make between $1,400-

and deforestation on a daily basis. Multinationals

$2,000 profit a year, at most about $5 a day, which

and NGO alike operate outreach programs focused

will need to support 6-10 dependants. So a cocoa

on raising income and tackling some of the worst

farmer and their dependents will be living on

consequences of the extreme poverty witnessed

between $0.50-$0.84 a day, well below the World

in the industry. However, a new report from the

Bank’s extreme poverty line of $1.25 a day.

Pelin Kalem Local Group Istanbul Bogazici

Aleksandra Jovanović Local Group Novi Sad

SERC’s mission is to connect, educate, and support ESTIEM in the making of initiatives relevant to Social and Environmental Responsibility. It envisions to be the platform for IEM students to develop their surroundings towards ever-growing sustainability.

ESTIEM Magazine | 61st issue - The New Normal: Driving Global Change

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FOCUS TOPIC

As you can see in the picture above, only a tiny

Supply Chain problems related to the sector are

slice of the pie stays with the farmers. The farmers’

known by every participant in the field. Farmer

earnings are so little that they don’t make enough

poverty is an important element for CSR initiatives

money to manage a living, their children have to

in the chocolate sector. Chocolate manufacturers

step into work. Thus, this leads to child labor.

usually have cocoa sustainability programs and

By earning just about $0.80/a day, farmers struggle to meet household needs. A 2010 study found that their expenditure, excluding farming inputs, exceeded their mean total income. Children in cocoa-growing villages are particularly affected by poverty. Because their parents are unable to hire adults, children may become victims of child labor. Furthermore, children from low-income cocoa farming families are less likely than their higher-income friends to attend school. Despite the elimination of school fees, costs such as textbooks and uniforms continue to be a financial burden for low-income families. Since homes with illiterate heads are more likely to be poor, limited education perpetuates intergenerational poverty.

We can conclude that there is an evident discrepancy in the redistribution of wealth along the cocoa value chain. This can be confirmed by looking at the CHF 16.9 billion returned to Nestlé’s shareholders in 2019.

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ESTIEM Magazine | 61st issue - The New Normal: Driving Global Change

certification schemes, but these certificates we see on the packaging are related to non-financial support. They help people in social or some other ways. Certainly, some companies make those programs for the purpose of marketing and attracting consumers. Some of them like to show off their certificates in front of the customers and/or competitors, but none of them really makes an impact on helping the farmers when it comes to the financial side. Despite two decades of sustainability programs, voluntary action, and well-intentioned promises by the chocolate industry and policy makers, cocoa farmers are still confronted with issues such as extreme poverty, child labour, gender inequality and deforestation on a daily basis. Multinationals and NGO alike operate outreach programs focused on raising income and tackling some of the worst consequences of the extreme poverty witnessed in the industry.

FOCUS TOPIC To understand in detail about certification schemes

2. Manufacturing into bars, chocolate and other

or companies’ “internal” programs, and find out

end products; housands, with a few dominant

more info about this article, scan this QR code:

players like Mars, Ferrero, Mondelēz, Meiji and Nestlé.

3.

Retail:

Includes

everything

from

large

supermarket chains to the local chocolate shop around the corner.

5. Next steps 4. Business model instruction

We want to design the business plan of SHAER Equal Trade.

“How

might

we

create

this

supply

chain

certification scheme that provides a fair income We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.

- Albert Einstein

to the cocoa farmers to pursue a healthy and adequate life?” is a useful research question to guide you while thinking about the problems and solutions about the cocoa industry. How might we further improve the livelihood of cocoa farmers in terms of education, technology and infrastructure sustainably? How might we improve

Thinking out-of-the-box the project team explored the idea of an innovative and truly fair certification scheme, the SHAER Equal Trade (SET) certification.

It bears the potential to bring revolutionary change in the trade system by abolishing the supplierbuyer relationship . Because, increasing incomes of farmers (or states) do not arise from increasing the farmgate price of Cocoa beans, but by sharing the profit made after the sale of semi-finished or final products made from the processing of Cocoa beans. In this system, sustainability issues will no longer be discussed at the beginning of the value

the farming conditions to increase the efficiency there, or how might we educate the farmers and the communities around about gender equality to embody the woman into the work-life there as well are some other research questions that could be useful to look at to empower the transformation and enhance the positive-impact.

If you would like to access further information about the issues revolving around the cocoa supply chain, we recommend having a look at the report produced by the students of Wageningen University, named “Fairer than Fairtrade 2019”. It

chain but at the end of it.

provides insights on the every aspect of SHAER’s

Applying SET to all other raw materials from Africa

chain at whole. If you would like to be more

could help eradicate poverty from Africa once and forever, and solve other issues related to extreme poverty such as illegal migration, brain drain, child labor, deforestation, human rights violations, gender inequality, political instability.

Share Equal Trade will be an compensation that awards farmers a percentage of the profits made by stakeholders at the three following identified steps within the cocoa value chain: 1.

Trading

and

processing

into

project scope and the issue with the cocoa supply familiarized with the project, “Redefining the Africa-Europe Relationship” masterclass’s 5th day on “SHAER Equal Trade Concept” is a valuable resource, please contact us to claim a copy.

Interested to join further discussions on this topic?

SHAER organises panel discussions, bringing together Africans and Europeans to explore innovative ideas to build a brighter future for both continents and you are more than welcome to join!

chocolate

couverture; Market dominated by five players: Cargill, ECOM, Olam, Barry Callebaut, and Touton.

Further Information on upcoming events can be found on the website (www.shaer.info) or on social media channels.

ESTIEM Magazine | 61st issue - The New Normal: Driving Global Change

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FOCUS TOPIC

GIVING COFFEE CAPSULES A SECOND LIFE

Vânia de Oliveira Pinheiro Researcher

Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages

with an increased caffeine content, at a strict and

in the world, with major importance for the

safe level, through the use and recovery of the

international economy, being one of the main

silver skin residue. The entities involved in the

export products of several developed countries. To

consortium for this project are BICAFÉ, a coffee

obtain this much appreciated beverage, the fruit

roasting and marketing company, the Faculty of

of the coffee plant undergoes several processes:

Pharmacy of the University of Porto (FFUP), the

harvesting, drying, roasting, mixing, grinding, and

Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical

encapsulating. Encapsulation is mentioned due to

Engineering and Industrial Engineering (INEGI),

the commercial importance that coffee capsules

Center for Waste Valorization (CVR) and the

have achieved in recent years as a market trend.

Institute of Sciences, Technologies and Agro

The fruit of the coffee tree (Figure 1) is a berry with

Environment of the University of Porto (ICETA).

two coffee beans inside, covered with a protecting layer. In Figure 1, the layers and their designations can be seen: silver skin, endocarp, pulp, and skin. During the production of coffee, the layers that protect the beans are detached, producing residues. During drying, the separation of the skin, pulp, and endocarp takes place, and during roasting, the separation of the silver skin occurs.

Figure 2 - Silver skin The new product is made by adding silver skin extract to ground coffee and then placing it in capsules, i.e. reusing and giving a residue a second life, promoting the principles of circular economy.

To obtain the silver skin extract, the process begins with ultrasound technology, using water as an extracting element. Then, a simple filtration is

Figure 1 - Cross section of the coffee plant fruit[1]

carried out to remove excess water after which it is dried with a spray-drier or a rotary evaporator.

For extraction using the ultrasound method, a laboratory prototype was developed in CVR

20

Silver skin (Figure 2), being the main by-product

(Figure 3), where the mixture of water and silver

of roasting, is produced in large quantities

skin was placed. Prior to ultrasonic extraction,

throughout the year and discarded without any

the aqueous component of the mixture had a

appreciation. However, several studies show

caffeine concentration of 100 µg/ml and after

that silver skin has a high potential as a source

passing through ultrasound, the silver skin

of bioactive compounds with health benefits,

extracts increased caffeine concentration to 600

including caffeine. In this context, the U2SCOFFEE

µg/ml. The steps of filtration, drying and filling into

project – Caffeine Capsules – emerged, whose

capsules are still being optimized. Nevertheless, at

main objective is the production of coffee capsules

FFUP, after preliminary drying tests it was possible

ESTIEM Magazine | 61st issue - The New Normal: Driving Global Change

FOCUS TOPIC to obtain a caffeine concentration in the silver skin extract of 16400 µg/ml.

This project will further contribute to the promotion of the circularity of the silver skin residue, through the use of a green extraction process, which contributes to the sustainability of the innovative solution.

Figure 3 – Ultrasound laboratory prototype installed in CVR

Bibliography 1. T. Klingel, J. Kremer, V. Gottstein, T. R. De Rezende, S. Schwarz, and D. Lachenmeier, “A Review of Coffee By-Products Including Leaf, Flower, Cherry, Husk, Silver Skin, and Spent Grounds as Novel foods within the European Union,” MDPI foods, vol. 9, pp.

665–684, 2020.

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21

SCENE

DOES YOUR COMPUTER NEED A DATING APP?

Tanja Gagić Local Group Belgrade

The development of information technology

The Social Internet of Things (SIoT) paradigm came

encourages us to translate human mechanisms

as an indirect result of social networks’ success.

into algorithms, and we have been doing

In this day and age, we’re almost used to the

it

the

fact that various internet services exploit the

foundations and we’ve experimented with all sorts

similarities to make themselves more useful. Take

of implementations, from programs that solve

advertisements as an example: imagine buying

simple arithmetic problems to advanced smart

sports shoes without taking necessary security

assistants relying on artificial intelligence. Slowly,

measures. Good luck browsing any corner of the

we’ve reached an interesting stage: trying to

internet without seeing sports gear ads afterwards!

replicate human social behaviors using algorithms

On another side, this exploitation of similarities

and Internet of Things (IoT).

is what pushed us into pairing up our intelligent

successfully

for

years.

We’ve

made

The internet of things, or IoT, is a system of interrelated computing devices, mechanical and digital machines, objects, animals or people that are provided with unique identifiers (UIDs) and the ability to transfer data over a network without requiring human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction.

- Alexander S. Gillis, IOT Agenda 2021 What this essentially means is that we’ve started combining social networks with intelligent devices and hoping for the best (the best being both the most efficient usage of the resources, and no dystopian future where robots rule over the human race). However, what we are really facing is

devices. The possibility of having devices combine the information they have and give us a better insight into what we’re working on is what makes SIoT so attractive.

Now, the question is - where can we use SIoT? As a relatively new area of study, there haven’t been many practical implementations. However, there have been various trials, including a social network created for the smart home devices (in other words, this meant your washing machine and vacuum cleaner would talk behind your back).

Some people predict entire smart cities relying on SIoT models!

a new reality where not only do we have to worry

One of the prominent suggested uses of SIoT is

about the quality of relations with people around

the healthcare system. Having a system of devices

us, but also relations between our devices.

tracking health status of multiple organs and finding patterns in their interactions is predicted to significantly improve recognizing medical issues much faster than we currently do.

What about SIoT in everyday lives?

Imagine most of your home devices being smart.

