Time setter story: Charlot Felderhof on the TNO Traineeship

Thema:: Sustainable society

2 March 2025

This is the time when innovation is crucial. To make our world safer, lives healthier and combat climate change. TNO employees make their mark on our time. In this series, we share stories of our time setters. Time setter Charlot, is currently trainee at the Corporate Communication department: ‘Are you looking for growth and a place where you can make a difference? The TNO Traineeship makes this happen at an accelerated pace, as long as you bring a good dose of assertiveness and enthusiasm.’

Making a difference

Charlot studied innovation science in Eindhoven and started as a trainee at TNO in 2024. ‘Sustainability is a very important theme in my life. During my studies, I was a member of the Solar student team at Eindhoven University of Technology. For a year, we worked full-time on a solar-powered car.

At TNO, they work on innovations that really make a difference, in the field of sustainability and beyond. That's why I wanted to work here. This drive is what connects our group of trainees: whatever country we come from, whatever study we did, we all want to work hard and make an impact.’

The perfect picture

Yet Charlot initially doubted whether she should apply. ‘I am not a quantum engineer or a chemist; I have a broad background. In the student team I didn't have the technical expert role either but was responsible for setting up sponsorships and collaborations with companies. Still, I wondered whether I fitted into the picture at TNO due to my background. During the interviews I gradually gained more and more confidence. It turned out to be a great match.’

Comfort zone

What makes the traineeship different from any other entry-level position? ‘The traineeship puts your growth and development in a higher gear. You receive support through training sessions, workshops, peer reviews, and a personal coach. You can try out different positions, including those outside your comfort zone. With a good dose of assertiveness and enthusiasm, you create opportunities for yourself.’

Her first position as a trainee was indeed outside her own comfort zone: as a project manager at the Energy and Materials Transition unit. ‘Emission monitoring was completely new to me. I took the opportunity to figure it out myself. Now I'm doing something completely different: I'm working in the Corporate Communication department and exploring Public Affairs. Here I'm learning an incredible amount about the breadth of our organisation, about politics and decision-making in the House of Representatives and within TNO itself.’

‘Looking for growth and a place where you can make a difference? The TNO Traineeship makes this happen at an accelerated pace, as long as you bring a good dose of assertiveness and enthusiasm.’

Charlot Felderhof

Trainee at the Energy and Materials Transition unit

Sharing insights

‘What has surprised me is the number of topics TNO is involved with. I got to know the important technologies we focus on and how we share insights from our research, so that Dutch policy improves as a result. That has true impact on society.’

Charlot has also learned a lot about herself, which helps her in creating a new trainee position. ‘From project management, I learned how to bring structure to chaos. At Public Affairs, I noticed how much I enjoy strategically setting a goal on the horizon and getting people on board with my vision. I want to use the knowledge and experience I've gained so far to create a third trainee position for myself that perfectly suits me.’

Shape the programme

Charlot works for a department three and a halve days a week. In addition, all trainees get to use one and a half day a week for personal development. ‘There are also special trainee projects. These are not focused on one of the six units, but on the entire organisation. That way, you get to know it quickly.’

‘There are also special trainee projects that span across all of TNO. This way, you get to know the organisation quickly. For example, I'm working with other trainees on a framework for inclusive innovation, which every researcher at TNO will be able to use in the future.’

The program of the TNO Traineeship is self-directed. In committees, the trainees organise workshops, networking events, and the trainee selection day, among other things. Charlot explains: ‘I've noticed that it's really valuable that we organize so much ourselves. We can truly choose what we want to do or learn, which event best aligns with our wishes and needs. I'm now also a member of the Sounding Board & Workshop Committee. This allows me to share my experiences and further shape the trainee programme.’

Positively surprised

‘TNO has proven to be the high-tech organisation I expected. At the same time, I am positively surprised by how extensive the content of all the research is. Many technicians work here, but also people with a background in psychology or social sciences for instance. And if you expect only men of a certain age to work here, think again. What also strikes me is the enthusiasm of colleagues: everyone genuinely enjoys what they do. There is always someone willing to help you or answer questions, to help each other move forward.’