Who’s Who in the Elite Network: Get Together for New Members
The students of the Elite Master Program “Integrated Immunology” attended the Elite Network of Bavaria Get Together for new members on 31st January, 2026 at the Technical University of Munich. The event started with a reception, followed by an introduction to the Elite Network and their varied opportunities for members, such as scholarship programs, self-development workshops, conferences, and the Elite cup football tournament. Additionally, members also receive the unique opportunity to network with different Elite programs across Bavaria.
As two further highlights, guest speaker Prof. Dr. Falk Nimmerjahn, speaker of the Elite Graduate Program Integrated Immunology, and Ms. Sarah Fleischer, an alumna of the Elite Graduate Program Honours degree in Technology Management at Center for Digital Technology and Management (CDTM) shared their unique experiences in academia and industry.
Dr. Nimmerjahn provided a compelling account of his academic journey, detailing his research on antibodies and his career path. His talk emphasized how resumes and job profiles may appear linear, however real life is anything but linear. Is it normal to have an elaborate career plan? Sure. But is it normal for it not to go that way? Absolutely. It is not just knowledge that gets one far. With a little sprinkle of coincidence and a dash of having a strong network, anything is possible!
Ms. Sarah Fleischer talked about her entrepreneurial journey, from founding two failed start-ups to now, working on her third successful venture of innovative battery recycling technology. Her speech set the stage for how resilience, persistence and passion can make all the difference in the world.
A lively Q&A session followed, where questions regarding the challenges of building a start-up to the less glamorous realities of sustaining one were discussed. The new members were also interested in knowing what it takes to be “chosen” from a pool of resumes and how to stand out. Both talks were engaging and informative, offering unique perspectives to the new members on embracing unexpected opportunities, even when they deviate from the original plan.
Joining a graduate program can at times feel like staring into an oblivion of endless possibilities. But the guest speakers for the event showed that it is ok to not know where you are headed as long as there is that passion stirring inside you to be better.
The event concluded with a delicious buffet dinner, offering something for everyone, and attendees were free to continue mingling amongst the various programs within the Elite Network. Overall, it was an evening filled with engaging conversations, new connections, and the opportunity to foster lasting relationships!
Renuka Basawa, Integrated Immunology
Photo Credits: Elite Network of Bavaria and Andreas Gebert