Smart fridge, light system, vacuum cleaner, air conditioning, whatever comes to your mind. What SIoT would enable is looking at those devices as a single unit, meaning that it wouldn’t be your job to figure out which device is actually needed to perform a given task. Since the whole concept relies on finding the most suitable device, it’s important to recognize which one is “the right one”. Much like humans, smart devices in networks recognize

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SCENE

“friendly” devices, interact with them, and avoid the “bad ones” - the unsuitable ones.

Finally, is it safe to rely on devices in SIoT networks?

The security risks that come with creating a network of devices are notable, but also something that’s being worked on even as you are reading this. Ensuring that the connection between devices is safe and not compromisable is the main concern - you don’t want someone from across the world operating your printer at 2 A.M! That is why implementing a security system that relies on establishing “trustworthiness” between you and the devices is a common suggestion for solving the issue.

There is still a difference between us, humans that are sociable by nature, and objects that are forced into social networks, but the concept is still the same - two heads are better than one, even if

References 1. Atzori, L., Iera, A., & Morabito, G. (2011).

Siot: Giving a social structure to the internet of things. IEEE communications letters, 15(11), 1193-1195.

2. Atzori, L., Iera, A., Morabito, G., & Nitti, M. (2012). The social internet of things (siot)– when social networks meet the internet of things: Concept, architecture and network characterization. Computer networks, 56(16), 3594-3608.

3. Internet Society, The internet of things: An Overview, Understanding the Issues and Challenges of a More Connected World, October 2015, https://www. internetsociety.org 4. Rahouma K, Muhammad Aly R, Hesham H, “Challenges and Solutions of Using the Social Internet of Things in Healthcare and Medical Solutions – A Survey”, 2020 5. Pattar S., Buyya R., Venugopal K.R., Iyengar S.S., Patnaik L.M., Searching for the IoT resources: Fundamentals, requirements, comprehensive review and future directions, IEEE Commun. Surv. Tutor. 20 (3) (2018) 2101–2132.

the head is made of metal. That being said, your computer might not be searching for its significant other yet, but you better hope you are its best friend at the end of the day.

ESTIEM Magazine | 61st issue - The New Normal: Driving Global Change

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SCENE

WHAT READING (AT LEAST) ONE BOOK A MONTH HAS TAUGHT ME SO FAR

Evdoxia Glykeria Pantazi Local Group Xanthi & Gothenburg

I do not usually set up goals for the start of the

wanted to. I lost touch with reading and I was

year. Be it that it feels like a very mainstream thing

wondering how I can get back into it. That is why I

to do (a thought that I revisited and changed my

started with 12 books for the year. I thought it was

mind upon as the year progressed), or that I felt

logical to challenge myself like that. I told myself

that it would not work for me without having a solid

that even 10 minutes before bed should be okay

reason on why exactly. So, I just did not set them

to finish a book. During the first month I realised

up. This year though, something changed. A few

that I have entered a rhythm. I will search for my

months prior to the new year I had tried to read

book before bed or during weekends. Wanting to

at least one book per month. In 2021 I decided to

combine reading with my other hobbies, I tried

make it more serious by revisiting my GoodReads

audiobooks. It took some time to get used to

account and pressing the ‘2021 Reading Challenge”

but I like the flexibility it has to offer. The same

option. I committed myself to the magic number

goes for an ebook. Feeling like you would like to

of 12. One book a month. I could do it.

challenge yourself more? Why not join a bookclub

It appeared to be possible with a bit of commitment from my side. I would keep my book at my bedside table and if I knew I was going to be out running

The important point is that there are options out there that can fit any lifestyle if the person wishes.

errands I would stuff it in my bag for the commute.

2. Use the library. You will be pleasantly

By June I had read 12 books and decided to take the

surprised.

leap and challenge myself even more by doubling and going for 24. As I am writing this article in the end of September/beginning of October, I am one book away from 24! The next challenge will be 30 books by the end of the year, but let’s see.

This realisation came a bit late into the year but you do not have to buy all the books you want to read. You can visit your local library and see what they have to offer. Nowadays, libraries also offer an e-book or an audiobook option. You

The reason though I am writing this article, is not to

can borrow it and experiment with the style of

gloat about how many books I have read and how

reading. Another possibility would be to exchange

amazing I feel about it, but rather to let you know

books with a friend. Or to browse the library of a

what I learned from reading and from setting up

relative. Furthermore, there are various apps as

this little challenge. Let’s dive into it:

well that allow you to have a subscription and read

1. You have the time to read at least for 10 minutes per day. You can discover which type of reading fits your lifestyle and that it is not a waste of your time.

24

or form your own among your group of friends?

a number of books per month depending on the plan you choose. The point is that you do not have to break the bank in order to read books.

3. You can write into your books!

That was the first realisation. That it’s not

I still try to treat all of my books well and give them

impossible. That I can make the time if I truly

their due respect. However, books are also there

ESTIEM Magazine | 61st issue - The New Normal: Driving Global Change

SCENE to welcome your thoughts. I have seen authors write into books and underline key phrases that resonate with them, and after the initial shock, I realised that it is a great way to dive deeper into the book and get the most out of it. If writing directly into the pages of the book you are reading is not for you, consider using post-its or having a notebook for your notes. I do the latter, and it’s a nice way to spill all of my thoughts into one place after finishing a book. Then again, you can do something completely different yourself - it is up to you!

4. Regardless of what you read, you learn something new.

It is true. You learn something new about the author, which genre or style of writing you like, or even about yourself. We tend to reflect quite a lot when we are reading, and often put ourselves into the characters’ shoes (do not tell me I am the only one!), and how we would have acted. Personally I think that is the purpose of a book. To provoke thoughts, to research further into them, discuss them with peers and expand the thought further.

Also, to experience different encounters in a way that we might not have had the opportunity otherwise.

That is it! What reading at least one book a month has taught me! Judging on the rate of the success this goal had this year, I will be repeating next year as well. Have not decided yet on the amount of the books but I think two books a month is logical. In the future I am hoping to include more non-fiction books into my reading list.

Happy Reading/Listening!

For reading suggestions, check out the full article on ESTIEM blog

ESTIEM Magazine | 61st issue - The New Normal: Driving Global Change

25

SCENE

BETTER HABITS, MOTIVATION, PROCRASTINATION & PRODUCTIVITY In the last few years, we have been surrounded

While working on our habits, we have to think

by the idea of living a productive life, full of better

about the Habit Loop, which consists of:

habits and motivation, without even thinking about procrastinating.

Dragana Slavić Local Group Novi Sad

Nowadays, we can see tutorials for “How to

•

the cue (what is triggering the habit – time, location, people, feelings, smell, sound),

•

the craving (the desire to have or do

become THAT person”, a person who wakes up at

something, a strong need cultivated through

5 AM, does their workout, goes to work, manages

several repetitions),

to see friends and family, and does all the things they have planned. But, does that person really live like that every day? Or is it just showing the best parts of their life?

•

the response (an action to perform a habit),

•

and the reward (a ‘present’ for doing something).

The majority of people are focused on showing the

With these four elements, we can manipulate our

best part of their life to others, especially on social

habits – to lose the bad ones, and to gain the good

media platforms. It can be very overwhelming

ones. You can read more about how to do that in

and bad for mental health, as we are all hopefully

the book Atomic Habits written by James Clear.

aware of. But, why do we keep doing that? Aren’t we supposed to work on ourselves for ourselves, not for others?

Underneath changing our habits, and generally working on ourselves, lies the motivation to do it.

I’m certain that many of us have felt unmotivated

To live a better life, we have to shift our focus

to do anything. And that is okay! The important

back to us, our life, our needs, our happiness, our

part is to find the motivation again. Unfortunately,

priorities. And this journey has to be taken step by

it won’t fall from the sky. We have to push ourselves

step, not all at once!

to get it back.

How to do that? The secret is in self-discipline. Selfdiscipline is hard. It’s hard to get yourself to do something you aren’t in the mood to do. It’s hard to push yourself against your will. But it definitely is worth it! Some tips for success are listening to motivational speeches, remembering all of the stuff you did when you were motivated, tracking your accomplishments, and rewarding yourself for the things you have done so far.

What about procrastination? Is it bad? Or can it be a good thing?

In my opinion, we procrastinate when we don’t have enough rest, when we are missing some free time. Working is nice, but it’s not more important than spending time with our loved ones, friends, and family, or even by ourselves.

To lose the habit of procrastinating, try finding a certain period of time in your schedule which you

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SCENE

will spend doing the activities you are supposed to

knows, maybe you’ll be given an amazing career

do. In this way, you will ‘schedule’ the activity, just

opportunity because you were recognized for your

like you have scheduled lectures, workout classes,

hard work. Also, you will affect your surroundings

meetings, etc. And you can’t reschedule the activity

in a good way, giving them more value. Maybe you

for later! Keep yourself accountable.

will even motivate others!

Better

habits

and

motivation,

without

So, stay true to yourself. Try to break bad habits,

procrastination, lead to productivity. It’s hard to

work on building good ones. Strive for self-

measure how productive someone is, but I think

discipline, and the motivation will follow. You will

it’s more about the feeling. When you are feeling

be rewarded with productivity for all the effort you

productive, you are feeling better and happier. You

have put in!

will notice a change in your lifestyle as well. Who

Remember: one day or day one, you decide.

ESTIEM Magazine | 61st issue - The New Normal: Driving Global Change

27

SCENE

THE PERFECT ECOSYSTEM “There are four ways, and only four ways, in which we have contact with the world. We are evaluated and classified by these four contacts: what we do, how we look, what we say, and how we say it.”

- Dale Carnegie Francisco Almeida Local Group Aveiro

Communication. A simple word, no? It identifies

Since

one of the most common problems and at the

understood that one of key factors that drive

same time, solutions inside organizations.

you to success is communication. However,

Communication, collaboration, and efficiency are still some of the most discussed topics within organizations. We live in a time in which we must

the start of my journey in ESTIEM,

there

is

something

else,

something

I

that

smoothly maximizes the potential of exchanging information: relationships.

aim for the minimum usage of resources and wait

Relationships are some of the most beautiful

for great results.

things in life. A human being cannot be their best without them. If we think in the context of an organization, where people spend most of their working time, success comes along when they make interpersonal relations a priority.

It is quite good to reflect for ourselves: “When did I have the best experience while working in ESTIEM or other organizations?”. We all have that same answer: “When I loved being around other people.”

Putting of

too

much

emphasis

on

the

act

transferring knowledge, may lower our

understanding

of

relationships

and

their

importance. If we get that first step right, communication will be more natural and we will start moving to a stage that one friend of mine refers to as ‘The Perfect Ecosystem’.

The Perfect Ecosystem is nothing other than an utopia, a stage where all the people are in harmony, always. Due to human nature, we know that is impossible, but we must strive for this ideal.

The aim of this article is not to testify that relations are the only reason for success. This article aims to highlight that once you build them with your teammates, everything will be more clear, and everyone will be more aligned and invested in the values of the organization.

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ESTIEM Magazine | 61st issue - The New Normal: Driving Global Change

CAREER

MEET THE ESTIEM ALUMNI BOARD 2021/2022!

