Last Thursday, May 30, a diverse group of approximately 35 master's students from the University of Groningen (RUG) as a guest at Whisper power in Drachten. The semi-annual matchmaking event took place here.

The majority of this group consisted of students from the Mechanical Engineering master's program, supplemented with students from the Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Physics and Industrial Engineering & Management master's programs.

The group was led by Dr. Nick Szirbik and he opened the matchingmaking event. He did this on behalf of Prof. Maryam Gandichi Tehrani, responsible for the Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering,

Internship, design assignment or research

This event marks the beginning of a period in which these students will look for an internship. For the Mechanical Engineering students, this mainly concerns their fourteen-week design assignment. Other students are also looking for a place to complete their master's research.

The Innovatiecluster Drachten (ICD) had again organized a matchmaking event with various ICD companies, including Philips, Batenburg Bones, Sparck Technologies, Spark Holland, FMI ImProvia, YP Your Partner and Demcon. 

In addition, assistant professor Mauricio Muñoz Arias explained the Autonomous Systems EngD program. 

The matchmaking

After a pitch from all companies, the students were given the opportunity to visit the companies. They could discuss the options offered by the companies or put forward their own ideas.

This interaction between companies and students will undoubtedly lead to new partnerships that will start soon. The goal is that the students can start the internship, assignment or research within the chosen company as of September 2024.

The matchmaking event is a result of the ICD's ongoing commitment to connecting academic knowledge with the practical needs of industry. By bringing students and companies together, the ICD creates valuable opportunities for innovation and practical experience. This is essential for the development of future engineers and the industry as a whole.