Name: Kibet Kipkemoi
Current Age: 30
Study: Master Embedded Systems
Profession: Engine driver
WHAT WAS YOUR STUDY TIMELINE, AND HOW DID THE UT FIT INTO THIS?
I did my HBO bachelor in mechatronics in Groningen. When I came to the UT in 2016 I did a pre-master for half a year, and then the two-year Master Embedded Systems.
WHAT ELSE DID YOU DO ASIDE FROM YOUR STUDY? DO YOU THINK YOU ACHIEVED MORE THAN A DEGREE?
During my entire higher academic career I have almost always worked for startups, putting around 20 hours a week into the business. When I came to the UT I started my own businesses besides my study, Shapeline and LoCoMoGo, the latter being a successfully funded Kickstarter project set to be produced this year. During my time at the UT I was also runner up in the More Than A Degree awards as most entrepreneurial student for this endeavour.
I also took part in the Scintilla study tour “Technology Road” in 2019, which went to China, due to both my passions for travelling and engineering. This also gave me the opportunity to establish relationships with potential business partners for LoCoMoGo.
WHAT DID YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT ATTENDING THE UT?
I believe the UT has a really great network. People there are good at what they do, professors are very accessible, and everyone’s door is always open and they are glad to help.
Is there anything you wish you did, or had done differently regarding your time here?
Not really. If I could go back in time with the same knowledge I have now, I would definitely have started my business earlier.
WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE FROM YOUR TIME AT THE UT?
I once came home from an evening out to find a neighbours’ couch on fire on our roof. In that moment, I thought nothing of it; just said hi and walked into my house as if nothing was wrong.
In hindsight, I think it’s interesting how it wasn’t special that there was a couch on fire, just part of sharing a space with so many students, all living in a sort of lawless state. It was a non-memorable experience at the time that has become a memorable one.
QUICKFIRE
Campus or city?
Campus.
Favourite grocery store?
The appie at Twek.
Favourite building on campus?
Carré.
Best day to go out?
Any day, make your own party.
Study in the library during the day or during the night?
Both.