Intern introduction - Teun

Breda, 23 July 2024

Teun is in the third year of his Mechatronics course at the Avans University of Applied Sciences in Breda, and has spent the past 20 weeks doing an internship at LAB Services. During this time, Teun was responsible for completing his internship assignment, which focused on improving the existing custom product of LAB Services so that better results could eventually be realised for customers. 

Teun came into contact with LAB Services during the Company Open Day at the Avans University of Applied Sciences. This is where he obtained more information about the company and the possibilities. This resulted in a positive initial interview at the company and eventually an internship. During his internship, Teun created many designs aimed at improving the custom product. “In the beginning, I did a lot of research into other technical solutions for improving the product from both a hardware and software perspective. I also worked on a second version of the product. This involved creating a lot of designs, like for new components that are more compatible with the application, a new housing, a loading mechanism, ventilation, etc. It is great that I can collaborate with other engineers without having to leave my workstation. I then produce the designed components in the workshop, e.g. using the 3D printers. When doing things in the workshop that I am not very knowledgeable about, I always receive a detailed explanation and support from the colleagues who work there. This allows you to learn things that you were simply not aware of or do not encounter in your day-to-day activities. This also adds variety to your work.” 

The internship was also challenging for Teun. For instance, he was not enthusiastic about drawing an electrical diagram. “Previously, I had only drawn one electrical diagram at school. However, despite this being an existing product that has already undergone a long development process, and despite not having a lot of information, I still decided to give it a crack. Thankfully, I was able to regularly have it checked by my engineer colleagues, which meant it was completed faster than I initially thought. I even examined new software that LAB Services is currently not using but intends to do so in the future. I was thus able to quickly advise my colleagues about the advantages and disadvantages of the software.” 

Doing an internship at LAB Services offers a lot of freedom. The freedom to challenge and develop yourself, and to do what you want but always with the right support. This is something that is very well received. By welcoming interns with open arms, making them part of the team and painting an accurate picture of the business world, LAB Services has received very positive reviews as an internship company. “LAB Services is an extremely warm company. I like to have lunch with my colleagues from the workshop, and have made real friends in a very short space of time. We regularly go for a drink or see one another in the city centre. LAB Services also organises fun activities like a Christmas Dinner, a summer BBQ and a weekly drink to wrap up the week. Everyone is friendly and open towards one another, and there is time for the odd joke, but people are very serious about their work.” 

LAB Services also stands out because of the assignments it offers. There is a lot of variety and many possibilities when it comes to internship assignments relating to software, service, mechatronics, installation, etc. “It is good to see that the wishes of interns are taken into account and that LAB Services genuinely spends time considering the needs of interns. They are very open when discussing your needs and areas of interest. The accompanying internship assignments can often be customised to suit specific needs.” 

Teun enjoyed the internship so much that he was consulted about accepting a zero-hours contact, which meant he could also work for LAB Services during his holidays. He also hopes to complete his graduation internship at the company. “Definitely do not hesitate to get in touch. LAB Services is very open. So just drop by for a chat. You will certainly be given a warm welcome and, if you still have doubts, it is often also possible to shadow someone for a day. Simply grab the bull by the horns.”