Time setter story: Marten de Klein on his internship

From internship to graduation project

Marten de Klein studies at Eindhoven University of Technology and is completing his Master's in Mechanical Engineering, specialising in design for precision engineering. ‘I started with a three-month internship at TNO. I enjoyed it so much that I decided to do my graduation project here too. There are still enough challenges to keep me busy for another eight months.’

Good guidance and independence

Why did Marten choose an internship at TNO? ‘Good guidance is very important to me, and my supervisor understands exactly what I need to do. I also wanted a challenging assignment – that is even more important to me than the subject itself. At TNO, I found the freedom and challenge I was looking for.’

Working on the unknown

Marten works on laser satellite communication, an innovative field with much to be researched. ‘I'm working on a component for a satellite, with many design options still open. The technical challenge is not just thinking about how to tackle the problem, but daring to think beyond standard solutions and fundamentally understanding what you are trying to solve. TNO excels at this. As an intern, I get both the responsibility and freedom to contribute ideas.’

‘I am designing a machine that does not exist yet! That is just very cool. You work with very little information, but I have discovered you can get surprisingly far if you think carefully and cooperate with clever people who can help advance your ideas. Colleagues are always happy to help.’

What is a typical work week for a TNO intern? ‘I work two days a week at TNO in Delft on a paper study that will eventually lead to a test setup. I meet weekly with my supervisor. Initially, this was more intensive to get the project going, but now that I have been working longer, an hour per week is enough to brainstorm together.’

He also joins a weekly department meeting to exchange experiences. ‘After my first three-month internship, I presented my work there. We then discussed it for over an hour. Had I tried this or that? Such discussions with experts in the department can provide many new insights.’

Collaboration with colleagues

Although his project is individual, Marten can always ask colleagues working on similar projects for help. ‘If I get stuck, I approach different colleagues. The atmosphere at TNO is that everyone wants to help each other, which is really nice.’

Marten’s supervisor helps him find the right people when he needs specific expertise. ‘With new people I have not spoken to before, he briefly introduces me and then I take over myself. This gives me a lot of confidence and shows that interns are taken seriously here.’

Different than other internships

Compared to previous internships in industry, Marten notices a difference particularly in independence and versatility. ‘I sometimes meet with other interns, and it is fantastic to see the variety of questions being addressed at TNO. In industry, you are sometimes guided much more closely, but I find you learn less too. At TNO, I learn by thinking for myself and only asking for help when I get stuck. There is plenty of challenge and exciting topics here to complete my graduation project.’

Future plans

For his future, Marten is keeping various options open, including the possibility of pursuing a PhD or continuing to work at TNO. ‘TNO is definitely on my list for future employment: the people are enthusiastic, the work is challenging, and I can contribute to a better world.’

His advice for prospective interns? ‘You do not need to be nervous about your first day - just try to enjoy it and do your best. You are welcomed with open arms at TNO, and they particularly value you as an intern.’