E³UDRES² Voices: Birgit Zimola

November 2024 | #staff

Birgit Zimola is part of the E³UDRES² team at St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences, where she supports different projects like Regional Innovation Hubs, Smart Learners, Capacity Building, and Research. She supports the organization for student events, such as Bootcamps, and coordinating staff training. Currently, she is planning the next Bootcamp, which will be held in St.Pölten in July 2025.

"At the Bootcamp, a concrete challenge awaits the participants that they need to solve. These tasks are contributed directly by stakeholders from the region, which means that the students can get actively involved in shaping their environment."

What can the participants expect from the Bootcamp?

At the Bootcamp, a concrete challenge awaits the participants that they need to solve. These tasks are contributed directly by stakeholders from the region, which means that the students can get actively involved in shaping their environment.

What distinguishes the Bootcamp from other E³UDRES² formats?

The Bootcamp is even more intensive and interactive than other formats, and we are looking to develop tangible results. It marks the conclusion of our “Talent Funnel": This is where the students further expand on and flesh out their ideas previously developed in the Hackathon or the I Living Lab. The Challenge is redefined in dialogue with the challenger and with international stakeholders who have a background of similar experiences and challenges. Under the motto “Think European, Act Local“, we are striving tomorrow together and learn from each other. While working on the challenge, the participants receive support from the Educational Entrepreneurs of all partner institutions.

What exactly are Educational Entrepreneurs – and how can you become one?

Educational Entrepreneurs are staff members of our E³UDRES² partner universities who have received special training in Design Thinking methods and who assist the students as coaches. They accompany them along the entire problem-solving process and promote the participants' entrepreneurial thinking and action. Everyone interested in supporting students throughout this process can become active as an Educational Entrepreneur. Within the E³UDRES² alliance, we have developed special training materials that impart the necessary know-how.

Zimola Birgit gives an interview about his involvement in E³UDRES²

What fascinates you personally the most about the Bootcamps?

I find the intercultural exchange to be particularly exciting and enriching. With events such as the Bootcamp, we bring together people from all over Europe. This results not only in interesting projects but also in friendships that last beyond the end of the event.

Beyond work ...

Birgit has been playing volleyball since she was young and is currently competing with her team in the Lower Austria Cup, with the next round on December 8th. She enjoys being part of a team. On weekends, she helps in her family’s business, which includes a Christmas tree farm and an event venue, mainly for weddings.

Interview by: USTP, University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten - Eva Schweighofer, Marketing Department

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