Breda, 29 September 2026
Technology has been part of Sem’s DNA from a young age. While studying for his Bachelor of Engineering at Fontys Pulsed, he set out to find an internship that would truly connect theory with hands-on engineering practice.
“I was looking for a technical environment where I wouldn’t just be sitting behind a computer, I was looking for a hands-on way to work with materials and mechanics. I also wanted to collaborate with clients and colleagues from different departments.”
That ambition quickly turned into reality. Sem soon discovered that engineering in practice is far more dynamic than theory alone. “Engineering is largely about analyzing and continuously improving.” This mindset became especially clear in his assignment on the PlateFlipper, a system that automatically picks up and flips laboratory trays.
What initially started as a small optimization quickly grew into a much larger engineering challenge. “Eventually we realized it was smarter to start over rather than continue building on the existing design,” Sem explains. In the end, he completed nineteen iterations and redesigned the entire head of the system. The result: unwanted vibrations were eliminated and the overall platform became significantly more reliable.
This development also brought the necessary technical challenges. With only 0.25 millimeters of mechanical clearance, multiple moving components had to work together flawlessly. “That made it technically challenging, but that’s exactly what I enjoyed about it.”
What made the internship even more engaging was its variety. No two days were the same. “One day you’re working on a CAD drawing, the next you’re building and testing your design. The best part is seeing something that only existed on your screen actually come to life.”
Throughout the project, collaboration played a key role. Colleagues actively contributed ideas, helping to continuously refine and improve the design. “Everyone is approachable and willing to help. There are many projects running at the same time, but that dynamic is exactly what fits engineering.”
Looking back, Sem is most proud of his growth during the internship. He not only strengthened his technical skills, but also learned the importance of continuous analysis, collaboration, and improvement.
For future interns, he shares one clear message: “Accept that things can go wrong. As an engineer, you rarely get it perfect on the first try. By continuing to test, analyze, and improve, you’ll eventually reach the best result.”