Student, strategist and leader: Daan and Daan on Solar Team Twente

Introducing: Daan de Jong

Within Solar Team Twente also known as DJ.

Study: Master's in Mechanical Engineering
Role: Technical and logistics manager
In three words: Energetic, solution-oriented, connecting

What attracted you to solar team twente?

“During my bachelor's, I mainly worked, did sports, and studied. Fine, but I wanted something extra. Through a fellow student from my fraternity I heard about student teams. When I learned more about Solar Team Twente, I thought: this is next level. The team has a professional image, a large network, and a clear goal. That really appealed to me.”

What exactly did you do within the team?

“I had a double role: technical manager and logistics manager. On the one hand, I coordinated technical innovations on the car, together with companies in the region. On the other, I arranged all the logistics for the trip to South Africa: from shipping the battery to transporting the car and the team members.”

What did you learn?

“Technology is important, but I discovered that what really gives me energy is leading people. I don’t see myself running simulations all day in the future. I’d much rather help a team achieve something great together. I also learned a lot about teamwork, organisation, and communication with companies.”

What will you take with you?

“Self-knowledge, leadership, and an enormous network; the team collaborates with around 170 companies! Thanks to the team, I also landed a job at one of them. It just shows: being part of a student team opens doors, but you have to grab the opportunities yourself.”

Introducing: Daan Nibbering

In the Solar Team, also known as Nibbels.

Study: Master's in Robotics
Role: Strategist
In three words: Down-to-earth, analytical, dedicated

How did you end up joining the team?

“I had finished my bachelor’s and started my master’s. But I thought: in two years I’ll be done, that feels too fast. I wanted to do something special. I knew Solar Team Twente from the news: those solar cars in Australia, it had something adventurous. When I saw there was a spot in the innovation team, I applied right away.”

What did your role involve?

“As strategist, I was responsible for preparing for the race. In South Africa, unlike in Australia where the goal is to reach the finish line as fast as possible, we had to cover as many kilometres as we could. That meant a different strategy, different weather conditions, different protocols. I wrote the plans, ran tests, and guided the race.”

What was your best moment?

“The morning of the race. The car charging in the South African sun, the whole team ready, everyone knowing exactly what to do. That feeling - the adrenaline, the focus, the teamwork - I’ll never forget it.”

What did you learn from it?

“That together you can achieve something bigger than yourself. You start out as a group of strangers, but you finish as a close-knit team. I learned a lot about coordination, communicating under pressure, and making decisions. And I became more confident through it.”

We talk with DJ and Nibbels about what it’s like to be part of Solar Team Twente and everything they experienced along the way.

Is it possible to do this alongside your studies?

Not really. “We paused our master’s for a year,” says DJ. “Solar Team Twente isn’t something you do part time. It’s full-on work, but also full-on growth.” Nibbels adds: “You do need to stay enrolled as a student, but otherwise you get the freedom. As long as you pay tuition, it’s up to you.”

And what if you’re unsure?

“We were too,” laughs DJ. “But looking back, it was the best decision of my student days. You don’t just learn about technology, you mainly learn about yourself. And you find out what you do, or definitely don’t, want to do later.”

Is it only for techies?

“Not at all,” says Nibbels. “There are different sub teams: technology, communication, management. Everyone works together. And there’s solid guidance from alumni, the University, and the business community.”

And the network?

DJ: “It’s huge. You get to know people at more than 170 companies. Not because you’re being scouted, but because you’re collaborating. And if you want to graduate or work somewhere later, you already have a connection.”

Both Daans are now back to their studies, but they’re still involved. “Once Solar Team, always Solar Team,” says DJ. “We mentor the new team and will travel along to the next race in Australia.”

And what sticks with you?

“That this is the first thing I’ll think of when I look back on my student days,” says Nibbels. “Not just what we did, but how we did it together. You build something you can really be proud of.”

Last tip?

DJ: “Be proactive. There’s so much to learn outside the lecture halls.” Nibbels: “Be bold. Grab the opportunity. Experiences like this define your student years. You build something you can truly be proud of.”