Internships are a great opportunity to sharpen your skills before fully entering the workforce. They also help you figure out what you are passionate about, by giving you the space to learn, grow, and make mistakes. But there’s more – companies often see them as a way for you to gain experience and exposure for a smooth transition into your role when you are hired.
We sat down with Patrick Verwimp, a former intern at Cboost who transitioned into a full-time role as Software/Robotics Engineer to ask – What was this transition like for him? What challenges did he face, and what skills did he gain along the way?
Thank you for having me! I’m Patrick Verwimp, 26 years old, living in Eindhoven, my hometown. I joined Cboost initially as an intern while completing my graduation thesis for my Mechatronics degree at Avans Hogeschool in Breda. After my internship, I officially became part of the team as a Software/Robotics Engineer. I’m passionate about exploring new skills and technologies, and in my free time, I enjoy bouldering (though I’m still learning), gaming, and I like to experiment with new cooking and homebrewing recipes.
What are some highlights from your internship that you would like to share?
One of the best parts of my internship was getting to work on projects that contribute to a sustainable future, all while developing new skills alongside talented and like-minded people. I was especially grateful to find a place I truly enjoyed working at, which ultimately led to my staying on at Cboost after my internship.
Were there any challenges you encountered during your internship period, and if so, how did you overcome them?
There were a few challenges during my internship, one being a system design that didn’t perform as expected with the software I initially chose. My supervisor, Simon Mingaars, helped me pivot my thesis focus from prototyping to in-depth research, which not only improved my thesis outcome but also laid a foundation for my current project.
What kind of support from your team was most valuable during your time as an intern?
One-on-one sparring sessions with my supervisor were invaluable, giving me new perspectives on technical challenges. Later in the internship, connecting with colleagues and being able to ask questions about various topics helped me tap into Cboost’s broad technical expertise.
How was your transition from internship to full-time position?
The transition from intern to a full-time role was a relief in terms of pressure, as I no longer had the dual responsibility of managing university requirements while working. I also gained more responsibilities, which gave me a strong sense of trust from Cboost.
What new skills or knowledge did you gain during your internship that have benefited you in your current role?
Some key skills I developed were learning to containerize applications using Docker and conducting extensive research into ROS2 and robot simulation software—tools I now use daily in my work.
What advice would you give to a new intern joining the company to maximize their experience?
For new interns, I’d recommend getting to know your colleagues early on and coming into the office when people are around. Being around the team really helped me stay motivated, learn from others, and added a sense of “gezelligheid” (as we say in Dutch) to the experience.
Patrick’s journey at Cboost is proof that mentorship, collaboration, and perseverance are key for building a successful career in robotics and software engineering. His story shows the importance of nurturing talent from within and fostering a culture that encourages curiosity and personal growth.
We’re thrilled to have Patrick as part of the Cboost team and look forward to seeing his contributions continue to shape our future!
Do you want to become the next Cboost intern? Or are you simply curious to know more? Contact us here, or fill in the form below.