Hidde Lilien

Name: Hidde Lilien
Student: Master Chemical Engineering
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hidde-lilien

"What I like most about the programme is the wide range of courses, including those in the energy and nuclear sectors. This diversity allows you to create a track that matches your specific interests in different areas."

My name is Hidde Lilien and I started the Master in Chemical Engineering at TU Delft in 2023. I first studied in Utrecht, where I completed my Bachelor's degree in Chemistry. However, I decided to switch to the Master's programme in Delft because it has a stronger mathematical foundation and is more application-oriented. This focus is better suited to a practical career, which is very appealing to me.

What I like most about the programme is the wide range of courses, including those in the energy and nuclear sectors. This diversity allows you to create a track that matches your specific interests in different areas. In addition, the Master's programme emphasises putting theory into practice by offering opportunities to work on projects for and with real companies. These projects provide valuable experience of working alongside professionals. Finally, the teaching staff are genuinely engaged with the students, creating an informal study environment in which you can excel and achieve outstanding results.

One challenge for me was the transition from theoretical, fundamental chemistry to large-scale processes and engineering. However, the Bridging Programme made this transition much easier.

For my Master's thesis, I worked with a company to develop a bioplastics-based product for use in self-healing concrete. Although I carried out the project within the Faculty of Chemical Engineering, it overlapped with Civil Engineering and Biotechnology, making it a multi-faceted project. In addition, the opportunity to work in a company made the experience even more exciting, as I was able to develop an implementable product while completing my thesis.

For my next career step, I am exploring a business-oriented path. I hope to use the analytical skills I have developed in a commercial environment, such as consulting. The industrial internship is the perfect opportunity to gain more insight into my potential future field of work.