Companies unlock Maastricht University’s hidden talent

Robin Diederen, CTO at NLcom, and Bart van Wunnik, NLcom’s Manager of Operations at Smart Data Services, explain how their involvement began. Four years ago, Professor Frank Thuijsman at the Department of Advanced Computing Sciences (DACS), introduced them to the KE@Work programme. “We thought that KE@Work offers significant chances and benefits for students as well as NLcom, so let’s do this,” Diederen recalled. Initially, NLcom felt challenged to define a suitable assignment for students, but the potential was clear. NLcom has hosted four KE@Work and one CS@Work student, with both programmes now integral to their operations.

KE vs CS @Work

For companies like NLcom, the appeal lies in the depth of research and the quality of work produced by KE@Work students. Van Wunnik notes, “The assignments we tackle with KE@Work students are highly complex, they require significant time and research to develop non-trivial solutions and algorithms.” The guidance from university professors ensures that students not only deliver high-quality results but also provide companies with deeper insights into their projects. “Their papers are incredible,” van Wunnik admits.
In contrast, CS@Work students are more hands-on, focusing initially on implementation and on research later in the programme. “Computer Science students produce something tangible from the start,” van Wunnik explains. “They have a year to deliver, so they need to get going immediately.” This distinction creates a natural synergy: KE@Work students can build a proof-of-concept, while CS@Work students can make it operational, integrating solutions into real-world applications.
 

Both students emphasised the manageability of balancing work and study. “I was scared it would be too much,” Morales says, “but the balance of three days at university and two days at work is perfect.” Van Wunnik adds that NLcom supports students during exam periods, allowing them to prioritise their studies when needed.

The Future: Master@Work and Beyond

The success of both @Work programmes has inspired a new initiative: Master@Work. Lemmens reveals that the Department of Advanced Computing Sciences is piloting a programme where master’s students work at a company for two years while completing their degree. “It’s a way to integrate work and study at an advanced level,” he explains.

For students like Duţă and Morales, who plan to stay in Maastricht for their master’s, such programmes are invaluable. “Without Masters@Work, I will not be able to both study and work,” Duţă said. The extended collaboration allows students to deepen their expertise while contributing meaningfully to their employers.

A model for the future

The KE@Work and CS@Work programmes exemplify how academia and industry can collaborate to mutual benefit. Companies gain access to innovative research and skilled students, while students receive practical experience and a smoother transition into the, preferably, Dutch workforce. As Lemmens puts it, “It’s not just about keeping students here, it’s about preparing them to thrive.”