Every year, the ESTIEM Alumni elects a new board to lead more than 1500 members of the Alumni organization. The ESTIEM Alumni Board consists of 5 members from 5 different countries in Europe who decided to come together after some years to fully experience the ESTIEM spirit once again. Their names are: Olga Sokolchik, Jelena Roksandić, Tibor Weigel, Emre Çetin and Mikhail Malyuta. We want you to meet them!

Olga has been in ESTIEM since 2011, first as the LR

Mikhail joined ESTIEM in 2011, he was active both

of LG Minsk and later becoming an ESTIEM trainer.

in Local Group Moscow, where he was the LR in

Currently she is working as an HR consultant, IT

2013/2014, and Central ESTIEM where he was

Recruiter and a gestalt therapist in organizations.

the Academic Days Project Leader in 2014/2015.

She is now based in Minsk and working remotely.

Currently he works as a Business Process Manager

Jelena joined ESTIEM in her first year of studies, back in 2015. Since then she has been in love with ESTIEM. She works as a business developer

at Kaspersky cybersecurity company. He loves sports and exploring the surroundings of Moscow with his red dog.

for an IT company and lives in Serbia. She enjoys traveling, hiking and reading good books.

As the new ESTIEM Alumni board, we are excited

Tibor joined ESTIEM in 2010 in LG Munich and

to add more offline events to our current

was the Vice President of Administration in 2014, it’s safe to say he can never get enough of ESTIEM (Alumni). He is working as a Product Owner and SCRUM Master for a business software company and lives in Vienna. Personally, he appreciates good

Olga Sokolchik Local Group Minsk

online routine, but we are going to continue online activities as they are very useful for

Jelena Roksandić Local Group Novi Sad

keeping the network alive and provide value for students and alumni, without having to travel anywhere.

talks, good food, nature, gaming and traveling.

Emre joined ESTIEM in 2010 and continues his journey as an alumnus. He is working as a business developer for an e-commerce company in Istanbul.

In his private time, he likes going to nature and camping there.

If you have any questions about ESTIEM Alumni or you want to become part of the Alumni network, please feel free to drop us a line at board.alumni@ estiem.org. We look forward to seeing you soon -

Tibor Weigel Local Group Munich

either online or offline - somewhere in Europe!

MEET THE ALUMNI BOARD

Emre Çetin Local Group Istanbul Bogazici

Mikhail Malyuta Local Group Moscow

ESTIEM Magazine | 61st issue - The New Normal: Driving Global Change

29

CAREER

FILL THESE PAGES WITH THE MEMORIES FROM THE COUNCIL MEETING! Don’t forget to share it on your Instagram and tag @estiem_official with #ESTIEM #Magazine

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ESTIEM Magazine | 61st issue - The New Normal: Driving Global Change

CAREER

ESTIEM Magazine | 61st issue - The New Normal: Driving Global Change

31

CAREER

HOW TO JUMP TO THE TOP OF THE APPLICANTS’ PILE? Luis actively joined ESTIEM in June 2021 and has extensive previous experience in associations and competitive sports. Before and during his Bachelors in IEM electro technics he worked in various international sectors like in an executive search company. As an IDDC he contributes to central ESTIEM to assist the services and the board to facilitate communication and support workflow.

Luis Metzger Local Group Berlin

In an ever so globalized economy, where job

Another differentiation factor for employers

competitors can apply from anywhere in the

is team working skills, and where better to

world, doubts quickly face the applicants if their

acquire them than in… you guessed it… ESTIEM!

competencies are good enough to succeed in the

#ShamelessPromotion aside, teamwork is an

labor market. Therefore when looking to apply,

important skill to develop and not easy to master

people are hesitant because they do not want to

as every team has a different structure, culture,

be rejected, and as a result, do not apply at all.

and operations. When a candidate can prove that

While there are a lot of possibilities of making your application stand out, i.e. by design, structure or even the way of delivering it (some deliver theirs with a box of donuts) and all of these are important, in this article we want to focus on differentiating yourself by experiences and skills you acquired before even applying to your next job or internship.

If you have already worked in a professional environment or just performed well in an internship, you might also get a (hard-copy) certificate of it and ask your previous employer to write you a reference. You wouldn’t believe how much a potential employer values the opinion of a previous one, and often enough, employees forget about it as they don’t presume it to be important.

As a rule of thumb, ALWAYS get a reference or certificate out of any endeavor you undertake. Even if it does not fit the path you wish to pursue, at least you are going to be able to explain to future employees what you occupied yourself with during that period and that you do not have any gaps in your vita (CV).

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ESTIEM Magazine | 61st issue - The New Normal: Driving Global Change

he was able to work in a variety of organizations, it goes to show that the candidate can deal with a diverse set of status quo and is not going to be a speed bump in the team that has to be taken care of. Team working skills can be acquired anywhere outside of ESTIEM as well. You could be playing competitive sports, compete in Formula Student, or already be working in a job where there is a need for a lot of communication. Make no mistake though: just by being part of a team, you don’t necessarily learn teamwork. You have to go out of your way, put yourself out there, and step out of your comfort zone to absorb how to best interact and communicate with others. It is not enough to just shadow somebody/something. So take action!

CAREER

“A different language is a different vision of life.”

In the end, life is a game of chances. There is no

Screenwriter Federico Fellini once said, and this

right or wrong way to go about them, but you

is not only applicable in your personal life and

may undertake certain actions to better them.

development, but also in a competitive context.

When you follow (also just a few of) these

Employers

value

the

knowledge

of

foreign

languages for the skills they imply such as communication, analytics, interculturalism, and learning capabilities. 43% of recruiters say speaking

steps, it will surely increase your chances of getting past the first barrier to be asked to the job interview, so you may enjoy those donuts on your own.

a second language gives candidates an edge which in return improves salary opportunities.

(Personnel Today, 2010) It is important to note not only to know these languages but to combine them with different hard skills such as business, engineering, or whatever your focus might be, which also requires a different range of vocabulary. Learning a new language takes time, however, the ROI will be in

References 1. https://www.personneltoday.com/hr/foreignlanguage-skills-make-jobseekers-moreemployable-during-recession/

the triple digits.

So to stand out, learn a new language, take that refresher course and use the languages when traveling to events. Every skill you develop now is another reason to stand out during a hiring process.

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CAREER

ESTIEMPRENEURS - OPPORTUNITIES CAN BECOME DREAMS: AC STORIES

Ayşe Nur Uzaslan Local Group Istanbul Yildiz

We all made plans about which university to study

importantly, tell my story to my target audience.

at, which career path to follow or maybe who

Luckily, I had the opportunity to learn all of those

we will become. Little did we know, or maybe

by experiencing them during my time in this great

we still don’t know, how every step we take and

student organization as I worked in leadership

every decision we make will affect our plans, our

positions both on local and central levels. Back

dreams, our aspirations in life.

then I didn’t know that I was building myself as an

I was one of those people, who loves to plan everything ahead, and I did. Before university, I was so sure who I wanted to become and what my future would look like. Then university started.

Every plan I made started to change little by little, but the biggest highlight was the moment I found ESTIEM. An introductory moment to a place like a playground that allows you to work in different areas and roles, to meet different cultures and mindsets. A place that offers you multiple opportunities to push yourself further.

entrepreneur but now when I look back, ESTIEM had a significant role in my journey so far.

It’s been more than three years, but I still remember the question my friend, who was also an ESTIEMer—now my business partner—asked me unexpectedly; “Should we start a business together?”. It may not sound like an easy question to some people, but it was an easy one for me.

Even if we had failed or hadn’t achieved our goals, when we would look back, I know that we could say “We tried our hardest and did everything we could.” ESTIEM taught me this growth mindset.

Life can be a playground too, take the risk without thinking what a small risk it is or the possible end results.

It was here that I, current co-founder of ‘The AC Stories’—a jewelry brand that cares for gender equality and shares inspiration by creating handmade pieces of jewelry with stories to empower women—found the chance to discover myself.

Being an entrepreneur, being a creator of a brand, and being someone that I have never imagined being before. Here I was taught the skills needed to create a brand and navigate through business.

As a brand owner I need to make fast and accurate decisions regarding my business and its future daily, deal with customers, and maybe most

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CAREER

“Just remember one can only grow by experiencing and learning.”

After saying yes to start a business, we looked at

life and the network gave me the chance, helped

each other and started thinking about what we

me to take the next steps without overthinking.

are going to do. What kind of business to create?

Which way our abilities and skills are leading to?

Which opportunities are there to take advantage of? There were so many questions to answer. We wanted to be creative, be able to tell our own story, and somehow be able to empower women all around. Then, an unexpected opportunity showed itself and we decided to create a jewelry brand.

Dots started to connect.

Entrepreneurs are problem solvers, people who look at the world as a place full of opportunities and not obstacles. ESTIEM teaches how and gives you the chance to see the thrill in the process of developing an idea that creates value for others.

Some days you will be challenged to make tough decisions, work hard with sleepless nights and have coffee as fuel. But some days, when you see the results of your hard work, you will taste the

Firstly, since we wanted to share our own stories,

most pleasing feeling.

we named our brand “The AC Stories” (Ayşenur and

If you are reading this article, you might be

Cansu’s Stories). Our story made us who we are today, but it wasn’t just us creating those stories or moments. It was affected by others. There were many stories which inspired us. And we want to be able to do the same. We decided to put a meaning behind each item by naming them and making them tell a story. Finally, our ultimate goal became clear: we want to remind every woman how unique, strong and free she is. Maybe this isn’t a goal to be achieved in a short time, but we believe that stories need to be told so that they can change the world.

questioning yourself: “Do I have the materials to be an entrepreneur?”, “I have ideas but what if I fail?”, etc. We all go through self-doubt sometimes, but don’t worry, those times will pass. Maybe this is the hardest part of our journey. There were times, I was about to give up and go back to my original plans to become someone else. But I had my belief in myself and in my dreams that kept me going further and further. As I mentioned we are problem solvers, we have the ability to adapt and overcome whatever crosses our way. And that’s why everybody has entrepreneurial material in their DNA. No one needs guidelines such as “How to start

“ESTIEM builds entrepreneurs.”

a business”, “10 steps to be an entrepreneur”.

You only need to believe in yourself and in your aspirations. You need to decide what should be your impact on the world and work towards this goal without worrying about failure. Dreaming

An ESTIEMer told me this and my response was “I

about starting your own business and building

don’t think I will be one of them”. I didn’t think that I

something from the ground up might sound crazy.

would be using what I have learnt so far in creating

But aren’t we all crazy sometimes?

my own business. I would have laughed out loud if someone would have told me that I would be a jewelry brand owner.

If you want to start an entrepreneurial journey or you already did but don’t know how to grow further, don’t be afraid to give a chance to this

Now look at me, I started a business while I was

great student organization. Take the steps no

still active in ESTIEM and have many more ideas

matter how small or big they are. Believe me,

to create other businesses. Seeing an unexpected

you will be challenged and allowed unexpected

opportunity and being able to take advantage of

opportunities to discover yourself and work across

it, actually made me passionate about something

multiple disciplines. And who knows maybe you

I couldn’t even imagine before. I believe this ability

will become a business owner one day.

is something you can improve in every part of your

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35

CAREER

IGIVEU Have you ever thought about doing volunteer work, but never actually did it because you did not know how? Or because you think it is too much of a commitment? If your answer is yes, keep reading.

