Lab internship: learning, contributing and developing.

For 14 weeks, Xander was part of the Molymet Belgium Lab team as an intern. As a student on the Professional Bachelor’s degree programme in Chemistry (HOGENT), it was an ideal opportunity to put his knowledge into practice within an industrial setting. He was therefore given the chance to work across various areas, which made the placement varied and educational.

Under the supervision of Benjamin (Dr Ir in Process and Technology) and Michiel, Xander contributed to R&D work and was involved in process development and improvement. He also supported the operations team, which gave him an insight into how the laboratory and production work hand in hand.

This combination of analytical thinking and practical application is characteristic of working at Molymet Belgium. Here, interns are given the opportunity to contribute to real projects and to further develop their knowledge in an environment where expertise and collaboration are key.

Xander says: “Whilst studying chemistry, I was mainly looking for an internship where I could really put theory into practice. At Molymet, I was given that opportunity straight away. I was able to work on various projects, from laboratory analyses to process improvement, and in doing so discover what suits me best.

What I particularly appreciated is that here you don’t just watch from the sidelines, but are actively involved. You’re given responsibility, whilst at the same time there’s always guidance on hand when you need it. That has helped me learn a great deal and look forward to my next steps with greater confidence.”

For Xander, this internship not only deepened his understanding of chemistry, but also gave him his first taste of the dynamics of an industrial working environment. At the same time, interns like him bring a fresh perspective, which helps teams to maintain a critical eye on processes and working methods.

At Molymet, we strongly believe in mentoring young talent. For us, an internship isn’t about watching from the sidelines, but an opportunity to actively contribute and grow.

Thank you, Xander, for your dedication and enthusiasm during your internship!