After a ‘kickstart’ with an explanation of high-tech systems and the presentation of our companies, the students experience a tour of the industrial 3D metal printer and the Philips Drachten razor factory, among others. But the most important thing, the internship and job market, is their preference.
This is evident from the enthusiasm of the students when they have had the first conversations with the companies. Dylan van de Hanze University Groningen quickly got a good impression of the possibilities. ’’I thought, this is going to be sales pitches, but it's really about technology and the talks are strong in content.'' He says the concept of multiple companies together presenting is exactly what attracts students.
Mechatronics
That's what André and Erik Jan from ROC Frisian Gate in Drachten as well. André is looking for a mechatronics internship for 10 weeks; he is in his second year. ’’This market is ideal, because we immediately have a nice overview of the possibilities.’’ For Erik Jan, VDH, Resato and Whipser Power are well-known companies. ’’Ziuz I only knew by name. Now that I know what they do, it really appeals to me.'' Both want to continue studying at higher vocational school after graduation. ''Hopefully an internship abroad will be included, as we heard at the presentation.''
‘Hidden’ companies
Mirjam is studying applied mathematics NHL Stenden at the computer vision and data science program. She is looking specifically for an internship in the field of ‘deep learning. She feels she has come to the right place in the internship market, because she doesn't find many internship opportunities via the Internet. ,,The companies that appeal to me are kind of hidden in the Northern Netherlands. And since I want to stay in the north, this is a great opportunity to compare internships and engage with companies.’‘ She has now discovered four ’hidden’ companies. ’‘With ZiuZ, ASTRON, S&T and YP Your Partner I would like to talk further. Hopefully I can graduate with one of these companies.’’
High-tech campus
Her college friend Bernardo misses a real high-tech campus in the North. ,,Artificial Intelligence, for me, may come alive much more in the Northern Netherlands, just like in the Eindhoven region. We went there last week. Also interesting, but there it was mainly sales pitches from companies touting their software. It is nice that nothing is sold here, but that it is a real internship market.’’
Dutch Technology Week
This year, the collaborating high-tech companies will hold an internship and job fair for the first time. Program manager Joost Krebbekx, (Innovatiecluster Drachten) is pleased with the attention. “We do everything we can to be attractive to students. This internship job fair during the national Dutch Technology Week seems like a bull's eye.” A second edition of this mark will be held this fall. "We will also present some TOP internships there that we will arrange next week in Boston (USA) at Harvard and MIT, among others."