Your future

I want to use my technical background to contribute to major social challenges such as accelerating the energy transition.

Hilko

Student

I am in the fourth and final year of my Mechanical Engineering programme. I would describe this programme as the broadest engineering degree—it's the mother of all Engineering programmes, if you ask me! I chose to study Mechanical Engineering because I was always good at science subjects in high school and wanted to do something practical, something where I could really create things. That’s how I ended up at Mechanical Engineering. Initially, I started at a technological university. While there, I realised I wanted to focus on something more practical, which ultimately led me to study at Fontys University of Applied Sciences.

In my third year, I did an internship where I created a catalogue of energy innovations in the Brainport region. I also conducted research into the potential for adding more housing to the region by “building up” existing structures (creating houses by adding new levels to existing buildings). I want to use my technical background to contribute to major societal challenges, such as accelerating the energy transition. With Mechanical Engineering, there are so many different ways to make an impact!

My tip for prospective students is to spend a day shadowing a current student. That way, you can get a sense of what it’s like to study here and have the opportunity to ask all your questions.

After my studies, I’d love to contribute to improving the environment. I’m not sure how yet, but there are many ways to do so when you’re a mechanical engineer.

Sterre

Student

I’m currently in the fourth year of my Mechanical Engineering programme. The programme is a combination of practical and theoretical lessons, and there’s also a lot of project work in collaboration with companies. I chose this programme because I really enjoyed technical subjects in high school. I attended several open days and I did student-for-a-day sessions for the ones that seemed the most interesting. That’s how I ultimately ended up choosing Mechanical Engineering. I initially started the programme at a technological university, but I wanted a more practical focus in my studies. While I enjoyed the subject itself, I realised that a university of applied sciences was a better fit for me. My mentor informed me about the February intake at Fontys. After attending an open day, I decided to start my studies at Fontys.

I’m now in my fourth and final year, which means I’ve completed quite a few projects and assignments. In my third year, I also did a six-month internship. I really enjoyed applying everything I’d learned in a real-world company setting. My task during the internship was to design a specific component that did not exist yet for a machine. Working as an employee at the company, I realised how many different disciplines come together when creating a final product. For example, my design couldn’t obstruct electrical cables, so I had to collaborate extensively with the person responsible for electrical mounting to achieve a good end result.

I’m still not entirely sure what I want to do after graduating, but I’d love to contribute to improving the environment. There are many ways to do so with a Mechanical Engineering degree. For instance, I interned at a company that makes electric buses, but you could also work with heat pumps, for example. My advice to prospective students is to research what kind of jobs you can pursue with a programme. That way, you already have an idea whether it’s something you can see yourself doing in the future.