Juliana Fernandes Local Group Porto

These concerns were very common with my

Fortunately, soon enough we had a company

classmates, the lack of information and knowledge

developing it for free, we had a team of fifteen

about volunteering was quite worrying. So, in 2019,

working on sponsors and promotion, and lastly,

I coordinated a project in my LG, where we made

we had to create a legal entity to represent us. As

sure students were aware of all the opportunities

progress was made, I kept thinking we could grow

they had to help – one-time experiences,

and help more, so I contacted ESTIEM and we

fundraisers, social talks and other.

partnered with SERC to find the best candidates to start the expansion.

That year made me realise there was more that could be done, and that is when I came up with the idea of iGiveU, a volunteer platform. A place where all institutions could not only promote themselves, but also publish one-time and long-term activities where they needed volunteers, allowing anyone who wants to help to create an account and apply to participate. Having the idea was the easy part, after that I had to gather a team, find a company that would develop it, find sponsors and promote it.

Unluckily, the development of the platform has been delayed for about one year, making some partners – sponsors and others, like ESTIEM – to standby in the meantime. However, myself and my whole team believes it will be worth the wait if we manage to help even just one person.

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INSIDE ESTIEM

THE SOLUTION IS SIMPLE – BE A DEAF FROG SOMETIMES! In the frog world, there is a race that is organized

Back in 2012, the newly retired central board of

once a year. Every year the race has a different

ESTIEM came to Belgrade, after the completion of

finishing line. That year, the participants of the

the Handover event in Novi Sad. A young group

race had to reach the top of an old tower. Many

of LG Belgrade members decided to prepare

frogs gathered around to support the hoppers

a nice welcome for them. As the evening went

and watch them race up the tower, however, once

on, signing a tissue and a piece of paper, Milan

the race started, the spectators began to believe

Đorđevic promised that Local Group Belgrade

that it was impossible for the frogs to reach the

would organize a Council Meeting in 2012. The

top of the tower. All the comments you could

former president of ESTIEM, Geoffrey, was very

hear sounded something like this: “Just look at

happy, and Milan was probably still unaware of

how much they’re sweating!!! They’ll never make

the strength and importance of his, at first glance,

it!” “Impossible! They’ll never reach the top!” The

quite ordinary signature.

Nikola Jovanović Local Group Belgrade

frogs began to feel discouraged, one after the other. Many gave up, except for a few who bravely continued to climb the tower, counting on each other’s

encouragement.

“Stay

strong,

froggy

sisters! We trained hard for this. Keep up!” But at the bottom of the tower the spectators continued to shout: “It’s completely useless! No one can make it! Look! Almost everyone has given up!” And the last few frogs admitted defeat, except for one who kept climbing in spite of everyone and everything.

Alone, and with an enormous amount of effort, she reached the top of the tower… Her fellow frogs were stunned. They wanted to know how she managed to do it. One of them went up to her to ask how she had aced the race. And it was then that her competitor discovered that… the winning frog… was…. deaf!

Motivated by that story I heard by watching a - Nikola: Come on, please, let’s do the

video about the 10 years of our local group - told

same this year! I want it more than

by the main actor of this historical moment, Milan

ever!

Đorđević, firstly Local Responsible, and afterward

- Trajko: They signed on a piece of

President of our local group - on September 27,

tissue paper, in kafana! Literally!

2020. I initiated a quite ordinary conversation with

- Nikola: I can already see how it says

the Vice President for Public Relations of the 31st

in the next issue of ESTIEM Magazine –

ESTIEM Board.

People from Belgrade always sign an agreement for the organization of the Council Meeting exclusively on a piece of tissue paper!

The situation was more favorable than ever, we had one of our members in the ESTIEM board, and I was supposed to become the Local Responsible of our local group in just a few days. Ever since 2012, when the Council Meeting was held for the first and last time in LG Belgrade, every Local

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37

INSIDE ESTIEM Responsible had the same goal - to bring the biggest event in the network back to the capital of Serbia. Unfortunately, no one had been able to do that for almost 10 years. I didn’t differ much from the previous Local Responsibles either, so my goal was the same. What made me different from the others was that the same evening after I was elected, at the team-building event of our local group, I decided to repeat the history - I signed a piece of paper with one of the central boardies and committed to that one thing - that Local Group Belgrade would organize a Council Meeting in the spring of 2022!

because of all the possible issues stated above.

Since I am very persistent and stubborn, I knew that in this way I was violating the contract I had signed a few months earlier on a piece of paper, and for that reason, I decided to fight for the Spring Council Meeting! My effort and work, as well as the commitment of my local group, was also recognized by the 31st ESTIEM board, which just a few days before the start of the LXII Council Meeting encouraged us to apply for organizing the next spring CM. The decision we originally planned to consider for a few weeks or months was supposed to be made in two nights, and the result was clear: History repeated itself and Local Group Belgrade again fulfilled its promise given by the contract on a very ordinary tissue paper.

Very soon after that I had a chance to present our application together with the next Local Responsible of LG Belgrade, Jovana Mitić in front of the Council!

Our generation made it even if all the previous generations always used to say that it was impossible to do it again. Impossible only means that you haven’t found the solution yet! And the solution is simple – You should be a deaf frog sometimes!

The main barricade on that road was the question - do we currently have the capacity to organize a Council Meeting at all? The problem with the motivation of our members, and thus the lack of human resources; then all the risk caused by the pandemic, which entails a financial crisis, reorganization of the calendar of local events; these were just some of the challenges we would have to face before making such an important decision. From the very beginning of the year, there was no time for a deeper consideration of something like that due to a bunch of other obligations and problems that just kept coming from week to week. For that reason, somewhere before the local spring General Assembly and the Local College, we agreed that in the second half of the year we will pay a little more attention to this topic and that the goal should be modified to - Apply for the Spring or Autumn Council Meeting in 2022, with the emphasis being on Autumn

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ESTIEM Magazine | 61st issue - The New Normal: Driving Global Change

INSIDE ESTIEM

T.I.M.E.S. FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE CHAMPIONS How did you feel when you won the T.I.M.E.S.?

It was an amazing feeling when it was announced

Which methods have you used to reach your solution?

that we made it all the way to the top in the final. We

In general, we used several principles within

really hoped for a good result, but it was surprising

structured

that we actually won the whole competition. It

competition, we set a rough time schedule for how

was truly a feeling of successful teamwork, and a

much time we should use on each step – so we

great experience to share as a group. Especially

used the time as effectively as possible. We spent

when we know how many other talented students

a fair amount of time reading the background

participated, we felt both surprised and thrilled.

material and defining the problem. We think this

Have you ever participated in any other case study competition?

Some of the team members had participated in other case competitions before, but it was the first

problem-solving.

Before

the

is an important discussion as it is crucial that all group members have the same understanding of the problem. Further, we tried to break down the problem into subproblems and agreed on which individual tasks needed to be solved to find an

time for us as a team.

answer to the main problem. And of course, we

What would you say was the main driver of

and practice our presentation. This is also very

your success?

We had a strong focus on teamwork and

Aris Dikran Nişan Local Group Istanbul Bogazici

saved some time in the end to prepare a slide set important, and it is easy to get short of time for this part.

communication. We felt we had a very effective way of cooperating, where we knew each other’s

Having a well-functioning team that is used to working together is crucial when problem-solving under time pressure, and participating in many case competitions gives your team both experience and confidence in each other.

strengths and we had mutual trust and faith in each other. This made it easier to give individual tasks to each other but also have effective discussions.

So, we felt communication within the team was a strength, but also communicating the solution. We focused on structuring our presentation in a clear and concise way and presented a logical rationale behind our suggested solution. We also had a principal saying that during the presentation, all team members should speak about the same amount of time – and everyone should help each other when receiving questions.

What kind of preparations should those who want to be successful in case study competitions do?

We think the best kind of preparation is to participate in as many case competitions as possible. It is the best way to prepare for solving a complex problem in a group, especially in a short amount of time. Having a well-functioning team that is used to working together is crucial when problem-solving under time pressure, and participating in many case competitions gives your team both experience and confidence in each other.

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39

INSIDE ESTIEM Do you have any tips for the participants of next year?

Communication is key. It does not matter how great your solution is if you cannot present it in a persuasive way and make the jury understand your thoughts.

Have confidence in your solution but remember to take precautions; you always have limited insight in the problem, and it is wise to make sure that you have covered all aspects.

Another tip is to plan the time wisely and make a schedule for when to do what. Three hours go by extremely fast, and it is crucial to avoid running out of time before all the work is done.

Can you share your opinions about T.I.M.E.S.?

Did you find the competition beneficial? If so, how?

T.I.M.E.S. is a great way to challenge yourself and gain new skills such as teamwork, communication, and analytical thinking. This is an opportunity to use many of the theoretical skills you have learned during your education to solve a practical issue, and that feels very useful. It is motivating to see how you can apply the skills from school to solve an actual business problem.

T.I.M.E.S. is also a great way to have fun with a group of friends and meet new people across borders. Unfortunately, this year’s event was held online – but T.I.M.E.S. is normally a great way to travel to new places, meet new people and get new experiences. Having participated in case competitions also shows that you are proactive and seeking challenges in addition to your education.

It is also a great conversation piece during a job interview if you get asked something about how you act in teamwork or solve challenges.

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ESTIEM Magazine | 61st issue - The New Normal: Driving Global Change

Have confidence in your solution but remember to take precautions; you always have limited insight in the problem, and it is wise to make sure that you have covered all aspects.

INSIDE ESTIEM

EUROPEAN DEVELOPMENT IN LOCAL GROUPS: WHAT CAN THE MEMBERS COMMITTEE BRING TO YOU? “IT’S ALL ABOUT THE PEOPLE” Our network’s mission is to connect and support

see our network grow, bring in more diversity and

the growth and sustainability of our Local Groups

connect with new people across Europe. This year,

by fostering relations and developing their

we are extremely happy to announce our brand

students. In the Members Committee (MC), we

new guest group, LG Rijeka!

work to contribute directly towards our mission by taking care of our Local Groups. We have a lot of ongoing projects related to this, but the question is: How aware are you of what MC can offer to your

This year, we are planning to continue approaching new universities to bring ESTIEM into new countries and to make an impact on more students’ lives.

Local Group?

Membership Process

As you can probably guess from the name of our

Do you know how new local groups go all the way

committee, we work to support the members of our organization, our lovely Local Groups! Together with Regional Coordinators (RCs), our main goal is to ensure that ESTIEM provides its members with the necessary support in alignment with their needs, increases their level of sustainability and assures the growth of our network. To make sure that our mission is fulfilled, there is plenty of team effort inside our committee.

Members Committee

from joining the network to becoming a fully grown member? Whenever we have a newly joined Local Group, our job is to ensure a safe path for them in their journey to reach their membership status.

Our goal is to provide our Guest & Observer Groups opportunities and materials according to their needs and contribute to their development inside our network. Currently, we are working with LG Rijeka as our new Guest Group, LG Piraeus which is our Observer Group and LG Auvergne that has just reached membership status!

