In 2022, you graduated from the Engineering programme at HZ, specialising in the Commercial Engineering study track. What are you doing now?
“I am currently studying at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), where I am following the master’s programme in Innovation Management. You could see it as a continuation of the Commercial Engineering study track. At HZ, the focus was very practical, whereas now I am more focused on theory. Those two types of knowledge complement each other really well.”
Why did you choose the Engineering programme after secondary school?
“I have been interested in designing and creating products from a young age. I made jewellery myself, but also computer keyboards, clothing and machines. For that reason, I already chose the Technasium programme at secondary school. The Engineering degree was therefore a logical next step for me.
The programme suited me very well because it is highly practice-oriented. I also learned the skills needed to produce designs on a larger scale. The collaborative aspect appealed to me too. Together with fellow students, you spend a lot of time creatively solving problems.”
In your final study year, you chose the Commercial Engineering study track. Why this specialisation?
“I have always found the entrepreneurial side interesting — questions such as how companies make decisions and how they ensure that something becomes a commercial success. Commercial Engineering helps you answer these kinds of questions.
This study track allowed me to broaden my horizons. During the five years of Technasium and the first three years of higher professional Engineering, the focus was mainly on Product Engineering. When I had the opportunity to choose a specialisation, I deliberately wanted to explore a new direction.”
Is it the combination of business and technology that makes Commercial Engineering so interesting to you?
“Yes. My main interest lies in the world of Engineering. Compared with a general business-oriented degree, technology is integrated into every aspect of Commercial Engineering. You apply your knowledge in design and development, you understand the processes engineers go through, and you know what is and is not technically possible. That knowledge is extremely valuable, especially in business-to-business environments.”
What did the Commercial Engineering study track look like for you?
“I followed modules in negotiation, sales and marketing. What I enjoyed most were the projects and the teamwork.
For example, we worked on projects where we took on the role of account manager or product portfolio manager, advising companies on solving business challenges. One company wanted to introduce a new product into its portfolio, and our task was to investigate whether the new product would cannibalise existing products. We also looked at whether other products should perhaps be removed from the portfolio because they cost more to maintain than they generated.
In addition, we examined whether the new product matched the company’s identity and strategy, and whether launching it would be commercially advisable. For this project, we were given access to real sales figures and worked closely with engineers and financial departments.
We also designed a new product for another company. The project started with analysing the market and the business and ended with the design and presentation of the product. That is where Commercial Engineering and Product Engineering came together very strongly.”
Can you tell us something about your internship experiences?
“I completed my exploratory internship at a company that designs and sells lighting products. I approached the placement as an opportunity to experience as many aspects of the business as possible. I helped design lamps, worked on the logistics side, carried out quality control and assisted in production. I also travelled to France with a colleague to help a client there.
The internship gave me much better insight into the business side of a company. It was extremely educational and valuable.”
How did you experience studying at HZ?
“I experienced HZ as a very flexible and open university of applied sciences, mainly because of the lecturers. Over the years, I got to know lecturers on a more personal level, which I really appreciated. It meant I could have interesting and educational discussions with them.
As a student, you are encouraged to work together with your classmates in dedicated project spaces. These spaces are specifically for Engineering students, and together with your fellow students you are free to organise and decorate them as you like. That gives everyone a sense of ownership over their working environment, which I think is quite special.”
Are there any activities you particularly enjoyed?
“Yes, HZ offers many unique activities that students can take part in. For example, there is a student team that works on a solar-powered boat and competes in races with it.
There were also annual exchange opportunities to Shanghai, where students assisted an Engineering lecturer for a month while teaching a module. That is a unique opportunity that you really do not see at every university of applied sciences. I took that opportunity with both hands. It was an unforgettable experience.”