Personal development

They’re both called Daan, both studied Mechanical Engineering in Amsterdam and Enschede, and each chose, independently, to pursue a master’s degree at the University of Twente. Coincidence or not, they also applied separately to join Solar Team Twente. By now, they’re not just fellow students but also former teammates and active mentors of one of UT’s most renowned student teams. “We wanted to do something you simply can’t learn anywhere else.”

Your first internship can feel pretty daunting. You want to prove yourself, do a good job, and not make any mistakes. I still remember how nervous I was before starting my first internship, unsure of what to expect. By now, I have completed three internships and gathered quite some experience. So, here are 10 tips I wish I had known back then!

Student life is more than just spending a few years with your head buried in books. You could for example choose to do a board year at your study, student or sports association. Or what about joining a student team, the Kick-In committee or doing a board year for the Batavierenrace? If you’re still unsure about whether a board year is right for you, let us help you out. Here are the pros and cons to help you decide!

Many students dream of spending part of their studies abroad. And rightfully so: an international experience can be enriching in many ways. You get to meet new people and cultures, become more independent, improve your English (or even learn another language), boost your CV, and, in between studying, you can also plan some amazing trips. Plenty of advantages, right? But what should you consider when thinking about studying abroad as part of your studies at the University of Twente? We’ve compiled a list of things to think about!

Let's be honest: student life isn’t cheap. That’s why, for most students, having a part-time job is more of a necessity than a choice. Of course, there is nothing wrong with working in a bar or a supermarket, but there are also a lot of part-time jobs that are more in line with your studies. This way, you’re not just earning money, but also gaining valuable work experience and making useful connections that could benefit you in your future career. Wondering which part-time job suits your studies? Then keep reading!

Alright, so you've finally decided to create a LinkedIn profile. Or maybe it's time for an update. Either way—nice move! LinkedIn is the place to grow your professional network and get noticed by future employers or internship companies. But how do you make sure your profile looks professional and well put together—like you've got everything under control (even if it doesn’t always feel that way)? No worries, here’s the ultimate LinkedIn guide for you!

Going to a network event as a student can be just as daunting as it is valuable. While some are born natural networkers, a lot of people tend to be a bit nervous before going to a network event, especially the first time. Luckily, networking is a skill, meaning that you can train yourself to become a better networker – and proper preparations are a big part of that. Read on for nine tips on how to prepare for a network event, so you can get the most out of it!

Before I started university, I knew I wanted to do more than just my degree. I wanted to be active and make friends outside of class, because in my mind, I think I kind of needed that additional outlet next to my studies. I tried out a couple of things, from sports and hobby associations to cultural stuff, but none spoke to me more than the Honours programme, and the association behind it.

Are you a student at the University of Twente and considering going abroad for your minor? Wondering what to do during your third year and seeking inspiration from fellow students who've already taken the plunge? Look no further! In this article, two students share their experiences studying one semester abroad: Paula, a bachelor’s student in Industrial Design Engineering (IDE), who did a minor in Adelaide, Australia, and Darren who ventured to Sendai, Japan during his Master’s in Computer Science. (And maybe by reading their stories, you’ll want to do a semester abroad as well 😉).

Developing yourself outside your studies is never a bad idea. It provides opportunities to grow, develop new skills, participate in interesting activities and meet exciting people. At the University of Twente, there are several ways to improve your skills, and if you’re looking for a challenge, then these opportunities might just be for you. With insights from Tymur and Jakub over at the UT Journeys podcast, we've compiled five unique opportunities to further develop yourself during your time as a student.

Presenting: for some, it’s the ultimate nightmare, for others it’s no big deal. Whether it gives you immediate anxiety or you have no problem with it at all, these tips will help you take your presentation to the next level!

Are you about to finish high school? Then you face an important decision: will you continue studying straight away, or take a gap year? During such a year, you have time to develop yourself, recuperate and try new things after the hustle and bustle of exams. Yet a gap year is not for everyone. Is it the right choice for you? Here are the pros and cons!

Whether you’re going to discuss your salary, close a deal with a client as an entrepreneur or simply want to bargain while on holiday: negotiation is a valuable skill. Why not work on it during your time as a student? In this article, student negotiator Richard will tell us all about why and how you can level up your negotiation skills before starting your professional career.

As students, we lead busy lives. Full days at uni, meeting up with friends, house evenings with roommates and a party or drink in between... And once you are in your master's degree, you will also have to start thinking more seriously about what exactly you want to do after your studies. This is certainly not easy, something I understand all too well as a master's student, but obviously important. So how do you best prepare for a career after your studies?

Our world is changing rapidly: by the time you graduate, the world may look very different! All the more important it is to not only earn your credits during your studies, but also to invest in yourself and your skills. Therefore, in this article, we discuss the 6 most important 21st-century skills you can start learning during your studies!