Members Forum & LR Forum In MC, we have two event types for Local Group Support System (LGSS). Members Forum is an event organized for RCs, MC and LGSS where important discussions are held about the current situation of LGs, on how to support them and how to collaborate in the most effective way possible.

This year, we happily decided to organize it in Istanbul!

On the other hand, we have a very essential event for our dear Local Responsibles: LR Forum!

Below, you can find a general overview of our current work and the opportunities we provide: Growth of the Network Besides supporting our current Local Groups to increase their level of sustainability, MC is also

This is an event for current and future Local Responsibles (LRs); which gives them the chance to get all the vital skills of an LR to lead and develop their Local Groups. It is furthermore a great opportunity to get in contact with other active ESTIEMers and LRs.

responsible for recruiting new student associations

The December edition will be in Munich, so if you

from the local to the central level. Our goal is to

are about to become an LR soon, just go for it!

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INSIDE ESTIEM LR Onboarding Yet another project for LRs: LR Onboarding! This is a newly developed project in MC to support LRs in the beginning of their mandates by giving them the necessary information and expertise on relevant topics they need to acquire regarding their position. It consists of two sessions delivered

by MC about the responsibilities they have towards their Local Group and Central ESTIEM. In these sessions, we also provide the opportunity to ask any questions and have all the doubts they might have clarified. In this project, we are seeking to create a more uniform level of knowledge among LRs.

are matched with Central entities to increase the activeness of their members in Central topics by realizing new projects and addressing problems.

Our main goal is to increase the Local Groups’ involvement in European projects while raising interculturality in ESTIEM entities. The first joint project was between LG Liege and the Public Relations Committee, a success on both sides. If you would like your LG to become more active on the central level by having a perfect match with an entity, the Match-Making system is the right address for you!

Firepit Sessions In order to give LGs a clear opportunity to come together with the whole network and discuss what they are currently working on, the Firepit Sessions have been created. The goal of these sessions is to increase the benchmarking between LGs and give them a chance to learn from each other by dealing with key aspects inside the network. So far, there have been Firepit Sessions about Human Resources and Competitor Analysis. There will be more sessions where participants will have the chance to have their concerns heard and tended to and get to know people from very different LGs. In ESTIEM, the opportunities are endless if you know where to look for them. Our projects and

LG Innovation You know how to aim high, but does your LG know too? The LG Innovation project itself is a real innovation. It aims at lifting the top-performing Local Groups to an even higher level by uncovering their hidden potential so they contribute to ESTIEM globally and locally, to the key stakeholders of their Mother Association (if any), as well as to the members in the affiliated organizations. In short, this project will give you the chance to continuously improve your Local Group by focusing on the members’ needs and the Local Groups’ strengths.

Our first case was with LG Minho and we are still happily continuing the process with them.

Match-Making System The Match-Making system was an outcome of a collaboration between MC and Human Resources Committee to give the Local Groups an opportunity to get more involved with projects that can create a European impact. In this system, Local Groups

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ESTIEM Magazine | 61st issue - The New Normal: Driving Global Change

events aim to help our members in the many different groups develop tailor-made solutions to address their specific problems. Possibly the most important aspect of our work, we believe, is giving our members a voice and establishing platforms for the exchange of ideas, and by doing that, we can achieve shared goals and create a spirit that makes our organization a unique story of success.

Never forget that ESTIEM is a playground and if you like to develop yourself, the opportunities are endless!

INSIDE ESTIEM

SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY COMMITTEE IS BACK! Hello fellow ESTIEMers!

It is a great pleasure to announce that the once-known as SERI is now back as the SERC, Social and Environmental Responsibility Committee! I will go through the establishment of the committee once again and talk about the work we do, how we do it and with whom we do it.

Background: SER in ESTIEM

Mission: Connect, educate, and support

The idea of addressing social and environmental

ESTIEM in the making of initiatives relevant to

responsibility issues first popped up in ESTIEM in

Social and Environmental Responsibility.

2009, and took an organized form in 2011 when SER Initiative (SERI) was born. In the following years, many ideas were developed, and small projects were carried out inside the initiative, until

Ahmet Kaplan Local Group Istanbul Bogazici

Vision: Be the platform for IEM students to develop their surroundings towards evergrowing sustainability.

it was time to take one more step and establish the SER Committee (SERC) in 2016. Under a committee status SERC was able to develop its vision and longterm goals further and adopt a clearly defined

Mikko Sairanen Local Group Tampere

team structure, but unfortunately this committee, probably due to multiple overlapping reasons, died off a couple of years later and has now been gone from ESTIEM for a while.

The members of the 30th Board’s Giuseppe and Arthur decided to change it and they reestablished SER as a Task Group during the winter of 2019. Mikko Sairanen took over the leadership of the team at the beginning of May, as Giuseppe and Arthur became very occupied with the Council Meeting preparations. The entity had awesome, motivated people joining the team throughout the rebuilding process.

SERC Today After a successful year and a half, I, Ahmet Kaplan, took over the leadership position to pursue our common goal of creating a positive impact in ESTIEM and its surroundings.

In SERC, we are working on a project-based

We will be focusing on creating a comprehensive and

inclusive

SER

strategy

for

ESTIEM,

strengthening and sustaining the committee, and gardening an SER community. If you have any questions, comments, or thoughts about our focus area for the next year, please do not hesitate to contact me. You can reach me at ahmet.kaplan@ estiem.org or +905438236728.

SERC’s Way of Working

structure, meaning that the SERC members are actually involved in different projects under the umbrella of SERC. Usually every member is involved in 2 to 3 different projects and the whole team gathers every two week on Tuesday evenings to update each other on their progress and spend time together. We believe that it would be optimal to get a lot done and thrive team members’ motivation high also in the long-term with this project-based structure.

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43

INSIDE ESTIEM Projects

LG’s between 4 and 6 June 2020 related to the

Now, let me walk you through what we have been up to so far, starting with the already completed projects:

online

day-long

workshop

on

“impact

measurement”, hosting Carmen Garcia from the

Kozyreva, Robin Dietrich, Selin İnceöz and Efe

Moving on, let’s take a look at what we are doing in our projects at the moment:

IEM Caring Foundation. Thanks Selin İnceöz, Aysu

Collaboration with BusinessBooster: We are

Nadar and Simge Karadeniz!

collaborating with BusinessBooster on a short

Map of LG’s Initiatives: We gathered every initiative LG’s are taking in terms of social and environmental responsibility on Tableau and made it accessible to the network to share the

online session under the name of “Business Courses: Social Entrepreneurship”. We will be delivering an introductory part to the soon-to-be announced speaker’s topic.

knowledge ESTIEM’s LG’s have accumulated over

Charity Promotion: We pick a charity every month

the years on the topic. Thanks Selin İnceöz and

related to an SDG and promote it on ESTIEM’s

Simge Karadeniz!

social media channels. While promoting it, we

ustainability Bootcamp: We have assisted the IEM Caring Foundation on their “Sustainability Bootcamp” event that took place in November 2020. Thanks Sonja Borota!

BrainTrainer Collaboration: We collaborated with BrainTrainer on an online event by having a workshop session with the participants. We have facilitated a “Smart About Matter” workshop and the participants were informed about the “material” side of our consumptions and ideated how they can contribute to the circular economy via recycling and repurposing materials.

Language Voyage Event Collaboration: We collaborated with Language Programme on their “Language Voyage” event and provided them materials and short-sessions such as sustainability checklists and pop quizzes. Thanks Mikko Sairanen, İdil Lopez, Zeynep İlba, Margarita Kozyreva and Ahmet Kaplan!

The Future We Want: We collaborated with Impacton on the “The Future We Want” project.

In the scope of the collaboration, Nezy Silva and Mikko Sairenen joined an Instagram live stream to discuss the future and sustainability. Moving forward, we held an online discussion forum about “Sustainability in Education” with the participation of ESTIEMers, and lastly, we promoted Impacton’s

also promote the issue that the charity is focused on, putting that issue in the spotlight. Thanks Margarita Kozyreva and Louise Bottenberg!

Sustainable Corporate Relations: We have been preparing promotional materials and doing market research for companies dealing with carbon offset, to discuss the possibility of offsetting ESTIEM’s CO2 emissions through a sponsorship. So far, we have everything ready - all that is left for the team to get in touch with the companies. Thanks Robert Reichert, Lucía Gomez Ferrer, Beyza Ovalioğlu, Arzum Karahan and Alisee Pierrot!

SERveys: We have surveyed around 150 ESTIEMers on the topics of environmental responsibility and published a white paper. You can have a look at it on Elium, or reach out to me for a copy of it. The next step for the project is surveying ESTIEMers on the topics of social responsibility, in the upcoming months. Thanks Margarita Kozyreva, Rebeka Horvath, Arthur Michalczyk, Inês Cruz and Doğa Erdal!

Social Awareness: This is a project that first came out to promote and raise awareness about LGBTIQ+ rights and then extended its scope to be more inclusive. The first act of the project will be promoting gender neutral language. Thanks Lucía Gomez Ferrer, Inês Cruz, Alex Marita!

Academy programme by offering ESTIEMers a

SER Event Guide: We are creating an event guide

discount through our agreement.

which both organizers and ESTIEMers can use

Sustainability Climate Action Campaign: We ran a social media campaign with participating

44

collaborated on this initiative. Thanks Margarita Umut Ates!

Sustainable New Normal Event: We held an

World Environment Day. 13 student NGOs have

ESTIEM Magazine | 61st issue - The New Normal: Driving Global Change

to make their travels as sustainable as possible.

Thanks Lucia Gomez Ferrer!

INSIDE ESTIEM Alumni Interviews: We will be interviewing ESTIEM alumni that have experience in the fields of social and environmental responsibility to provide insights and learnings to ESTIEMers, this project is yet to be started. Thanks Defne Tan and Ecenur Çetintaş!

SER Tips: We are posting useful tips that ESTIEMers can adopt in their personal and professional life to live a more sustainable life. We have posted a lot of content on ESTIEM’s official Instagram page, so far. I’m sure you’ll stumble upon some of SER Tips’s posts if you scroll down a bit. My thanks goes to Alex Marita, Ayça Pürçek and Sonja Borota, just to name a few!

As SERC, we are truly looking forward to creating a positive impact in the network! We’re very happy to hear your thoughts on our progress, as well as all the feedback you might have! In case you have any

Better Health and Well-Being: We are posting

questions, comments, ideas or suggestions, please

contents to increase the awareness of mental

don’t hesitate to contact me either via email at

health and physical issues. We have made some

leader.serc@estiem.org , or Whatsapp at +90 543

posts on ESTIEM’s official Instagram page in the

823 67 28, or anyone from our lovely team!

last months, feel free to check them out. Thanks Alex Marita, Inês Cruz, Lucía Gomez Ferrer, Robert Reichert and Aysu Nadar!

SERC Campfire: We are planning to hold monthly events where we will come together to either listen to a professional talking or lecturing about social and environmental topics, or have a discussion panel, open to all ESTIEMers. Thanks Gina Szabó, Beyza Ovalioğlu and Louise Bottenberg!

Better Planned Travels: This is a project where we want to make sure that LG’s and ESTIEMers travel in the most efficient and optimal way that would decrease our impact on the environment.

