"THE FUN IN INDUSTRY IS THAT YOU REALLY GET TO SEE YOUR RESEARCH IMPLEMENTED"

“The subjects I studied at the University of Amsterdam I chose out of pure interest, only finding out later how useful their combination really is: Chemistry (BSc), Computer Science and Digital Signal Analysis (part of MSc), Chemical Engineering (MSc) and Gas-liquid Hydrodynamics (PhD). After being a self-employed teacher and a post-doc in Delft, I started at DSM to become a Crystallization expert. A few years later I headed the Centre for Particle Technology, getting deeper exposure to the applied science of solid particulate materials. On moving to DSM's Material Sciences cluster, I worked on a variety of processes as Competence Manager Polymerization Technology. My current position is Principal Scientist for Engineering Plastics."

“"Knowledge is power," my father used to say. Knowing how to successfully complete a piece of in-depth original research certainly is a valuable asset, but the question is: does it make PhD's well trained for a position in industry? Chemical Engineers entering industry are generally not employed in their particular area of specialization, so more often than not, they have to catch up. With this in mind, intrinsic scientific and technical curiosity really helps, as does the capability to reduce complex phenomena to their underlying principles, and being able to do some modeling while quickly getting to the heart of the matter. Good PhD's in our field can do that."

“Then there are soft skills. Most starters are keen to contribute to their new environment. Although it takes time to really understand a business and become effective in contributing to its goals, doing so is highly rewarding. Successful development projects involve multiple departments, and active alignment, influencing and interdisciplinary teamwork become necessary elements for success. In the long run it is important to stay fit, happy, balanced and productive. The fun in industry is that you really get to see your research implemented, and when a process innovation works well, a Chemical Engineer can be delighted."