March 2023 | #staff
Introducing Irene Auffret, responsible for the division Entrepreneurial University & Innovation in the Research and Knowledge Transfer service unit at St. Pölten UAS. As the Site Coordinator for the E³UDRES² work package “Innovators & Entrepreneurs”, she co‑designs key formats such as bootcamps and hackathons, while accompanying students and teams as a mentor. Most recently, Irene supported the Future Food bootcamp in Hungary - one of many hands‑on initiatives where creativity, teamwork, and innovation come to life.
What is it that makes the E³UDRES² Bootcamps special for you?
For me, it's incredibly rewarding in this format to work with young, international, and highly motivated people because it gives me a deeper insight into the generation of today's students as well. My function as a mentor is a very broad one, both professionally and personally. Students from many different countries get together to collaboratively solve a real-world problem. Of course, they run into all kinds of challenges – as people are bound to do in every intensive format. The group dynamics, creativity, and respectful behavior towards one another are particularly fascinating to me.
How can UAS staff members contribute?
The hackathons, for example, are a format that everyone can participate in, regardless of whether they work in teaching, research, or administration. I absolutely recommend it to everyone, too. Firstly, I think it's exciting to plunge into the “generation Z", the generation of today's students, and to work with them. Secondly, hackathons in particular are like a “playground" where we develop ideas and products in a safe environment and acquire or expand our entrepreneurial thinking. Intercultural communication, empathy, and tolerance play an extremely important role today – and not just in E³UDRES² bootcamps. This is why I would suggest that all colleagues join in a E³UDRES² format at least once.
Interview by: USTP – University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten
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