Trainees testimonials
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Francisca Candeias | Portugal
Bioprocess Engineer
TMCI got to know about the EngD through an alumni event at my university in Lisbon. Having a BSc and MSc in Biological Engineering, but working in Regulatory Affairs for more than two years, I was feeling that my skills were not being used to the fullest. However, I did not feel prepared to take on a process engineering role, neither felt that Portugal had the right opportunities.
The EngD in Bioprocess Engineering in TU Delft was the perfect answer and I was confident that it would prepare me for the industry life. That couldn’t have been more true! I loved the teaching style within TU Delft, the close contact to the industry and the evaluation method, with real-life projects instead of an exam-focused learning.
The first year was a true challenge, from learning Python, to designing bioreactors and separation equipment. It ended with a group design project at DSM where we learned about bioreactor design, sustainability and lifecycle analysis but, most importantly, how to make our different approaches come together.
During the second year, I worked with J&J innovative Medicine in Leiden developing a simulation model for their commercial plant. I learned a lot about supply chain, capacity, cross functional teams and stakeholders engagement. Moreover, the delivered model is currently used for decision making, adding real value to the company.
Last but not least, the support from the EngD staff and trainees was unmatched! I am grateful to the program for shaping me as a person and professional, for enabling my current job (continuing my individual design project at J&J) and for the people I have met that became friends and turned Delft into my home. -
Saman Khayat | Iran
Bioprocess Engineer
Royal Agrifirm GroupAfter earning my Master's in Environmental Engineering at TU Delft, I was at a crossroad, faced with crucial questions about shaping my future. How could I enhance both my technical and soft skills to confidently enter the biotech industry? The EngD program of "designer in bioprocess engineering" emerged as the perfect solution, not just for me but for those sharing similar concerns.
Throughout the program, I engaged in diverse projects that not only applied my technical knowledge but also developed my communication, project management, and teamwork skills. Together with fellow EngD trainees, I was involved in designing a zero-emission yeast fermentation process project with DSM. As for my individual one-year project, I worked on the design and scale-up of a single-cell protein production process with Agrifirm's R&D department. This experience was so impactful that I chose to continue working with Agrifirm post-graduation.
I eagerly endorse the EngD program for individuals aiming to broaden their technical expertise while experiencing significant personal and professional growth. EngD is more than an academic journey; it's a transformative and precious experience that shifts a student's mindset to a professional level.
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Olga Alejandra Ramirez Calderón | Colombia
Jr. Scientist - Upstream lead at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine
TMCAs a Sanitary and Environmental engineer, my journey into Bioprocess engineering was a little unconventional. After earning my ERASMUS+ masters in Environmental Engineering from IHE Delft, UGent, and VSCHT Prague, and gaining experience in the air pollution field, I sought new opportunities to engage with innovative processes. The EngD program in Bioprocess design became my next step, proving to be an invaluable experience over two enriching years.
A notable aspect of the program was the diverse multicultural background of the trainees, fostering rich exchanges and international dinners that pleased not only the mind but also the stomach. This connection with fellow EngDs has left me with a substantial professional network spanning various fields.
During the group design project at Mosa Meat, I delved into the cutting-edge realm of cultured meat, aligning with my interests in process modeling, scale-up, and sustainability. For the individual design project at Johnson and Johnson Innovative Medicine, I focused on early-phase process development and scale-down approaches for monoclonal antibodies production. This not only expanded my technical expertise but also allowed me to apply project management and communication skills.
The culmination of projects, along with comprehensive courses covering advanced process design, transport, fermentation, and project management, propelled me into the role of USP lead in process development and scale-up at Johnson and Johnson immediately after graduation. Reflecting on my EngD journey, I am immensely grateful for the people, opportunities, skills, and unique experiences it provided, shaping my professional success and personal
fulfillment. -
Henrique de Avelar | Portugal
GreenTech Process Engineer
TransitionHEROAfter earning my MSc in Biological Engineering from Instituto Superior Técnico, Lisbon, I aspired to enhance my expertise as a bioprocess engineer. Having previously completed my master's thesis at TU Delft, I made the decision to return to the Netherlands and sought admission to the Engineering Doctorate (EngD) program. In 2021, I enthusiastically joined the Bioprocess Design track at TU Delft.
