Stories from our students and alumni
Wondering what it’s like to study at our faculty? Hear directly from our students and alumni as they share their experiences, challenges, and achievements.
The combination of research and design projects gives practical experience in both academic and industry context
Why I Chose Mechanical Engineering
After completing my IEM Bachelor’s with a mechanical engineering focus, I wanted to deepen my technical knowledge rather than continue with managerial courses. The MSc in Mechanical Engineering in Groningen, particularly the Smart and Green Energy Systems track, offered the ideal next step. It aligned perfectly with my interest in renewable energy and advanced energy systems. The Energy Academy Europe building, where my photo was taken, really inspired me beforehand. To me, it’s a physical symbol of how sustainable engineering solutions are brought to life at the University of Groningen.
A Broad Learning Experience
During the programme, I felt like a ‘jack of all trades’ in engineering. By blending courses from industrial, mechanical, chemical, and environmental engineering, it gave me a diverse yet coherent understanding of modern energy systems.
Hands-on Projects
Right now, I’m really looking forward to the design project I’m about to start at Philips Drachten, where I’ll design experiments to develop a material model for a specific steel used in their shavers. The combination of research and design projects gives practical experience in both academic and industry contexts, providing a strong foundation for any career path.
Looking Ahead
Beyond technical skills, the programme showed me how much there is still to learn. It prepares you for much more than your first job. I’m still choosing between industry and research, and I like that the Master’s gives me experience in both paths.
I feel confident that the skills I’ve gained in modelling, programming, and systems engineering, combined with management skills will form a strong foundation for my career in industry.
Blending Technology and Business
Coming from a background in Industrial Engineering with a focus on Statistics and Logistics, I wanted a Master’s degree that combines technology with business. The MSc Industrial Engineering and Management (IEM) at the University of Groningen offered exactly that. The programme allows for specialisation while also giving the freedom to combine courses. This allowed me to strengthen my technical side with courses in mathematics, data analysis, modelling, and simulation, while also building management skills.
Applying the knowledge
I think the most exciting part of the programme is the second year, as I have to choose my research and design project. Both might mark important milestones in my professional career, as they allow me to apply the knowledge I have gained in a practical and impactful way. My research project will be about control engineering. This is one of the topics that complemented my background and that I found really interesting. I want to keep delving into this field.
Preparing for the Future
The programme doesn’t just provide theory, it prepares you to apply what you’ve learned. I feel confident that the skills I’ve gained in modelling, programming, and systems engineering, combined with management skills will form a strong foundation for my career in industry.
Right now, I'm doing a PhD, building self-driving labs that combine machine learning with chemical automation.
Why I choose Chemical Engineering
During my double BSc in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at the University of Groningen, I discovered a growing fascination with the engineering side of chemistry. That led me to pursue the MSc in Chemical Engineering, an experience that truly shaped how I approach scientific challenges today.Chemical Engineering
Hands-On Learning
What stood out to me was the balance between academic depth and practical application. One highlight was working on interdisciplinary research projects where you're encouraged to think independently, but also collaborate closely,skills that mirror real-world research environments. The faculty doesn't just teach; they actively involve you in their research, and that makes all the difference.
Career Opportunities
Now, I'm doing a PhD in Amsterdam, building self-driving labs that combine machine learning with chemical automation. The problem-solving, resilience, and teamwork I developed in Groningen gave me a solid foundation for this. And the career opportunities? I landed my PhD after just one interview.
Life in Groningen as an International
Moving from Italy to Groningen felt surprisingly smooth. It's an international, student-friendly city where everyone speaks English and you quickly feel part of a close-knit academic community. If you're looking for a Master's that prepares you for both academic and industry roles, with the freedom to explore your own interests, this programme is a great step forward.