David Janssen
Tell us a bit about yourself.
“After having lived in Rotterdam and Toronto during my youth, I started studying at Delft University of Technology. Here I pursue my master’s degree in Robotics after having completed a bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering. In addition to my technical studies, I have enjoyed several extracurricular activities to further develop my soft skills and business sense. I strive to use my experience to solve interdisciplinary problems and make a positive societal impact. In my free time, I enjoy spending quality time with friends, going to the gym, and reading books.”
Why did you apply for the Internships in the Valley program?
“As a technical student with a strong interest in entrepreneurship, Silicon Valley greatly appealed to me while looking for an internship. Its professional landscape seems to perfectly combine these two passions. This combined with its open culture and the beautiful nature nearby, more than excited me to apply for the Internships in the Valley program!”
You always knew you wanted to intern at Applied Materials. What was the motivation behind this?
“I think it’s very exciting to develop strategies for cutting-edge technology. Applied is a very professional company, being able to take on responsibility here at a young age has enriched me both personally and professionally. Additionally, the ability to explore a different country and culture has much more depth to it when actually living there instead of going on a holiday. Interning at Applied was a great opportunity to combine this experience with a fun and educational internship.”
Interns & Alumni Dinner
San Francisco – 14 May 2024
What made you a good fit for the business development position?
“My strong theoretical technical background combined with previous business extracurriculars, good communication skills, being eager to learn and an entrepreneurial mindset made me a good fit for this business development position.”
Did you experience any culture shocks living in the Bay Area or working in Silicon Valley?
“The ambition and urge for innovation in Silicon Valley is like no place I have been before, being immersed in such an environment has been very inspiring for me. It was interesting to meet a lot of people from very different cultures in such a short time period in the Valley. Having lived in the Bay Area, I could not have wished for better weather or having more beautiful nature nearby”
Can you tell us about a cool trip you took while living in California?
“In March I visited Lake Tahoe, where I went skiing, swam in the (insanely cold) lake and partied in a casino, all in one day. I went trail camping and hiking in Humboldt State Park for a weekend. We were surrounded by a beautiful Redwood forest, and saw lots of deers and a black bear!”
You’re over halfway through your internship! What’s next for you when you return to the Netherlands?
“In the Netherlands I’ll start my master’s thesis in Robotics at Delft University of Technology, which will probably focus on learning algorithms for human-robot interaction.”
“The ambition and urge for innovation in Silicon Valley is like no place I have been before, being immersed in such an environment has been very inspiring for me.”