Reflecting on this transformative journey, I can say that the two years in the EngD program were the most pivotal phase of my professional development. During this time, I not only deepened my knowledge about various subjects like bioprocess design, downstream processing, techno-economic evaluation, and project management, but I also gained valuable hands-on experience. Collaborating with industrial partners, having a six-month group project with Mosa Meat, and a one-year individual project at FrieslandCampina, I honed my skills in managing stakeholders, overseeing pilot plant trials, and sophisticated modeling. The combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application facilitated the development of innovative designs.
Beyond the technical skills gained, the multicultural and multidisciplinary environment of the EngD program played a pivotal role in refining my soft skills which I will use for the rest of my professional life. The vibrant EngD community not only provided a fantastic social environment but also exposed me to the biotech industry, aiding me in solidifying my career aspirations. Having now completed the EngD nearly a year ago, I can confidently affirm that the program surpassed my expectations. Having now finished the EngD for almost one year I can look back and say that this program exceeded my expectations and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to continue their academic formation and pursue a successful career in industry. -
Adham Assadbeigi | Iran
Process Technologist | Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
SinclairI started my EngD traineeship in Bioprocess Design Engineering in 2021 after finishing my Master's degree in Life Science & Technology at TU Delft. Having an engineering mindset, the EngD program allowed me to develop my skills in bioprocess design and development through multiple group and individual projects in industrial settings. I learnt how to tackle design challenges in a systematic way by using appropriate tools. Through participating in advanced courses organized by Biotech Delft, I got the chance to dive even deeper into industrial challenges and state of the art bioprocesses. In addition, being a MSc graduate from the same faculty, I had the opportunity to choose elective courses from various different topics as well.
Moreover, the program's emphasis on soft skills, including project management, teamwork, communication, and interpersonal abilities, added an extra dimension to my professional development that goes beyond technical expertise. The curriculum seamlessly integrated project management principles into the program, enabling an environment where I could develop my skills to lead and execute complex engineering projects efficiently. The collaborative nature of these projects allowed me to demonstrate adaptability, resilience, and creativity while simulating the real-world working environment where I practiced how to effectively communicate with diverse stakeholders. I am grateful to my colleagues who contributed to my development both in TU Delft and in Janssen Vaccines where I conducted my individual design project.
Finally, during my EngD traineeship, I was able to build valuable friendships with my colleagues, but also expand my professional network within the biotech industry. Thanks to the great support from the program managers, coordinators, supervisors, design coaches, and my colleagues, I was able to focus on my development while being able to enjoy my time at TU Delft.
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Hugo Antonio Lopez Lugo | Mexico
Development Scientist
Novo Nordisk A/S - DenmarkI graduated from the Bioprocess Engineering Design track of the Engineering Doctorate (EngD) Traineeship in September 2022, and it is one of the most impactful periods in my career to date. From the panel interview, through the very last day on the job, and up until the graduation ceremony, I can only describe it as a journey of deep personal and professional growth. It is a keystone experience that continues bearing fruit as I use it as leverage to pursue my passion: driving innovation in bioprocess development.
I feel only the most profound gratitude for my colleagues at TU Delft, as well as my collaboration partners at Janssen Vaccines and Prevention B.V. and Janssen Biologics B.V. where I conducted my Group and Individual Design Projects, respectively. I had the opportunity to work on complex challenges with brilliant people, with whom I experienced fulfilling teamwork, and the joy of making meaningful contributions within interdisciplinary and multicultural academic and industrial settings.
Through the different tracks offered, the EngD program thoroughly serves its purpose of forming highly qualified and capable professionals with solid know-how and experience built through hands on industrial partnerships, and advanced lectures, all which help refine an effective toolset, not only in their technical area of specialty, but also on economic, project management, and collaboration aspects, as well as skills like resilience and proactivity, which are crucial to both a successful career in industry, and in life—especially if you throw a major disruptive event, like a worldwide pandemic, into the mix.
