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InnoBlog: Learning to work in teams
Recently, I was reading an article about the soft skills companies need most in 2020. High on the list were creativity, persuasion, collaboration, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. It was interesting that all the soft skills in high demand are people-oriented skills that allow you to work effectively with others. In other terms, companies tend to employ talents with outstanding teamwork skills.
How EIT InnoEnergy boosts my teamwork skills
Teamwork skills are of utmost consideration in the EIT InnoEnergy Master’s programmes. The Master’s in Smart Electrical Networks & Systems includes courses such as “Industrial Innovation Project” and “Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Electric Power Engineering” where we must work in teams to find solutions to current energy challenges In addition, the summer school at ESADE includes a project performed in a team framework which is a great way to practice collaborative effort.
I find it particularly interesting to learn how classmates approach problems creatively and in different ways, with new ideas brought to the table. A cooperative effort for communicating ideas takes place and tasks are accomplished more efficiently collectively. Meanwhile, you also learn how to adapt to the team and show as an emotionally secure and open-minded team player.
Everyone can make an impact
Although practicing is a good way to improve teamwork skills, it is also extremely important to know your own strengths. I was surprised when my coach explained my profile provided by the Career Impact Programme. It described my potential and the way I can maximise my contribution to a team or an organisation.
Within the Career Impact Programme, five main categories are defined: The Game Changers who transform the future, the Strategists who map the future, the Play-makers who orchestrate the future, the Implementers who build the future and the Polishers who create a future to be proud of. Through an individual assessment, the potential of each student is scored. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw how diverse my profile was to those of my friends. It is as if we are the different pieces of a puzzle!
Parallel to my academic studies with EIT InnoEnergy, I have also started a 12-month professional development journey with my Career Impact Programme coach. This focuses on improving my teamwork abilities and preparing me for the right opportunities after graduation.
I think the final takeaway from this can be best described by this quote from Henry Ford: “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.”
By Hoda Ataee, Master’s in Smart Electrical Networks and Systems
