Marta Verdugo, an engineering coordinator in the space industry, embarked on a transformative journey when she ventured from Portugal to the Netherlands in 2015. Initially drawn to the country for her studies, Marta serendipitously discovered a gateway to the Dutch high-tech sector at an university event. Her path led her to ISISPACE, a renowned company specializing in nano-satellite technology, allowing her to seize an opportunity that would have been elusive in many other European nations.
Seizing an opportunity in the Dutch high-tech space industry
The Netherlands holds a prominent position in the European space landscape, housing the prestigious European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) as part of the European Space Agency (ESA). Combined with its world-class research universities and a highly innovative economy, the Netherlands stands as an alluring destination for engineers and enthusiasts captivated by Deep Tech domains, including aerospace engineering.
The Netherlands: a launchpad for Entry-level jobs in Aerospace engineering
Reflecting on her initial job acquisition in the Netherlands, Marta shared:
“I completed my thesis at the Technological University Delft (TU Delft). Attending the Delftse Bedrijvendagen (Delft Career Days), where numerous companies participated, proved instrumental. Following up with these companies, I received a response from one, underwent the interview process, and thus secured my first-ever job.”
Thriving in the Dutch Aerospace niche
When asked to shed light on the Dutch aerospace industry, Marta opined:
“It’s a niche market across Europe, and I don’t believe I would have had equivalent opportunities in Portugal. Although Portugal has recently established a space agency, it is still in its nascent stages. In reality, aspiring space professionals have only a handful of countries to consider. The Netherlands, with its emphasis on highly skilled professionals, research and development, becomes incredibly attractive. It eschews mass production in favor of fostering design-focused aerospace engineers like myself.”
Contrasting the Dutch and Portuguese innovation landscapes
Distinguishing the differences between the Netherlands and Portugal, Marta noted:
“Portugal lacks a robust innovation hub, unlike the Netherlands. Additionally, there appears to be a deficit in investment in that realm. The Netherlands, in general, boasts greater financial resources and enjoys support from governmental and private institutions. Consequently, companies operating here have ample room for innovation. Pioneering work and cutting-edge technology flourish as a result. Southern Europe, on the other hand, tends to gravitate towards services and less high-tech industries.”
The Netherlands: fostering research-heavy industries
Marta’s insights shed light on the Netherlands’ unique ecosystem and market, which serve as a catalyst for innovation, particularly in high-tech and design industries. Her experience exemplifies why the country consistently ranks highly in innovation and research. As various elements converge, the Netherlands cultivates an environment where specialized and research-intensive sectors, such as aerospace engineering, thrive. This phenomenon positions the Netherlands among the select few European nations capable of nurturing industries that demand highly specialized expertise and research endeavors.
*Copyright: Original article published by welcome-to-nl.nl.
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