Closing on that note, my role as an EngD Trainee at TU Delft helped further develop my ability to deal with uncertainty at different levels and scales, adapt to changing circumstances, and unexpected situations, which is a very real part of the present for anyone and everyone. For me it was an opportunity of a lifetime, and I would strongly recommend it for anyone looking for meaningful challenges, amazing colleagues, a vibrant multicultural atmosphere, and the ideal space to showcase your passion for learning and bringing your dreams into fruition.
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Victor du Mee | the Netherlands
Process Engineer
Johnson & Johnson Innovative MedicineHow can I develop a skillset necessary for a bright future in biotech industry? And how can I make my profile stand out from other MSc graduates? These were questions that I was asking myself after obtaining my MSc degree in Biotechnology from Wageningen UR. Now I can confirm the EngD program in Bioprocess Engineering was the perfect answer.
The traineeship offered the opportunity to dive into bioprocess subjects and software programs that were still on my ‘to-do-list’, even after my MSc. At the same time, courses in project management and process design principles taught me structured ways of approaching complex design problems. Thanks to the small scale of the program, the supervision was very personal.
For my Individual Design Project, I had the chance to work for 1 year at Janssen during the COVID pandemic. I collaborated with people from all parts of production and my input was highly appreciated in management discussions. After the project, Janssen offered me a great position to continue my journey in biopharmaceutical industry.
Looking back, the EngD program helped a lot to increase my exposure in biotech industry, and therefore to unlock my potential. But besides that, I really enjoyed the time at TU Delft thanks to all the great people that I have met. The EngD community is full of bright, social and ambitious young people from all over the world. Being a Dutchman with already many friends in the Netherlands, I hadn’t expected to make so many new close friends. It truly felt as an extension of my student life.
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Rita Marçal | Portugal
Process Engineer
MeatableI did my master’s in Biological Engineering at the technical university of Lisbon. At the time, I chose this degree because I have always loved math, biology, and chemistry, but throughout my studies I started realising that biotech was not really an established field in Portugal.
By the end of my masters, I was very unsure about what I wanted my future to look like. However, shortly after finishing, I had the opportunity to attend a BPE EngD introduction session at my university. Here I could hear people talk about the amazing possibilities of the biotech world and of using it to make a real impact in the world. That open my eyes for the opportunities out there and I applied for the programme without a second thought.
I started in February of 2020 and even though I had to do the entire first year of the programme on-line (due to the global pandemic), I still got the chance to meet wonderful people, which helped getting through the chaos happening in the world. During the program, I learned not only new technical skills, that were crucial to find creative solutions for biotech challenges, but also project management skills, which strengthen my way of collaborating with different stakeholders.
This program helped shape my career as a process design engineer and I still applied the knowledge learned during those 2 years in my work today. I am grateful for the opportunities, growth, and connections that the BPE EngD program has given me, and I would recommend the program to anyone that wants to contribute meaningfully to the biotech field. -
Diana Godinho | Portugal
Process Engineer
Johnson & Johnson Innovative MedicineI did my Masters in Biological Engineering in Lisbon. I really enjoyed my field of studies and wanted to work in the industry either in sustainability or pharmaceutical area. However, it was difficult to find the job I wanted without previous experience... Also, I regretted not having an experience abroad during my studies and always wanted to explore working in a foreign country, since Biotechnology is still developing in my country.
I knew about the EngD programme by chance from a colleague and I thought immediately it was the ideal opportunity for me. I think I was right since I have gained what I wanted and more.
During the program I had the opportunity to expand my knowledge in areas I was not so confident like programming and to do my IDP in a big company: Johnson & Johnson. During my time in the company, I deepened my knowledge in areas I am currently very interested in like modelling and data analysis. But most importantly it opened the doors for my current position as a Process Engineer, which is what I always wanted to do.
