Curiosity as a compass: between research, start-ups and energy innovation

How do you plan a straightforward CV? Ideally not at all - at least if you listen to Julius Remmlinger. His path shows how worthwhile it is to pursue your interests, trust your gut feeling and take advantage of suitable opportunities when they arise.

When Julius Remmlinger was looking for a degree program in 2016, he was faced with a challenge: he wanted something scientific, but with practical relevance. Although he is interested in chemistry, he cannot imagine a career exclusively in the laboratory. At RPTU Kaiserslautern, he finally discovers the industrial engineering and management degree program with a focus on chemistry - and his decision is made. Here he doesn't stop at theory, but finds out how chemical knowledge can be transferred into practice.

Even in the first few semesters, Julius Remmlinger notices how much the versatility of the course appeals to him. "I found it exciting to jump between marketing, process engineering and organic chemistry in one day and to familiarize myself with completely different topics," he says. At the same time, his wish to be prepared for practical work was fulfilled - with presentations, oral examinations and intensive exchanges. "After all, it's not about whether you can recite every formula by heart, but whether you can familiarize yourself with complex topics and ask good questions."

Learning how to learn - from Kaiserslautern to Paris

What particularly shapes Julius during his studies is the realization that learning is more than just absorbing material. This idea is reinforced during his semester abroad at the Institut Mines-Télécom Business School south of Paris, where he takes courses in French. Differences in methods, structure and approaches open up new perspectives for him and confirm what he has already experienced at RPTU: Learning processes thrive on personal activity and looking beyond disciplinary boundaries.

Passion meets entrepreneurial spirit

Julius Remmlinger doesn't just enjoy getting to grips with new topics during his studies. His practical thinking also shapes him beyond the lecture halls. Together with two friends from his youth, he founded a climbing start-up during his studies. The starting point for Banana Climbing GmbH is a small workshop in Saarland, where a friend builds wooden elements for climbing gyms. "At some point, people wanted to buy it," says Julius Remmlinger. "We were in our early 20s and suddenly had to register a company in order to be able to write invoices. We didn't think too much of it, we just did it and suddenly became really big."

Entry into the energy industry

In addition to his work as an entrepreneur, Julius Remmlinger did internships in mechanical engineering and plastics processing until a new impulse arose during his Master's degree: In an entrepreneurship specialization with Prof. Dr. Dennis Steininger, holder of the Chair of Business Administration with a focus on entrepreneurship, he developed business models and wrote a seminar paper on how investors look at start-ups.

His work on innovation and investment logic ultimately led to his Master's thesis. For this, he worked for six months in the strategy department at EnBW AG. "A Master's thesis in a company like this is a huge opportunity and a bit like an internship," says Julius Remmlinger. "You gain a lot of insights, get to know people and work on real issues." His work at EnBW came at a time of intense debate in the energy industry. "At that time, there were an incredible number of new developments and at the same time many opinions that were not always scientifically sound." A field of tension between research, practice and social relevance that immediately inspired him and would shape his future career.

Career start with start-up investments

After completing his Master's degree, Julius moved to EnBW New Ventures, the Group's venture capital arm. There, he spent two years analyzing start-ups in the climate and energy technology sector, talking to founders and supporting investments. He was particularly impressed by the energy of the teams: "You work with people who are super motivated and totally passionate about their idea."

During this time, Julius Remmlinger returns to Prof. Dr. Steininger's lectures twice as a guest speaker. "I really enjoyed giving lectures. Maybe that was also the decisive kick to go back into research," he says.

Energy systems of tomorrow: PhD in the EU network

Today, Julius Remmlinger is doing his doctorate in a Marie Skłodowska-Curie doctoral network on consumer demand flexibility in future energy systems. He is investigating how renewable energies can be integrated at city and state level and what role consumer behavior plays in this. "The doctorate is a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in a topic for three or four years and develop your own ideas."

Julius is not sure where his doctorate will take him. The energy industry excites him, the research allows for depth, and the start-up experience always remains in the background. Perhaps one day he will come up with another idea that is big enough to pursue.

Networking and staying calm

When Julius Remmlinger thinks back to his time at RPTU, he has particularly fond memories of the campus character of the university: "You see the same people again and again, you can get into conversation and discuss things across disciplines," he says. "Friendships and networks are also formed at Unisport. Of course, it's a hurdle to go there for the first time if you don't know anyone. But it's worth it."

What he gives students is not a step-by-step career guide, but an attitude. "There are always lots of options, but I never took the first one that came up," he says. Instead, he advises seeking out conversations, taking your time and finding out which working environment suits your personality. "It can't hurt to get to know your own needs before making a decision." Serenity is also helpful when studying. "The world won't end if you don't understand something straight away. And you're usually not the only person in the room who feels that way."

Julius Remmlinger has lived what he recommends to students himself: he took advantage of the opportunities at RPTU and found an environment that has shaped his career to this day. His career makes it clear how much can be achieved if you allow yourself to be guided by curiosity and remain open to what develops.