Shaping Futures: Insights from PhD Excellence Fellows Renan and Jonas

Renan Pillon has successfully defended his PhD in March 2024 within the EDEE doctoral program and is currently an R&D Power Electronics Engineer for Siemens Energy Germany. Jonas Schnidrig obtained his PhD in June 2024 in EDEY doctoral program in the field of sustainable energy system modelling and he is currently a Researcher and Lecturer at HES-So Valais Wallis & EPFL.

At first, I was a bit concerned that joining the Excellence program might take attention away from my PhD, but it was actually the opposite.

How did the program help you develop transversal skills (e.g., communication, leadership, project management)?

Jonas: Straight from the beginning, the Excellence program's training had a big impact on my work. The leadership and communication skills I developed gave me the toolkit to manage the different perspectives and ambitions of the various stakeholders involved in my PhD projects. Furthermore, these skills have been valuable and facilitated the supervision of students, managing complex projects, and fostering a collaborative community around energy system modeling.

Renan: The Excellence program was really effective in helping me develop these crucial skills. Throughout the program, we were exposed to various techniques for enhancing our communication skills, which we practiced with colleagues to receive immediate feedback and make improvements. The same approach was applied to leadership and project management, allowing us to refine these skills through practical exercises.

Were there any trainings or courses that particularly contributed to your skills development?

Jonas: The personal training and coaching sessions in the Excellence program were a bit like a reality check—but in the best way. They gave me the tools to understand myself better, see how others think, and figure out what drives their ambitions. Plus, they helped me learn on how to turn my academic jargon into something the different project stakeholders - including my family and friends - can actually understand. Finally, the networking events allowed me to build a supportive community with fellow researchers, making the whole experience more engaging and collaborative. Plus, those regular meetups weren’t just about networking; they were about building a community where we could share our ups and downs, which, let’s be honest, is sometimes the best part of the whole experience.

Renan: One of the highlights for me was the chance to dive deep into self-reflection. It helped me gain a better understanding of my own strengths, and weaknesses, which was both eye-opening and useful. I also had the opportunity to learn and practice techniques used by leaders from around the world, such as charisma and speech posturing, both in group activities and individual sessions. This hands-on approach not only boosted my skills but also had a positive impact on my research and daily life.

Can you share specific examples (a project or experience) of how these skills were integrated into your research activities or for your life after the PhD?

Jonas: The threefold nature of my work—research, teaching, and collaboration—has been deeply improved by the Excellence program’s training. The leadership and communication skills I gained are crucial in managing and collaborating diverse teams and turning complex research into practical solutions for industry and government partners.

The program’s focus on clear communication and leadership has also been a game-changer in my teaching and project roles, making sure I can engage students and collaborators effectively at their level.

Renan: The skills I gained from the program have been incredibly valuable for both my research and career development. For example, the interactions with the students significantly improved after learning how to effectively communicate and listen, which greatly enhanced the quality of my mentoring. Later, the assistance of the coaching and the leadership training from the program were especially useful during job interviews. It helped me handle difficult questions more effectively and boosted my overall confidence. These skills have proven to be very beneficial in both my research activities and my career development.

How has your perspective on career opportunities changed since starting this program?

Jonas: The Excellence program didn’t change my perspective; it sharpened it. It clarified what I enjoy, what I’m good at, and how I can contribute to larger goals. During my PhD, I saw interactions with people from diverse backgrounds as a challenge. But the Excellence program shifted that view—it became an opportunity. Whether it’s turning the practical needs of industry into research opportunities, while tackling the political pressures faced by governmental partners, I’ve learned to bridge these gaps effectively.

Did the program offer opportunities to connect with industry professionals or potential employers?

Renan: Definitely. The program offers plenty of chances to connect with both industry professionals and academics. However, it's up to each participant to take the initiative and make the most of these networking opportunities. The more engaged you are, the more valuable these connections can be for building relationships and exploring potential career paths.

In what ways do you feel more equipped to enter the workforce or pursue your career goals after completing this program?

Jonas: The Excellence program has equipped me with much more than just technical expertise. I've developed a strong ability to lead diverse teams, communicate complex ideas in a way that everyone can understand, and manage multidimensional projects from start to finish. These skills are invaluable as I step into roles that require not only a deep understanding of energy systems but also the ability to navigate the diverse needs of industry, government, and academia. The program also sharpened my strategic thinking, helping me see the bigger picture and understand how my work fits into the broader context of the energy transition.

Renan: The Excellence program helped me prepare for life outside academia by giving me the chance to work with people from different fields and learn with them how to work in a team. One of the best parts of the program is how it pushes you to broaden your perspective and better understand your areas for growth.

Looking back, would you join the Excellence program again and why?

Jonas: Without a doubt, I would join the Excellence program again. The blend of leadership training, practical skill development, and networking opportunities was exactly what I needed to grow both professionally and personally. The program wasn’t just about learning new skills—it was about learning how to apply them in real-world situations, bridging the gap between theory and practice. Plus, the community I became part of has been incredibly supportive.

Renan: Absolutely. At first, I was a bit concerned that joining the Excellence program might take attention away from my PhD, but it was actually the opposite. The program helped me work more efficiently by focusing on the most important parts of my research. It also gave me a better understanding of how to collaborate with my supervisor and support the students.