During the EngD I was very lucky to meet amazing people from all over the world (even from the Nederlands!) and have a lot of fun together in the Nederlands and abroad (I gained many touristic guides)! The bonds I created are also what made this a unique experience that I really recommend. -
Raquel Dias | Portugal
Manufacturing Process Specialist
Janssen Biologics BVIn 2017, I finished my integrated Masters in Biological Engineering in Lisbon and a few weeks later I was starting my first job experience in a pharmaceutical company. However, 1 year later I decided to try a completely different area and joined a telecommunications company. Although it was an enriching experience, I understood that my passion was in my field of studies. In order to pursue my objectives, I decided to move to the Netherlands and joined the EngD program in Designer in Bioprocess Engineering.
Now that I graduated, I can highly recommend this program. The 2-year traineeship allowed me not only to deepen my knowledge in bioprocessing by following academic courses, but also to bridge the gap between academia and industry, with a 1-year internship at a company. For my Individual Design Project (IDP), I had the amazing opportunity to work within Janssen Biologics BV, with the main goal of developing capacity models for the production facility.
The EngD is a complete program, that also allows us to develop important soft skills, like teamwork, communication, management of stakeholders, critical approach, leadership, among others. After the program, I am still using all these skills every day in my work as a Manufacturing Process Specialist in Janssen Biologics BV. I am certain that the EngD not only gave me the necessary boost to continue my career in the industry world in the Netherlands, but also helped me build a good network and have visibility in the company.
However, I gained more than academic and professional experience during this journey. I had the opportunity to meet amazing people, in an international environment, and some of my colleagues have turned into close friends.
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Andreas Pateromichelakis | Greece
Process Safety SpecialistProcess Safety Specialist
Teva PharmaceuticalsIn 2019 I obtained an integrated masters in Chemical Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens with a specialization in process design.
Wanting to utilize my degree in tackling climate change I opted to pursue a master thesis exchange at EPFL, were I developed a conceptual process design for lignocellulosic biorefineries, optimized for maximum atom & energy economy. Witnessing first-hand the sustainability benefits of bioprocessing, combined with my aspiration to work in the industry, I was eventually led to the Bioprocess Design Engineering EngD program.
The well-thought curriculum is split firstly in a year full of courses provided by the EngD program as well as TU Delft, several team projects, and then an one-year individual project in the industry. Through this training, I gained state-of-the-art technical skills in designing and modelling all parts of an operating bioprocess, from the fermenter to a wide variety of downstream purification equipment. I was also able to further enrich my skills in programming, cost estimation and technical project management. For my individual design project I had the unique opportunity to work at Royal DSM where I fully utilized knowledge and skills from my EngD training in generating an innovative design that achieved zero-emissions bioprocessing.
Besides the high-quality technical training I received, the EngD effectively provided the setting to develop a client-oriented mindset and soft skills that will accompany me for life. EngD trainees originate from all corners of the world, therefore intercultural teamwork, multidisciplinary communication, stakeholder management and networking are integral parts of the short but dynamic EngD life.
I am wholeheartedly thankful to the EngD management, TU professors and my colleagues in the EngD and the industry for their support and professionalism during the most intense and exciting part of my career so far.
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Maria Liouta | Greece
Product Development Engineer
Technip EnergiesMy studies as a Chemical Engineer have provided me with a solid background in engineering principles. However, after careful consideration of my ambitions and the career path I would like follow, I decided to pursue the EngD traineeship in Bioprocess Engineering. This experience has taught me that apart from theoretical knowledge and technical skills, being versatile and thinking outside the box are valuable assets too.
During the EngD I gained expertise and expanded my knowledge by undertaking several interesting and challenging courses taught by acknowledgeable scientists. These courses included amongst others, Bioprocess Engineering Design, Project Management and Techno-Economic Evaluation. For my Individual Design Project, I had been working, in collaboration with the international engineering company Technip Energies, on a project for designing new processes aiming for the valorisation of bio-based products. Afterwards, I got promoted and I am currently working as a Product development engineer, managing challenging projects focusing on designing, executing new methodologies and developing new products.
EngD culture encloses an energetic environment where you feel empowered and you can have all the suitable tools to thrive and to evolve, not only professionally, but also personally.
