With energy systems technology into the energy industry

A guest article by Fabian Keßler, Project Engineer for Electrical Engineering at RWE Technology International GmbH.

 

Now 29 years old, I grew up in a sheltered little town in the Westerwald. After graduating from high school, I first had to get out into the big wide world, which also had to be saved. After 6 weeks of reflection on the Way of St. James, it was clear to me: I had to get away from home and do something with renewable energies. As I really wanted to study at a technical university and the choice of courses with renewable energies at universities was relatively limited in the fall of 2012, I quickly came across Clausthal University of Technology. Clausthal? I don't know where that is, but it will fit!

From the winter semester 2012/2013 to the summer semester 2020, I first studied the Bachelor's degree in Energy Technologies and then the Master's degree in Energy Systems Engineering at Clausthal University of Technology.
During my studies, I quickly realized that the special charm of Clausthal is above all the family atmosphere. Everyone knows everyone and short distances are the order of the day here. So it was not uncommon to have a beer with your tutor in the local student pub in the evening and then look each other in the eye the next morning - in top form, of course 😉.

Alongside my studies, I was an electrical engineering tutor myself and accompanied other students. In addition to the technical preparation, being a tutor also includes two seminars on didactics, which were a refreshing change from everyday life in engineering. In addition to imparting knowledge, I was also able to make many contacts through the tutorials that have accompanied me throughout my studies.
I gained further work experience during an internship in a small engineering office in the field of wastewater management. My overarching topic was evaluating the electricity yield from high-calorific sewage sludge. I particularly liked the fact that I was able to apply the specialist knowledge from my studies.

In my free time, I mainly devoted myself to music in the Clausthal University of Technology symphony orchestra. I also enjoyed playing beach volleyball in Clausthal thanks to the wide range of university sports on offer and, above all, the wonderful weather.
In conclusion, I can regard my studies at Clausthal University of Technology as an intensively instructive time. In addition to the excellent professional preparation for my future career, I met and remember so many great people. I always enjoy returning to Clausthal for a visit, because as the saying goes: "Once a Clausthaler, always a Clausthaler".

During my Master's degree, I already had the desire to play an active role in shaping the energy transition. To this end, I decided to take up a trainee position at RWE Technology International GmbH (RWE TI). So I moved from the mining town of Clausthal to the somewhat larger mining town of Essen. As a subsidiary of RWE Generation SE, the company is mainly involved in the construction of new storage and hydrogen projects. What was particularly decisive for me in choosing the job was that it was tailored to young professionals and involved innovative projects. As part of the trainee program, for example, it was possible to spend six months in the offshore wind sector, where I was able to visit the Arkona wind farm off the island of Rügen, among other things.

Parallel to my trainee period, my main task was the planning and implementation of a medium-voltage switchgear and a high-voltage transformer for a battery storage system. My work as a tutor at Clausthal University of Technology was particularly helpful here, as I was able to significantly improve my knowledge of electrical engineering.
After 1.5 years on the trainee program, I am now working as a project engineer for electrical engineering in various new construction projects for RWE TI. In addition to the coordination of various trades, the development of technical concepts through to their implementation is always on the agenda.

For a trainee position at RWE TI, all fields of study that are needed for the construction of new energy plants are in demand in addition to electrical engineering. In addition to graduates of traditional courses of study such as mechanical engineering or process engineering/chemical engineering, project managers or approvers are needed, for example.
The entire Group is available to you when choosing a trainee position, so you can look at conventional energy generation or energy storage in addition to renewable energies. It is also possible to gain an insight into non-specialist areas such as project management. In general, a great deal of initiative is required, but all areas are open to you.
Working students, whether part-time or full-time, are always an important part of our teams. They can expand their knowledge here in a practical way, as a direct part of the project teams.

 

Finally, here are my tips for successfully mastering your studies and Clausthal:

1. always keep the goal in mind and don't lose your head, as difficult as some exams may seem.

2. be sure to take part in one of the various leisure activities, whether sports, university politics or culture.

3) A problem shared is a problem halved. Some things are easier with good fellow students.

Many thanks to Fabian Keßler!

Did you study at TU Clausthal and would like to take part in #Alumnitalk? Then write me an e-mail: blog@tu-clausthal.de