Thanks Doğa Erdal, Ecenur Çetintaş, Sonja Borota and Ayça Pürçek!

SHAER Collaboration: Our collaboration with SHAER aimed to develop an innovative business model for equal trade supply chain certification schemes. We have recruited a team of twelve from ESTIEMers to explore potential innovative business models of equal trade certification schemes. More information about SHAER can be found on https:// www.shaer.info/.Thanks Ahmet Kaplan and Arthur Michalczyk!

Movement Calls: We are working closely with the IEM Caring Foundation to organize and promote Movement Calls, where ESTIEMers get the chance to meet with ESTIEM Alumni and professionals in a call. Thanks Doğa Erdal and Defne Tan!

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45

INSIDE ESTIEM

SOCIAL COMPETENCES AS KEY COMPETENCES OF THE FUTURE What are competences really?

We can distinguish 3 main types of competences

Competences can be considered on many levels

Klaudia Hojka Local Group Poznań

of the future:

and are used in various fields. The concept of

- cognitive competences related to creativity,

competence is related to the humanities and

logical thinking and the ability to solve problems;

social sciences. Most often, competences are defined as the knowledge, skills and attitude that an employee has, thanks to which they achieve the intended results at work. Competences can also be described as abilities that we use at the workplace.

- social competences related to teamwork, contacts with clients and emotional intelligence; - digital and technical competences related to data analysis, information processing and computer and software operation.

Which groups of competences can we define?

Conclusion

Competences can be sorted into two groups:

To sum up, due to the continuous development

social competences and technical competences.

Social competences are the ability to perceive and understand social situations. Social competences include

processes

behaviors

and,

involving

various

consequently,

the

human resulting

feelings, dislikes or sympathies. On the other hand, technical competences are measurable skills that we acquire in the course of learning, for example at school, at university, through training, courses, student internships, internships or professional work.

market, the competences required by employers are constantly changing, creating a significant challenge

expectations

of

an

employee’s

competences differ depending on the job position held by the employee in the enterprise. Over the years, the key competences that employers require of their employees change, and the impact of technology is of great importance in shaping them.

What are the key competences?

Due to the universality of social competences and the fact that they are useful in every industry and

employees.

For

this

reason,

employees should be aware of which key competences of the future are necessary and which of them should be developed. The forecasts on the labor market allow young people to choose in advance, for example, their path of education.

One thing is for sure “The Only Constant in Life Is

In constantly changing conditions, people who want to learn how to work with new technologies will find themselves much better, because they will constantly improve their competences and develop new ones. It will be recommended to study in several professions and combine different, unrelated skills in order to efficiently change the position or industry. It is crucial to develop both the competences that will allow you to function freely in the digital and automated world, and the competences that will never be acquired by machines, devices or computers.

in every workplace, they should be considered as

References

key competences of the future. The most desirable social competences include: innovation, teamwork,

1.

creativity, critical thinking and openness. It is also worth emphasizing that in the era of automation

2.

and robotization, social competences are the main group of skills that distinguish humans from machines and advanced technology.

46

for

Change.” - Heraclitus.

What competences do employers expect?

Employers’

of technology and the volatility of the labor

ESTIEM Magazine | 61st issue - The New Normal: Driving Global Change

3.

Caldarola, E. G., Modoni, G. E., & Sacco, M. (2018). A knowledgebased approach to enhance the workforce skills and competences within Industry 4.0. In The Tenth International Conference on Information, Process, and Knowledge Management, Rome.

Popkova, E. G., & Zmiyak, K. V. (2019). Priorities of training of digital personnel for industry 4.0: social competencies vs technical competencies. On the Horizon.

Winterton, J., Delamare-Le Deist, F., & Stringfellow, E. (2006).

Typology of knowledge, skills and competences: clarification of the concept and prototype (pp. 13-16). Luxembourg: Office for Official Publications of the European Communities.

EXPLORE

ERASMUS+ DURING COVID: YAY OR NAY? Hello Croatia!

Hello, I am Inês Ferreira from LG Aveiro, and I

already received such great feedback on the

want to share my Erasmus experience during a

Erasmus experience and the life in Split, but due to

COVID-19 pandemic with you – an extraordinary

COVID-19 pandemic I thought it would be hard to

experience for me: I have decided to go to

get to know other students and enjoy the traveling

Erasmus even though we were in the middle of

and partying I was expecting. However, because

the COVID-19 pandemic because I could not miss

the number of infected people was actually low

this opportunity to study in another country for a

in Croatia, I still got to enjoy the full experience

full semester. I believed I could still have a great

with parties, activities, and travels. I believe I had a

experience even with all the restrictions.

greater experience than I could ever expect.

I chose to go to Split in Croatia because I had great

The decision I made when applying was the best I

feedback about Croatian culture and the campus

have ever made, because I had the best semester

in the University of Split. The fact that Croatia has

ever in Croatia. If I had the option to travel through

beautiful locations by the sea and great weather

time, I would not only sign up again, but would

also weighed on my decision.

also apply for this experience for more than one

The most exciting and memorable thing that happened to me during the exchange were the

semester. This is an opportunity that everyone should take and enjoy to the fullest.

friendships I made there. I had the opportunity to

My advice for any student who is still considering

meet a lot of great people and to share the most

whether to apply, is to go for it without any fear:

wonderful experiences with them.

even if your Erasmus trip has some restrictions,

I got to travel within Croatia and to the neighboring countries, to party with friends, share stories and learn with these amazing people. I treasure all those memories with so much love.

The biggest challenge I faced were the daily interactions. Although Croatia is a county full of tourists and some Croatians speak and/or

Inês Fereira Local Group Aveiro

try to get the most out of it and to get to know the people sharing the experience with you.

Remember that it is all new for everyone and even if your English is not good, or you are a shy person, you will find other people that also want to enjoy the opportunity, have fun and will enrich your experience. Don’t be afraid to take this chance and prepare yourself for the best semester of your life.

understand English, others have some difficulties in communicating.

The biggest challenge I faced were the daily interactions. Although Croatia is a county full of tourists and some Croatians speak and/or understand English, others have some difficulties in communicating.

The fact that I don’t speak the language was an issue occasionally, but also incentivized me to learn some basic words and improved my skills in nonverbal communication. This was not something hard to overcome, and now I’m left with some great stories from grocery shopping involving sign language.

My expectations were very high because I had

ESTIEM Magazine | 61st issue - The New Normal: Driving Global Change

47

EXPLORE

Hello Germany!

Germany is preferred by many students all over the

I went inside the rector’s office, heart pounding,

rich employment prospects. After some research,

my mind all over the place. He waved from behind

that fact became the determinant while choosing

the desk, without taking his eyes off the paper

a country to stay in. I also studied German for a

he was holding. Bad sign, I thought, and my face

couple of years, so it was a great opportunity for

immediately dropped. As if he noticed, he slowly

me to practice the language and get to know the

placed the document in front of me and crossed

locals in a way that could be achieved only through

his hands over his chest.

the minimization of several language barriers.

world, thanks to the high quality of education and

“Well, better start

packing” Maria Gezepoglou Local Group Piraeus

As a student, I decided upon joining the Hochschule

Six months full of brand-new experiences, colorful

für Wirtschaft und Umwelt (HfWU) in the summer

cultures, and incredible people. That is what

semester, mostly because of the classes offered,

Erasmus was to me, even during a time as difficult

and of course, the weather. Coming from a sunny

as the pandemic.

country, I was worried that cold weather would

I had known it was my dream to become an international student even before I was enrolled in my university. I was amazed by the opportunity to move to a foreign place alone, speak another

not be of my liking. However, I got used to it pretty rapidly, since it wasn’t as bad as people had suggested. You just had to remember to always bring an umbrella!

language, experience another kind of mindset

During the exchange, I ended up staying in the

and culture. I had never stepped foot in another

dormitory mostly for financial reasons. Little

country, and I was always looking forward to

did I know that this would be the best decision I

seeing what the world outside Greece had to offer.

could have made. The reason was simple: It was

Unfortunately, when the time came, coronavirus

the center, the soul of the international student

made its first appearance, generating a turmoil

community. Since our classes were online, we

of obstacles for people wishing to travel. At first,

didn’t have the chance to meet our colleagues in

my morale was somehow wounded and moving

person, so the “mingling” always took place in the

outside

common kitchen.

Greece

seemed

almost

impossible.

However, after a series of talks with my friends

We gathered there to cook all kinds of weird

and family, I realized that it would have been

traditional dishes, play games, watch football

a mistake to postpone my dreams due to the

matches, and party all night. It was where I got the

pandemic “paranoia”. My determination to study

chance to meet all my friends, with whom I remain

abroad eventually sidelined all of my worries -

close to this day.

after a long process of gathering documents and a few hundred emails to the International Office, I finally took the plane and landed in Nürtingen, Germany.

There are two memories that I remember most fondly. The first one is the infamous Costume Party: the concept around it was to randomly match one girl and one boy, that would pick each other’s outfits and makeup, fitting to a certain theme. Then, the final looks would be presented and the best one would win a bottle of whatever alcohol they wanted. I was surprised to see that people were really engaged and enthusiastic for the entire process, and the result was unique.

Each and every one of us looked astonishing- we had red carpet, Indian wedding, pirates, urban stylers among others. It was a night to cherish.

The second most precious memory was the socalled Olympic Games. The group was divided into two distinctive teams and went through a series of sport challenges that mainly involved… drinking. It was a tradition brought by the students from the

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ESTIEM Magazine | 61st issue - The New Normal: Driving Global Change

EXPLORE previous semester, only this time, it was a brandnew, summer edition.

I have never had so much fun in my life! People, me included, got very passionate; one moment we were laughing, then the other we were fighting, then laughing again. In the end we had an amazing dinner that we all cooked together and then the party started again. It was one of these moments that brought us closer together, and the feeling was like no other. You simply enjoyed being part of it.

There were numerous occasions full of joy; but admittedly, there were also some challenges that I had to face. For example, the first month was a period of adjustment and since I’ve never lived alone before, it was relatively hard for me to find my way around. From cooking and cleaning, to paying the bills and being consistent with your studies, all at once. But the good thing is that you (have to) learn fast, and most importantly, you

exciting and fulfilling it would be, even through these months of the pandemic. It probably even helped me and all other internationals to become closer to each other and become creative, since we had to stay inside more than usual, and our choices of entertainment were very limited.

become a more independent person in a short

I now have friends all over the world, a plus point

amount of time.

for my resume, an experience of another way of

Sometimes relationships with people were also demanding. You practically live with each other for six months, non-stop, with people you’ve only just

living and a new side of myself that I’ve discovered in the process. So, to answer the burning question, would I do it again? Yes, yes, yes.

met. With some people you match, with some you

Doing Erasmus mobility in pandemic times sounds

don’t – some even you match with in the beginning

like a journey in the dark, with more setbacks and

and then grow apart. It has a different impact

less freedom. To people debating on whether

when you are on your own, because your friends

they should sign up for the program, I have only

there are actually your temporary family. You have

one thing to say: Do it. Life will always give you

to find a way to navigate through the dorm life and

excuses not to join that student club, not to apply

sometimes, it can drain your energy.

for that job, not to confess your love to someone,

But it is all more than worth it! Whatever expectations I might have had in the beginning, they were all met. I could have never imagined how

not to invest into something new. But the only way to make your dreams come true is stepping out of your comfort zone and challenging yourself constantly. Especially when these kinds of unique opportunities appear.