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Pablo Santiago | Mexico
Fermentation Engineer II
GenomaticaI obtained my MSc. degree in Bioprocess Engineering from Hamburg’s University of Technology in Germany and after working for some time in the field I felt the need to continue my academic formation. I came across the EngD while searching for industrial PhD programs and it was, without a doubt, the best decision I could made.
The EngD in Bioprocess Engineering did not only expand my technical knowledge with courses such as Bioprocess Design, Scale-up/down and Numerical Methods; but it also helped me to develop a different mindset thanks to the Project Management and Techno-Economic Evaluation courses. One of the main aspects of the EngD is the strong ties with the industry, both national and international. In the second year, I carried out my Individual Design Project at Janssen Pharmaceutics where I contributed to the late-stage development of a novel biotherapeutic by developing and qualifying reduced-scale fermentation models.
The EngD gave me the opportunity to grow professionally in the Bioprocess Engineering field and it also helped me to develop important soft skills like teamwork, problem-solving, management of stakeholders’ expectations, etc. Besides, thanks to this experience I was able to make valuable friends for life and to get the worldwide recognition of being a TU Delft graduate. I recommend the EngD program for those who want to continue their academic formation post-master and who are willing to pursuit a successful career in industry.
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James Steele | Spain
Research & Development ControllerResearch & Development Controller
Applus+After graduating from my MSc in Chemical Engineering and working for some time in the field, I felt that I needed an additional academic boost while simultaneously gaining professional experience. I therefore applied to the Designer in Bioprocess Engineering EngD at TU Delft.
Looking back one year after graduating, I am fully convinced I made the right choice. During my two-year EngD traineeship I took several challenging and interesting courses taught by top researchers in Bioprocess Engineering Design, Project Management and Numerical Methods amongst others. In addition, my Individual Design project allowed me to work with innovative and disruptive biotechnology start-up companies, while carrying out conceptual designs and techno-economic and environmental validations of Biorefineries using alternative sustainable feedstocks as raw materials to manufacture Itaconic Acid. In addition to the academic and professional experience I gained, I also built very valuable and lasting friendships and learnt a good deal about living as an expat in the Netherlands.
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Lorena Origel Ramirez | Colombia
Project Lead - Liquid Processing
DanoneJoining the EngD programme was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I did the EngD in Bioprocess Engineering, starting in 2015. I have a background in Chemical Engineering with a Master’s degree in Biotechnology and I was looking for a programme that had a strong link with applications in industry and could bring me closer to specialising in industrial bioprocesses. The EngD was the perfect link between university and industry.
I think that one of the strengths of the programme, besides providing high-level technical knowledge, is to equip you with the tools and soft skills that you need in a work environment. I was able to learn more about myself, building on my strengths and becoming aware of my opportunities to improve them.
As a TU Delft EngD trainee, I worked in projects in collaboration with two well-known companies in The Netherlands, DSM and Corbion. Both of them involved the management of stakeholders with different end-goals, developing creative and feasible solutions, teamwork, working to short-term deadlines, and problem-solving skills. I continue to use all of these skills every day in my work as a Project Engineer in the pharmaceutical company MSD.
Besides the professional experience, I strongly believe that one of the most special things of this journey was the opportunity to meet people from all around the world, and most importantly, to meet the friends that soon became my small family in The Netherlands. Being away from home makes you create stronger bonds with the people that you meet here. The EngD programme facilitates these international interactions through fun social activities, design challenges and lots of teamwork assignments which made the overall experience very unique.
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Miguel Martín Molina | Spain
Senior Process Development Specialist
CorbionAs a Chemical Engineer, I found the Bioprocess EngD programme ideal for reorienting my career towards Bioprocess Engineering and deepening my knowledge of Process Engineering fundamentals. I achieved this by following courses such as Advanced Bioprocess Design and Advanced Downstream Processing that TU Delft offers to professionals from all over the world. To develop our soft skills, we completed courses such as Project Management, which taught us different skills for working efficiently and in teams.
