The Economia della Marca magazine of the Chamber of Commerce of Treviso has interviewed, for the iusse “Joung venetian around the world” Eleonora Pilla, born in a town close to Venice.
She studied at Padova University and presently she studies at Aalborg University and works at Neas Energy, in Denmark.
1/Why did you choose to study energy engineering?
Engineering because, after 5 year of humanistic studies, I finally wanted to get to know practical stuff, work with numbers, learn how my home devices work…
Energy engineering because I found renewable energies fascinating and I was concerned with the political, environmental and economical issues linked to conventional energy production and to the
energy transition towards a more sustainable system
2/How did you like the University of Padova?
I had a really good time in Padova, although the university courses were not as renewables-oriented as I was hoping. I had to study hard in order to finish my exams on time, but with a little bit
of organization I could also enjoy the city and the university life.
While studying in Padova I didn’t like the strictly theoretical approach of many courses and the fact that some professors were sticking to the traditional programs, without mentioning the most
updated technologies and findings. Now I really appreciate the fact that Italian professors are so fond of theory. Compared to other educations I am dealing with abroad, the University of Padova
gave me a solid ground in engineering. Nevertheless the university education has to be completed by personal deepening and practical experience.
3/Why did you decide to continue your studies in Denmark?
I needed to experience a new approach to the energy topics. More renewable-oriented knowledge and the discussion about aspects beyond the technical one. Furthermore I wanted to study in a more
international environment than Padova.
During my internship in Germany I got to know a student from Aalborg university who was very passionate about his study program. This was “sustainable energy planning and management”, which I
also call “management engineering of renewable energies”. This program is focused on the technical, socio-economic and socio-politic aspects involved in the energy transition process, which is
occurring in Europe and in Denmark in particular. Moreover Aalborg university is famous for the “problem based learning”, which combines traditional lectures with a practical approach through the
realization of projects which aim to solve real issues in the energy field (the planning of a wind park in South Africa, the environmental impact of different kinds of waste management, the
consequences of the changing renewable energy policies in Germany,…). I though this was exactly what I was looking for, hence I prepared my luggage for this new adventure.
4/How did you find a job? What do you do?
I find university here in Denmark very interesting, but less demanding than I expected, therefore I decided to invest some of my time in a work experience. I had a look at the vacancies in some
companies nearby and I found that Neas Energy was looking for an Italian speaking business graduate. I was not satisfying all the requisites, but to speak English, German and Italian was enough
to be employed as student assistant in the Business Development office. I do analysis for the energy markets and regulations in Italy (gas, renewables, green certificates) and I follow the
registration processes in the European markets in general. I find this position complementary to my university studies.
5/ How is it to work in another country and enter another culture?
To be honest I haven’t been working in Italy yet, hence I cannot really make a comparison. My present work environment is very international (I sit with a German, a Slovak, a Macedonian, a
Bulgarian, an Hungarian and a Dane) and welcoming. Friday afternoon we often wish each other a nice weekend in front of a glass of wine.
The informal relationships and the lack of hierarchy have many advantages, but sometimes a clear division of roles would make things easier. So I am not sure whether my boss is really always
happy about my work or if she wants only to be polite to me, not criticising anything. We are still in Europe, but I can feel some differences.
6/ How would you describe entrepreneurship in Denmark and what is the relation between university and enterprises?
How they are successful? I am not really sure, I have the impression that Danes spend in the office far less time than the Italians, have less rules, more young people without experience. Still,
economy and companies work pretty well. In my opinion their strength is correctness, they trust the colleagues, also the youngest ones. Therefore everybody feels responsible for the own tasks.
Our motto is “we bring our best” and we remember it every day!
With regards to the relation between university and companies, in Denmark it is quite common to work while studying. The opportunities are given directly by the companies, not by the
universities, but the professors support this choice. I am allowed to miss classes if because of work.
7/What are your recommendations to a young student at the beginning of university?
Study what you like, keeping in mind your scope most of all when you encounter some obstacles. Try hard, but be aware of your limits. Learn at least two foreign languages. Learn for your own
knowledge and not for the grade. Find an internship or a job before graduating. Don’t be afraid of changes and new things.
Good luck!
