At Aalberts advanced mechatronics, we’re always on the lookout for upcoming technical talent. We recently found one such talent in our new colleague Robin Kwakkel. Robin is studying Mechatronics at Deltion College in Zwolle and chose to do her internship in a cleanroom at Mogema. Though she is just 17 years old, Robin can already see a future full of opportunities for herself in the world of technology.
From greasy to spotless
Robin’s passion for technology was sparked early. “I basically grew up in the garage,” she says. “It’s a big part of my family’s life. Ever since I was little, we’ve always been tinkering in the garage at home – building things, repairing what’s broken. I love making something out of nothing, or getting something broken to work again. That really gives me a kick.”
Even though her early education was mostly theoretical, Robin chose a technical path for her studies. Along the way she came across Mogema. “My brother also took a more practical route for his studies,” she explains. “His class once visited Mogema and he came back super excited. That stuck with me.”
Now she finds herself interning at Mogema in the cleanroom of all places – quite the contrast from that oily garage! “It was a bit intimidating at first: The suit, the hygiene rules… but you get used to it quickly,” she says. “At home I’m covered in grease. Here everything has to be spotless. Two completely different worlds!”
Getting the hang of it
Robin has been interning in our cleanroom for several weeks now. So far, the biggest challenge she has faced is the level of precision required in the cleanroom. “For example, when you’re inserting helicoils, everything has to line up perfectly,” she explains. “If something goes wrong, the consequences can be serious. It’s checked of course, but you want to get it right yourself.”
As she gets settled in, Robin is figuring out how to make her internship a success. “When I finish something, when I’ve done something right – that gives me a sense of satisfaction,” she says. “Recently, we had a project where the vacuum in the oven wasn’t holding. They solved it, but I just missed it. Such a shame! Those are the moments you really feel proud.”
Even though it’s only been a few weeks, Robin is clear on how she feels. “It is challenging for sure, but I really like it here and the team is fun too,” she says, “You do have to be really precise. The work has to be perfect. There’s no room for ‘almost right.’ You feel that pressure, even as an intern. But once you get the hang of it, it’s totally manageable.”
A chance to discover what suits you
Based on her experience so far, Robin would enthusiastically recommend this internship to others. “Everything is really well organized, the team is great, and you learn so much,” she says. “And that’s just the cleanroom! There’s also welding, turning… You really get the chance to discover what suits you.”
Whether Robin sees herself ending up here remains to be seen. “I could perhaps work in a cleanroom if it remains challenging,” she says. “But first I want to see and learn a lot more. I’d love to work in a place that combines everything – welding, turning, hooking up electronics… That would be the best.”
Regardless of where she ends up, Robin is living proof that technology isn’t just for boys, and is definitely not boring. With her passion, commitment, and curiosity, she’s a fantastic example for other students who are feeling unsure about choosing a technical path.
Click here for our other stories