During the Design Projects, we had the opportunity to work at companies located all over the Netherlands. In our Group Design Project, we worked with Tata Steel on reducing their fossil emissions through the use of a biomass-derived fuel in the steelmaking process. During the Individual Design Project, I worked on the conceptual development of a process to produce plastics from biomass at Corbion, where I got a job after my graduation.
Given that the EngD is a well-known programme in the Netherlands, it boosts your chances of finding a job aligned with your skills. Additionally, through the network we build at social or professional events during the programme, we keep in tight contact with the Industry, increasing our visibility and staying updated on the developments happening in that environment.
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Dhaval Mehta | India
Technology Specialist
PaquesWith previous experience as a junior environmental engineer, I was looking for a programme that would deepen my knowledge of biotechnology and expand my skills set. I chose the EngD because of its unique focus on design, industrial application and scale-up of innovative research. Via the wide variety of rigorous courses available at TU Delft, I was able to expand my knowledge of industrial biochemical processes, modelling and scale-up, and also deepen my background in environmental biotechnology.
I especially enjoyed my individual design project, which I did at a company aiming to develop designs for biorefineries that could achieve zero-CO2 emissions. The project’s challenges were not limited to just science and engineering: the project required the ability to learn quickly, think critically, be a creative designer, prioritise goals, collaborate across disciplines, and independently manage a dynamic project with many stakeholders.
The EngD offers the opportunity to develop all those skills at once, in an intense but enjoyable environment. Poised where academia and industry intersect, the programme provided a unique perspective to research, technology development and real-world engineering. In sum: a stimulating two years, which went by in the blink of an eye!
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Salim Simsek | Turkey
Site Technical Owner
Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & JohnsonI started my Master’s studies in Chemical and Biological Engineering at Koç University, Turkey, intending to continue with a PhD and pursue a career in academia. During my Master’s, I realised that I enjoy applied research more than theoretical research, and I started looking for alternatives to a PhD. I found a degree that was tailor-made for me: the EngD degree in Designer in Bioprocess Engineering. I can confidently say that this was the best career decision I have made so far.
This degree helped me to deepen my theoretical knowledge of bioprocesses and gave me the opportunity to get to know industries such as the steel, food and biopharmaceutical industries, where innovative bioprocess technologies are developed and implemented. Together with fellow EngD trainees, I worked on an advanced gas fermentation project with industrial partners for 6 months, and I spent one year in a biopharmaceutical company working on a process intensification project on my own.
Throughout this programme, there are many opportunities to develop soft skills, such as the project management course and DIDEA (Delft Ingenious Design Employees Association). The programme has strong ties with industry, facilitating networking and job opportunities for its trainees, and as the trainees come from all over the world, cultural diversity shortens the adaptation period. I strongly recommend this programme for those who like to be involved in applied research and would like to continue their career in industry.
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Lorena Paz Saavedra | Colombia
Process Development Technologist
Viride SuStra BVLorena Paz Saavedra from Colombia followed the Designer in Bioprocess Engineering track of the Engineering Doctorate (EngD) at TU Delft. “I wanted to get into the bioprocess world more, and where better to do that than in one of the leading countries and universities on the topic?” is how she explains her motivation to join the programme. “To me, it was also important to study in an international setting. The EngD program was perfect in that respect: it attracts people from all over the world and brought me the intercultural experience I was looking for.”
Regarding the study programme: you are encouraged to create your own study plan; you discuss your ideas with your supervisor and together you choose lectures that allow you to fill the gaps you feel need filling to achieve your professional goals.
Individual Design Project
In the second year, trainees work on their own individual project within a company. “I conducted my Individual Design Project in a start-up. In my case, I gained experience not only in bioprocess engineering but also in the development of innovative technologies in an entrepreneurial atmosphere. The CEO had an idea for a biomass-related process and it was my role to evaluate the technical feasibility of that idea. It soon also became my personal ambition to figure out whether the technology he had in mind could have the expected impact on the chemical industry. In my opinion, the ‘critical mind’ is one of the reasons why companies always welcome EngD trainees.”