Interview with Rene Jacob, Class 2022
August 21, 2024
Interview with Sarah Horne, Communications and Community Manager
Rene Jacob, LANNA Class of ’22, was honored last year with the inaugural LANNA Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award. Rene is currently pursuing his studies at a TUM, a Top 30 University in Germany. His dedication to his field and commitment to excellence have already set him apart as a rising star! Recently returning to LANNA, we had the opportunity to chat with Rene about his university experiences and an exciting new project he’s involved in: the World Solar Challenge.
What were some of your favourite moments from your time at LANNA?
Most of all, it was the community I had here. I have been at LANNA since Year 5. Half of the teachers I know taught me the whole way! I had great teachers for my A-Levels and they helped me a lot in getting the grades to go to University. It’s great to be back on campus and see them from a new perspective, as an alumni and not a current student.
How do you think the curriculum at LANNA prepared you for higher education, and as you start your career?
The A-levels have a reputation in Germany and world-wide. The rigour of the curriculum was more than enough to prepare me for University – I don’t feel like I’m behind or struggling. I took a gap year so catching up was a challenge, but that’s particular to me. I think the harder you work at LANNA, and the more you understand the A-Level content, the easier the transition and first semester will be to University.
How has being a part of the international community here at LANNA influenced your world-view and played a role in your life?
With LANNA already being quite diverse, I felt like I could fit right in at Technical University of Munich (TUM) – which also has an international community. I wasn’t just a small piece of the demographic and it was easy to connect. However, there were some people who I could tell were struggling to fit in and understand different cultures. So, my experience at LANNA made it easier for me to transition – I was going from one international community to another.
If you could give one piece of advice to current students, what would it be?
Work hard, study hard. Struggle now so you can relax later. In terms of soft skills, it’s good to push yourself to talk to people so you can be confident. The best things you’ll get out of university, and in finding opportunities, is going to come from that skill.
Tell me your university choice and your experience in college.
I joined the Technical University of Munich (TUM). It’s a great university and one of the best in the EU. You can definitely see why it has such a great reputation, and that’s why I choose it. I’m also half-German so it made it easier for me to be there. I’m pursuing Management and Technology, with my technology specialisation being in computer engineering. It’s been tough at times, but the work hard mentality is all over the campus so I’m surrounded by like-minded people. There is a time for fun and there is a time for studying!
I know you’re involved in an exciting project right now too. Can you tell me about the World Solar Challenge you’re involved in?
The World Solar Challenge is an international event for solar powered cars. It’s a student racing competition from Darwin to Adelaide, a “race to the finish line” endurance-style race. It’s 3000 km through the outback. Our team has to take care of a lot – most importantly, we create the solar-panelled car. At the moment, I’m the Logistics Coordinator. It’s been a great opportunity to be in the workshop and also have hands-on experience with the car itself. We’re partnering with sponsors that give us monetary and or materials donations. So it’s a great opportunity to talk with businesses and network!
Rene with Mr. Nathan, LANNA’s Head of Higher Education and Careers
