‘I specialise in AI’, says Denzil Joy. ‘After my master’s, a PhD or job as a researcher was definitely among the possibilities. Still, I’m not 100 per cent sure I want to devote the rest of my life to that. That’s why TNO is perfect for me, so I can experience different roles and switch departments to try out new topics.’
AI for impact
AI for impactDenzil has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and specialised with a master’s degree in Robotics and AI at TU Delft. ‘I am researching how we can apply AI in autonomous vehicles. At TNO, you work with the best experts on innovations that do not yet exist.’
On technologies that are so new that the application is sometimes not even clear yet. But which will hopefully contribute to solving all kinds of social problems.’
‘What I didn’t know when I started here? That you can even start your own company at TNO. When an innovation intrigues me so much that I don’t want to let go of it, this is the place to be. In such case, colleagues can set up a spin-off company with the innovation they’ve developed themselves at TNO. So who knows, maybe you’ll see me as CEO of my own company in the future. How cool would that be?’
Charlot Felderhof studied innovation management at TU Eindhoven and started at TNO in 2024. ‘Sustainability is a very important theme in my life. That’s why I joined Solar Team Eindhoven while studying. At TNO, they work on innovations that really make a difference for a sustainable future. I really wanted to contribute to that and make a mark on our time.’
Positively surprised
Positively surprisedYet Charlot initially doubted whether she should apply. ‘I am not a quantum engineer or a chemist… I have a broad background and wondered if I fit the bill. Even though I have only worked here for a short time, TNO really is the high-tech organisation I expected. And if you think that only men of a certain age work here, think again. What really strikes me is the enthusiasm of colleagues: everyone genuinely enjoys what they do.’
Comfort zone
Charlot likes to give herself a challenge. ‘By stepping out of your comfort zone, you develop yourself. I am now project manager at the Energy and Materials Transition unit. I deal with air quality and emission monitoring, a completely new subject for me. In that respect, I have been thrown in at the deep end right away. I get the chance to figure it out myself, but always have the opportunity to ask questions or enlist help.’
join
Join our team of experts As a starter at TNO you have many options. You can specialise or you can develop in a broader sense. You could become a consultant or top researcher. Or maybe you see yourself as an R&D engineer or leading a project. TNO offers you fantastic prospects in which you have a great deal of freedom and responsibility in shaping your career. From the moment you join us, your career development is in the spotlight.
4tu career special
This article appeared in the 4TU Career Special, a shared publication by the news editors of Cursor TU Eindhoven (Technische Universiteit Eindhoven University of Technology), TU Delta (TU Delft University of Technology), Resource Wageningen UR (Wageningen University & Research) and U-Today (University of Twente).
