Need some career inspiration for after your Master's?
To help you and your fellow researchers find your career path, we developed a new platform: AcademicsConnected. Here you can explore six research focused career journeys, get expert advice and read personal stories from other researchers.
Today we share Gijs' personal story. After finishing his Master's, he started the Professional Doctorate in Engineering (PDEng) programme.
Name: Gijs Linskens
Master’s degree: Systems & Control (Eindhoven University of Technology)
Current position: PDEng student in Mechatronic Systems Design (Eindhoven University of Technology)
"I see this PDEng program as an investment in myself and my future career."
AMBITION: WHAT WAS YOUR AMBITION IN TERMS OF CAREER PERSPECTIVE, DURING YOUR MASTER’S?
During my Master program Systems & Control, I learned a lot about control systems and gained some practical experience. For my graduation, I did my thesis in collaboration with ASML, Veldhoven. I felt I learned a lot on the theoretical side of control systems, but had too little industrial (design) experience from just my Master studies. This led me to think, I was not done learning yet at TU/e and found the Mechatronic Systems Design PDEng program. Now, this program has given me relevant industrial experience and moreover, a good understanding of the opportunities for my future career in mechatronic systems.
DIFFICULTIES: WHICH UNCERTAINTIES DID YOU FACE?
To be honest, everything went rather smoothly. Of course, I considered starting a job in industry after my Master program, but when I saw the PDEng position I quickly realized that that was exactly what suited me. Fortunately, the timing of my graduation and the application of the program coincided, and I could immediately apply for the vacancy. Fairly quickly after I applied, I heard I could go to the next application round which eventually led me to being accepted. I will not say it was easy to obtain this position, but the timing and motivation fell right into place.
HELPING HAND: WHAT HELPED YOU IN TAKING THE CAREER STEP?
The motivation to continue learning helped me a lot. I knew I wanted something more before going into industry which made me very motivated to apply for the PDEng position. I see this PDEng program as an investment in myself and my future career. The choice for taking this step was quite obvious to me.
PERSONAL GROWTH: WHY DOES THIS JOB FIT YOU?
In my position I can really practice everything that I learned so far. Furthermore, it also helps me to find out what I aspire to in my future career. I can explore several positions and roles during the projects we have in the PDEng, which gives me a lot of insight into what I like to do and what options I have in the future.
THE TAKEAWAY: WHAT CAN OTHERS LEARN FROM YOUR STORY?
I have met a lot of Master students who rushed into the first job they could find after graduating. But I think it is good to consider investing a bit more in yourself, if you can, by for example doing a PDEng. It helps to really think about what you would like to do before you go to the next step of your career.
Want to read more personal stories from researchers in other sectors? Navigate your career on AcademicsConnected and be inspired!