If you are feeling cautious about the virus, it is totally understandable. However, at the end of the day it is your personal responsibility to keep yourself safe. If you are careful enough it will not be a problem, especially now that in most countries people are starting to get vaccinated. So do some research, ask your university, search in student forums; then make an informed decision based on real facts.

Six months full of brand-new experiences, colorful cultures, and incredible people. It is one of those adventures which can’t be forgotten and which will always have a place in your heart.

ESTIEM Magazine | 61st issue - The New Normal: Driving Global Change

49

EXPLORE

Sonja Borota Local Group Novi Sad

Hello Austria!

I had a rough start if we take into consideration

October 2020. “To be, or not to be, that is the

infected with Coronavirus, and I had to spend

question”. Deciding whether to apply for a

fifteen days in quarantine. It was the worst and the

semester abroad or not in the middle of the world

best thing that happened to me. Worst because

pandemic wasn’t an easy decision at all. The fact

you are still new there, don’t speak the language,

that you are going to a foreign country, where you

have nobody to rely on and ask for help.

that as soon as I moved to my dormitory, I got

don’t know anyone, are not familiar with the native language and culture in general, and on top of

But on the other hand, being sick and stuck

that everything is on hold because of Coronavirus,

for fifteen days there made me bond with my

makes the whole process even worse.

flatmates and neighbours that were super kind

But, the desire to experience something new, and move from everything that is so familiar, overweighed, and I was there, applying for the summer semester in Graz, Austria.

Because of the pandemic, unfortunately, we didn’t have many options Europe-wide, but mostly countries ‘in the neighbourhood’. I visited Austria

to me, and the best of all is that it gave me the Certificate of Recovery issued by the EU, so I could travel anywhere without any constraints.

“For

every bad thing in life, there are more good things to tip the balance”.

When people ask me what my biggest challenge was, I always say making friends. Coronavirus made everyone so alienated, so it was hard to meet people, and even harder to bond with them.

many times since I was a kid, but never explored a bunch of things it has to offer, as I was mostly visiting relatives with my family. Visiting Graz in 2019 during the ESTIEM event ‘Hike&Wine’ made me fall in love with the city, and the country itself even more, and that was the time when I said “I am going to come here again for sure”.

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ESTIEM Magazine | 61st issue - The New Normal: Driving Global Change

I am free to say that I didn’t regret it for a second, even more, it was the best decision I made in my life, and if I could repeat everything once again, I would be happy to do it!

EXPLORE

Hello Slovenia!

You have the chance to free your mind from every worry you left behind in your country and start from zero.

My biggest advice to someone wanting to go study abroad is to have no fear. Just go ahead and be happy!

Doing Erasmus was always a dream of mine.

Before I even knew what I was going to pursue at university, I knew, for a certain period of time, I would study abroad and live one of the most unique and special experiences of my life.

I never thought that, when the time arrived, I would be facing a pandemic that forced every person in the world to readapt. Although I had some moments of doubt, something bigger told me that I couldn’t let go of this opportunity.

But most importantly, I met the greatest people.

They inspired me to be more kind, more patient, more ambitious, more grateful for everything I have.

So, in March of this year, 2021, I went to Maribor, Slovenia, and faced the unknown.

Francisca Salgado Local Group Aveiro

When people ask me where to do the Erasmus program, I tell them that it’s not the place you stay that makes you live this experience to the fullest.

It’s the people that you come across.

I’ve lived the best 4 months of my life, done everything I hoped for and more. I’ve travelled to 6 countries in the most tricky ways to bypass COVID restrictions.

You have a chance to step back from your routine and really think of the person you want to become.

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Our programmes are located in Lappeenranta, Lahti and Kouvola.

READ MORE ABOUT LUT University: lut.fi/en

ESTIEM Magazine | 61st issue - The New Normal: Driving Global Change

51

EXPLORE

EUROPE3D SERBIA Project Leader

worst case scenario was for participants to get infected. As we were the second LG to organise an offline event after some time, we tried to take all

• Veljko Tonić Local Group Belgrade

How did you decide to organise the first offline event? And why did you choose Europe3D?

It definitely wasn’t a straightforward decision. At

the precautions possible, and I’m thankful to Helin and Fabian, the leaders of the Europe3D team, for their help in this.

•

the time, beginning of May to be more precise, we could only assume that the COVID situation would be becoming better. At the same time, we felt that our Local Group (LG) began to lack ESTIEM spirit, since the last offline event that we organized was in March 2020. Europe3D then presented itself as an ideal opportunity, not only to spread the ESTIEM spirit within our LG, but the rest of Europe as well. Type of the event itself, which is more leisure, also matched the summer period during which the event would take place perfectly.

•

How complicated was the organisation of the event itself? Was it hard to arrange meetings in public with government restrictions?

The organization itself definitely wasn’t easy.

There were a lot of external factors that affected us since we organized the event during the summer period and only had two months for it.

Arranging meetings wasn’t difficult because at the time of the event government restrictions weren’t as strict. Unfortunately, some institutions (such as the National Bank) were still closed for visitors, so we couldn’t show our participants everything we wished to.

•

What were the biggest obstacles?

Time. By ‘time’, I’m referring to both the summer period and the length of the organisation period.

During the summer, everything slows down, it’s difficult to find people, communication with stakeholders is slower than usual etc. For us, getting everything on time for the event was the biggest challenge.

•

What was the biggest risk?

It is safe to assume everyone would be able to guess the answer to this question. The absolute

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ESTIEM Magazine | 61st issue - The New Normal: Driving Global Change

Do you find that the behaviour of the participants changed after the long break in ESTIEM events?

Firstly, I must say that our participants were a wonderful group of people! I also had the pleasure to organize our last offline event before the pandemic, so when I compare the behaviour of the participants, I wouldn’t say it changed much.

Europe3D was the first offline event for a lot of our participants, but the ESTIEM spirit, the songs, the punishments and the energy weren’t lacking! So I can just thank our participants for making me feel the ESTIEM spirit again.

•

What are the impressions after the event in general?

After the event, I needed a lot of time for the feelings to settle. When they eventually did, I can say that, even though this was the biggest responsibility in my ESTIEM career, it was the most beautiful part of it. During this journey, I’ve met some amazing people, some of whom I’ve spent the amazing two months with, and with some amazing seven days. If I had to highlight a specific part of the event, it would be the reflection session.

Hearing all the kind things the participants had to say about the event melted my heart and erased all the doubt that I had regarding whether I should have applied for the Project Leader position.

Happy people were always my goal, helping them feel the ESTIEM spirit or just bringing ESTIEM closer to them, making them feel the way I feel about international events. Now, after almost two months after the event, I’m as sure as ever that I’ve managed to fulfill my goals!

EXPLORE

Entity Leader Europe3D Serbia was a very special event for me.

Not only was it the first event during my mandate as the Vice President of Activities, but it also felt special because I was the Europe3D Leader who initiated the first offline post-COVID-19 Europe3D event with Local Group Belgrade.

When we started to organize Europe3D Serbia both us, the Europe3D team and LG Belgrade had doubts. We were unsure about the safety of the participants and the quality of the event due to its

Helin Ergezer Local Group Izmir-Economy

nature. Europe3D events are intercultural events where you need to interact with the local people to experience the country and to visit many different places like government, parliament, companies, tourist sites etc. COVID-19 has made those visits and activities not always applicable. However, Local Group Belgrade took the challenge and put an extraordinary effort in the quality of event and safety of the participants, and in covering all of the 3 dimensions with the needed activities.

In the end, it resulted in an amazing event.

Naturally, there were some obstacles and risks, for example: what would have happened if Serbia closed its borders or did not allow people to have gatherings? Also, the obvious risk for participants and organizers was the chance of being infected with COVID-19 during the event. Those were the risks that Local Group organizers and participants were willing to take to make the Europe3D Serbia happen. In the end all of the participants were happy, and they learnt and experienced a lot during the week in Serbia. I believe this event taught us a lot, as we are a network that always aims high to give an opportunity to students for their development, even in these challenging times, putting the effort in makes all the difference.

I think that after this event, many Local Groups realized that they can also organize offline events with the right measurements. I believe Europe3D Serbia had a huge impact for the better on the future offline ESTIEM Events and we will see many more events very soon.

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EXPLORE

Participants

I think there have definitely been noticeable changes in the events organized by ESTIEM students. I think many people may share my

Did you have any expectations when you were applying for the event?

feeling of wanting to travel after a year of pandemic

Bartek: At first, when I was applying through the

All participants were full of energy on the first

•

ESTIEM portal, I did not have any high expectations for the event. I decided to go to Belgrade because I never had the opportunity to visit the Balkan Bartosz Szczepanek Local Group Warsaw

part of Europe before. I thought that applying to an event that has a cultural focus - Europe 3D would be an ideal way to get to know the Serbian

day of the event. And on the second day, we were already one ESTIEM family. Changes were also evident in the event’s organizers. The whole event was perfectly prepared and organized. None of the participants lacked anything. We could count on help and care from them and their helpers at all times. Organizing the first offline event, which

Rana: As an active ESTIEMer since 2019, it was

for its organizers. I think they put on the best

process. I was quite involved in ESTIEM until now, as I was a board member of my Local Group, then Local Responsible, and a leader at the Central level of the organization. I was aware of what to expect from a face-to-face event because I had conversations with both alumni and experienced ESTIEMers excited me a lot. Therefore, my expectations were quite high, it sounds very good to experience a different culture with locals, not as just a tourist. Most importantly, I wanted to live to the bottom of the ESTIEM spirit.

Vlad: ​​All my expectations came true. I dreamed Vladyslav Svitailo Local Group Kyiv

during the event in Belgrade - Europe 3D Serbia.

community in detail.

unfortunate for me to come across the online

Rana Dikmen Local Group IstanbulBogazici

isolation. These changes were perfectly visible

of being at an event finally again, to meet new friends and have a great time with them.

•

How did it feel to participate in an offline event again? Has something significant changed in ESTIEM events?

was Europe 3D Serbia, involved a lot of pressure event in the form of Europe 3D. I am very happy to have been a part of it.

Rana: I was in the organization team at the events organized by my Local Group before, but this was my first offline event as a participant. Compared to my organizational experience, of course, there were some differences; We tried to stay away from crowded places.

small differences though, did

not change the fact that the event was incredible.

ESTIEMers always know how to have fun and Local Group Belgrade planned the event down to the smallest detail. We never felt the presence of COVID-19 in terms of lack of activity, everything was very nice and enjoyable.

Vlad: It is a feeling of joy. It is like coming to the event for the first time again. For the very first time you are worried though. time around, I was waiting for it to come because now I know that

Bartek: It is worth mentioning that the main reason

ESTIEM events are the best and I know it’s going to

for my registration for the event was a great desire

be cool. And it was cool.

to travel around after the pandemic situation, which took its peak in 2020. Isolation, loneliness, inability to arrange meetings, routine exerted a huge urge in me to return to social events as soon as possible. This feeling was intensified in me after an event in Budapest - Europe 4D Hungary - for which I had already bought plane tickets, which were canceled in March at the beginning of the pandemic.

