Meet our pioneer: Kjell Revenberg
In Brainport Eindhoven we change the world because here we develop key technologies that change society. We can only do that because of our pioneers. So we’d like you to meet one of our pioneers: Kjell Revenberg.
Who are you?
My name is Kjell Revenberg, I’m 23 years old and I’m originally from Limburg. I’ve been living in rooms in Eindhoven for almost four years. This way you can taste and enjoy student life.
What do you study?
Last year I completed my bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering at the TU/e. Now I'm on a gap year. In January 2022 I want to start the master Sustainable Energy Technology, also at TU/e. This is the interfaculty master's degree, which is therefore somewhat linked to Mechanical Engineering. But it’s a little more towards sustainability and management. That seemed interesting to me.
"What I like best about technology is that you can use it for good; embarking on the sustainable transition. You ultimately want a better future for the next generations and that is only possible through innovative solutions."
Kjell Revenberg
Why did you choose this study?
I once came to Eindhoven because I wanted to do something in technology. What I like best about technology is that you can use it for good; embarking on the sustainable transition. That is something I hope to see reflected in the master. You ultimately want a better future for the next generations and that is only possible through innovative solutions.
I chose Mechanical Engineering because I didn't know which technical education I wanted to do. I looked at studies at various universities and Mechanical Engineering appealed to me the most because it appeals to a fairly broad technique. That piqued my interest.
Why did you choose TU/e?
I also looked at the University of Twente, because part of my family lives there. The big difference was how the projects, the OGOs (design-oriented education), were approached. I liked that better at TU/e. In addition, the location of the TU/e is more ideal for me. They were both good universities, but I don't regret choosing TU/e.
What student team are you in?
I have been Team Manager of Solar Team Eindhoven since September 2020. In that role, I’m responsible for ensuring that everything runs smoothly in the team and that the team atmosphere is good. The pressure is very high and a lot is going on, so there has to be enough focus on the individuals, but also on how the team works together. I also support Tijn and Lotte van Dasler with PR and social media. And I help with the ultimate goal of realizing our tour and with the technical and financial acquisition. I also filled my hours by supervising the production. That’s the advantage of my position: I can taste a little bit of everything. My only regret is that I didn't design anything on the vehicle with my background, but you can't have everything.
How did you join this student team?
My intro parents were at Solar Team Eindhoven and that's how I came into contact with the team for the first time. I thought with two friends that we could do a little more besides our studies. Then suddenly we saw the option to join the new team and then we decided to try it. I mostly let it come to me. I had initially applied for mechanical engineering, but on the recruitment days, I was asked if I wanted to do a board/gap year. That sparked my interest in the organizational side, so I indicated that in my application. And so I was hired for it and suddenly you are there as a team manager. It wasn't until the summer holidays that I realized what I had started. It's cool!
I didn't join the student team because I wanted to develop other skills. Now that I'm sitting here, I can see how much I've developed and how much I've learned. I don't regret that for a moment. But I just have the attitude: 'I’ll see. It'll be fine.' That's how I started Mechanical Engineering and that's how I became a team manager.
What’s the team doing right now?
We are building a bus. I also didn't necessarily want to make a new car, because then you're just optimizing and that's not the most interesting thing for me. In the first two months of the new team, we worked out a completely new concept. We looked at all possible social problems and then thought of what relevant solution we as Solar Team Eindhoven could offer. That's how we came up with the idea of SHOW.
Our Europe tour started on September 18th. That is also a nice symbolic moment of the freedom to leave Brainport.
"Now that I'm sitting here, I can see how much I've developed and how much I've learned."
Kjell Revenberg
What have you learned from working in a student team?
I think I learned the most about myself. I certainly had some shortcomings when I started the project, including my schedule, for example, but I developed myself in these areas. I also learned to communicate better with people. In a large interdisciplinary team, with team members with different personalities inequalities, wishes and requirements, it’s important to communicate well. You learn better how to deal with the differences and you’re also better prepared if you know how people are. In addition, it’s indescribable how the motivation is in such a team. You work together towards something so beautiful and suddenly you manage to work more than 70 hours a week. That's something I've never done during my studies, I can honestly say. I have now also learned to know and monitor my limits. Because I like everything, I say yes to everything. Now I've also learned to say ‘no’ sometimes. You learn something about yourself and that’s very nice and valuable.
"You work together towards something so beautiful and suddenly you manage to work more than 70 hours a week. That's something I've never done during my studies, I can honestly say."
Kjell Revenberg
What do you want to do next?
I want to get started after completing my master's degree. It took me a little longer to complete my bachelor's degree, I took a gap year, so I'm at the right age for it. I'm still very unsure about what I want to do. As a team manager, I learned very different things than during my studies and I liked that. I think I want to keep working in technology, but I'm not sure yet if I want a very technical position. I think that will depend a bit on my master's degree and how I'm going to find it. Maybe I'll look for a side job to experience the possible differences. Because how I now perform my role at the Solar Team can never be a normal role in a company. That's why I want to experience that, to know for sure what it's like in a company. My father also has a technical background and is now a manager at a chemical company. I see a lot of good sides to that.
I would like to work in the energy transition. I’m interested in how solar panels work and their added value. In any case, I think that there are many possibilities to use energy more smartly and to save energy. Quite a lot needs to change and I would love to see how people can become something more sustainable. But I don't know yet how I would like to do that. It also depends on what opportunities there are. It would be nice to start your own company, but you don't do that right after you graduate.
Why not start a start-up right away?
At Solar Team Eindhoven you’re a kind of mini start-up. But of course, you don't have any salaries you have to pay and as a student team, you often have a favourable factor compared to other companies. You don't have that if you're a start-up. I also think that setting up a start-up involves a lot of organisation and other things that are less fun. Therefore, to start with that without a good foundation, I wouldn't necessarily do it. For me, it’s better to work for a few years first. Then you have built up more knowledge and perhaps also expanded your network better with people with whom you could set up a start-up. Because you probably don't want to do that on your own, because there’s a lot involved.
"At Solar Team Eindhoven you’re a kind of mini start-up."
Kjell Revenberg
What do you find important about a later job?
You have to work on technology for a better world. My vision must align with that of the company. It's easy to choose a well-paid job, but as long as I can make ends meet, money is not important. You should also be happy with your work. That’s why I think a good working environment is very important. Nice people around you and appreciation contribute to that. And I think it's important to take responsibility. It’s very nice to be responsible for your project. Then you put more time and effort into it. That is also the best for your development.
What do you think about studying and living in Brainport Eindhoven?
I enjoy studying here. The university is pleasant and offers you many opportunities to join. I was a member of a study association and a tennis association. I think the sports centre is very well equipped, where you can exercise with everyone.
Life in Eindhoven is also very nice. I like the industrial character of the city. The bars are very cosy. But of course, there are also other beautiful cities. For example, I think Maastricht is more beautiful. But it’s nice and cosy in Eindhoven.
"Studying here is a great opportunity to learn a lot about technology and to learn a lot from each other."
Kjell Revenberg
What else would you like to tell (future) students in Brainport Eindhoven?
Studying here is a great opportunity to learn a lot about technology and to learn a lot from each other. My message is mainly to participate in a student team, be it part-time or full-time. It’s good for the development of your personality and professionalism and of course, it’s nice to be part of a cool project. Because in addition to Solar Team Eindhoven, there are plenty of other student teams that also do very nice things. It’s highly recommended.