BMT - Careers

Read and discover first hand how interns experience their time at Minerva, the department within VCST that is focused fully on electrification.

Q1: Hi Lucas, maybe let's start with a simple question. Where are you from?
A: I'm originally from a location close to Paris.

Q2: Paris is not next door from our offices in Sint-Truiden. Why did you decide to have an internship in Belgium?
A: The engineering school I attend,Estaca, offers programs abroad to provide insights into niche environments. I chose VCST in Belgium because the job description on the application intrigued me.

Q3: Can you tell me a little bit about your tasks during your internship?
A: I'm tasked with developing a solution for the shifting of all gears to provide an off-the-shelf solution in-house. Currently, I'm building a shifting actuator from the ground up.

Q4: So, quite a challenging task?
A: Yes, if you had told me I would be doing this before my internship, I wouldn't have believed it. But it's very cool to be involved in this.

Q5: Are you still happy to have chosen VCST as your internship, now that you have enrolled?
A: Absolutely. If I knew before what I know now, I would have chosen VCST faster! I enjoy the challenges that are thrown my way.

Q6: Where are you located during your internship?
A: I stay at an apartment in Hasselt.

Q7: Can you explain a typical day in VCST?
A: I wake up in Hasselt, then I take the bus to VCST. Depending on the day, I have different tasks that vary between research and simulations. Afterward, I discuss this with the team to decide on the next steps.

Q8: Are there any tasks that you prefer more?
A: I prefer the simulation part because you try to understand why the result is what it is. Computer tests are one thing, but by testing via a simulation, you can see the results and the impact of your work. It’s trial and error, really.

Q9: Is Minerva the kind of environment that you would want to work?
A: Yes, Minerva is a small team within VCST, allowing us to shift fast and work well together. Everyone has their own specialty and does different tasks, making working together as a team very interesting.

Q10: What would you say is important for you to keep motivated in a job?
A: I need change and challenges. I don't want to do the same thing every day. If I don't have some variation, my interest would fade, so I like to switch it up.

Q11: Would you recommend this internship to other students?
A: Absolutely, especially if they enjoy challenges and want to work in a dynamic environment. VCST has been a great experience for me.