Attending a stationary event again was like starting a new phase of travel for me. Pandemic isolation made me appreciate the opportunity to explore Europe with the ESTIEM organization and make new contacts.

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ESTIEM Magazine | 61st issue - The New Normal: Driving Global Change

•

What was your best moment/memory from this event?

Bartek: As for the best memory of the event, I can safely say that the entire event was the single best memory for me. Tough mornings, buffet breakfast, group races at Treasure Hunt, interesting discussions during workshops breaks, playing mafia until two in the morning, delicious Serbian food in restaurants, trying not to fall asleep during Movie Night,delicacies and beverages from all across Europe during the International Night, beach chillout at Ada Ciganlija, dancing together during Folklor workshops, surprise gifts on the

EXPLORE last day of the event from the organizers, secret

generations to have the opportunity to experience

messages in envelopes from the participants,

them as well and further their motivation and

the last night in club Tranzit and most of all - the

stock up on ESTIEM spirit!

people.

Rana: The day we went to Kafana was very special for me. It really was a night where I fully experienced the culture and had fun like a real local. Local music, dozens of different flavors of local beverages, and the atmosphere impressed me a lot. It is a tradition that I will definitely not forget and that I have told everyone about upon my return.

Vlad:

I

cannot

forget

a

friendly

beverage

competition we had against our Serbian brothers.

I also liked the day of Serbian culture. Because on this day, Serbia opened up to me to the fullest.

We got acquainted with Serbian traditions, food, and drinks. Then we were shown Serbian national dances. Furthermore, we could join in and learn a few moves as well, which I liked. I always like it when the country is presented in such a way.

•

Has this event motivated you to keep traveling and attending the ESTIEM event, or would you rather wait until the situation gets better?

Bartek: My stay in Belgrade made me realize that I should take advantage of what the ESTIEM organization offers. It has a wide variety of offers from personal development, remarkable parties to lifelong friendships.Those three things are all you need in life.

PS. I just bought plane tickets for an event in Bulgaria. See you around!

Rana: This event was a turning point for me. The spirit and fun at the events, the sincerity, and the friendship of ESTIEmers really impressed me. Postevent depression also made me realize how good I felt inside ESTIEM. This motivated me, even more, to participate in events no matter the situation.

Since

the

ESTIEM

regulations

are

updated

according to every situation, organizing the events around some restrictions makes me feel safer and I don’t see any obstacles to not participating.

Vlad: ​Of course. It gave me more ESTIEM offline events! Offline events should be held. Stock up on antiseptics, masks, keep your distance) but events need to be organized in order for the next

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55

ECO

CIRCULAR ECONOMY

How can you benefit from thinking circular?

‘Circular economy’ – an increasingly popular concept trending all the way from companies’ marketing campaigns to the European Union’s policies and roadmaps. But what does it have to do with you? More than you think: You are part of a circular economy, and acknowledging this gives you a significant competitive edge in your future career.

Jenni Kaipainen Local Group Tampere

Circular economy principles

You are part of the circular economy

Contrary to what one might initially expect, the

Enabling efficient circulation of materials and

circular economy (CE) deals with much more

energy according to circular principles requires

than just recycling! The overall aim of the CE is to

engagement

replace our current, unsustainable ‘make-take-

members of society – including you. We all are

dispose’ economy with a new kind of economic

members of the economic system, and have our

model that is regenerative by intention and design.

role in transforming it to circular, both in our

As the CE is designed to save the scarce resources

personal and professional roles.

of our planet, it is seen as a key for solving the climate crisis and biodiversity loss. Thus, the CE is considered as a promising pathway towards a sustainable future business and society.

and

collaboration

between

all

Particularly in professional life, you can have a major impact on forwarding the CE by questioning

unsustainable

work

practices

and disseminating circular knowledge in your

With our long history with throwaway economy and

professional networks. This opportunity applies

culture since the industrial revolution, forwarding

undoubtedly to us industrial engineering and

the CE is challenging us all to rethink our everyday

management

practices. Here, we have three key principles

involved

for circularity: slowing, closing, and narrowing

material intense businesses and industries as well

material loops. The first one, slowing material

as in management consultancy. Therefore, all of

loops, aims for extending the life-cycles of existing

us need to be aware and understand the circular

products through e.g., repair, remanufacturing,

principles to harness them in our own field of

and long-lasting product design. Second, closing

work.

in

professionals, responsible

especially

when

decision-making

in

material loops brings the resources from used products back to re-production instead of turning them into waste. Third, narrowing material loops means that the use of resources is minimized in the production of new products and

Take advantage of the circular economy transition

their

consumption. The application of these three key

Understanding the CE as an emergent economic

CE principles touches upon the decision-making of

paradigm provides you an advantage in your

companies, policymakers, cities, and individuals,

professional

among others.

companies and public organizations integrate

roles

and

career.

The

more

circular thinking and sustainability into their strategies, the more they need to apply circular The overall aim of the CE is to replace our current, unsustainable ‘make - take - dispose’ economy with a new kind of economic model that is regenerative by intention and design.

knowledge, competences, and practices to their operations. Therefore, employers need crucially future professionals who are not only experts in their own industry, but can also provide insights into the CE principles and their implementation in their work. Thus, understanding the CE allows you to build a unique professional profile for

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ESTIEM Magazine | 61st issue - The New Normal: Driving Global Change

ECO recruitment and career development in the era of

Circular knowledge and competences will be

CE.

highly beneficial in career development, whether

To gain

valuable CE expertise for professional

purposes, you can dive deeper into circular thinking already during your university studies.

As an example, I familiarized myself with CE in my master’s thesis. Seeing how powerful CE is in

eventually wanting to build a career in industry, consultancy, or academia. Ultimately, combining the understanding of industrial engineering and management with circular business is a strong combination to support any career choice.

transforming business models, strategies, and value networks, I decided to continue strengthening my CE knowledge in doctoral research to be fully prepared to apply CE insights into practice.

Picture 1. The circular economy is like a dance involving all of us – both in our personal and professional lives. As circular thinking and competences are increasingly needed and valued across workplaces, particularly professional actions allow significantly forwarding the CE. Picture from the CICAT2025 Policy brief (25.9.2021), available: https://cicat2025.turkuamk.fi/en/ latest-en/join-the-circular-economy-celebration/

ESTIEM Magazine | 61st issue - The New Normal: Driving Global Change

57

ECO

ECOLOGY TODAY - INNOVATIONS OF THE WORLD WE LIVE IN “The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion.”

- Paulo Coelho

Sonja Borota Local Group Novi Sad

Number of the month

530

The quantity of carbon released when just one hectare of forest is cleared to

Innovations •

Siemens Gamesa launches the world’s first recyclable wind turbine blade for commercial

grow oil palms, is roughly equivalent to

use offshore.

the amount of carbon produced by 530 people flying from Geneva to New York in economy class.

World Statistics: • •

technology to create a layer of lighting in

Plastic bottled water consumption has fallen

greenhouses that will replace electricity with

48% during lockdown, as a result of remote

a more efficient means of lighting.

working.

•

UbiQD developed a patented quantum dot

It’s predicted that 134 million tons of dumped clothing will be left in landfills by 2030.

•

3.6 billion of the global population live in potentially water-stressed areas. This is expected to reach 4.8 – 5.7 billion by 2050.

•

With the current climate change scenario, between 24 million and 700 million people will be displaced by 2030 due to water scarcity.

•

Microsoft’s energy supply will be 100% renewable for all its operations by 2025.

•

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ESTIEM Magazine | 61st issue - The New Normal: Driving Global Change

•

As over 35% of microfibers in the ocean come from our washing machines, PlanetCare, a Slovenian startup has developed a reusable filter for the laundry machine which ensures that no fibers pollute the environment.

ECO

Did you know?

•

Norway has become the first country in the world to see the sale of electric cars overtake

Tips/Hacks for low-impact living

sales of those powered by fossil fuels.

•

China is stopping coal thermal power plants building.

•

Fireworks are bad for the environment, causing a lot of air pollution in a very short amount of time.

•

The rate of warming since 1970 is higher than any 50-year period in the last 2000 years.

•

Hand-washing dishes makes more harm than using dishwasher, as dishwasher uses ½ the energy, 1/2 the water, and less soap than hand-washing.

•

We

are

switching

from

‘sustainable’

to

‘regenerative’.

•

Have fun while helping the planet - play the ‘Ant Forest’ game.

Eco-dictionary/glossary: •

Net-zero: net zero refers to the balance between the amount of greenhouse gas produced, and the amount removed from the atmosphere.

•

Eco-influencer: a person trying out ecofriendly

approaches

(products/methods/

tactics) and discovering new things which they share with a supportive community willing to make a change.

•

Fast fashion: it refers to a cheap and mass production of garments that uses big amounts of bad materials, toxic chemical colours, while being popular for a non-ethical approach to the workforce.

•

Environmentalism: it is a movement and ideology that aims to reduce the impact of human activities on the earth and its various inhabitants.

1. Keep potatoes fresh by putting an apple in the bag. It will stop germination.

2. Decide to stop buying products that have been tested on animals.

3. Save the water.

Don’t overwash, and water your plants only when you recognise that the ground is being dry.

4. During winter days, dry your laundry without using a drying machine if possible.

5. Start visiting thrift shops.

vintage

and

6. Use several apps that will help you keep a more eco-friendly lifestyle.

7. Christmas is almost here, make your own decorations, and Christmas ornaments from dried fruit peels.

8. Use your social media to educate others about their impact.

9. Avoid firecrackers, confetti, and balloons to lower your pollution during holidays.

ESTIEM Magazine | 61st issue - The New Normal: Driving Global Change

59

DEPARTMENT OF TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT AND ECONOMICS

CHALMERS UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

Do you want to study in a creative and innovative environment where academy, public organisations, industry, and entreprenuers come together?

In Gothenburg, situated in one of the most innovative areas in the world, Chalmers University of Technology has created a learning environment where students are allowed and encouraged to try their ideas in reality. In addition to providing a cutting edge academic education, we provide our students with the possibility to work closely with both academic researchers, public organisations, innovators and industry. Moreover, the wide range of possibilities will encourage students to test their ideas by both working with established companies and by establishing a new startup as entrepreneurs.

Our four Master’s Programmes within Technology Management and Economics offers a combination of solid theoretic frameworks, applied projects and strong connection to business and industry - a combination that ensures a rapid learning curve and exciting job opportunities after graduation.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND HOW TO APPLY

WE OFFER MASTER’S PROGRAMME IN: Entrepreneurship and Business Design Management and Economics of Innovation Quality and Operations Management Application opens in Mid-October every

“ It has been an exciting journey, especially the fact that studying at Chalmers brought me and my friends (who now became my business partners) across the globe to experience the real world of being an international entrepreneur. ” - Rich Zapata Rosas, Entrepreneurship and Business Design student at Chalmers

chalmers.se/masters