The Main Scholarship Program 2024

Unlike traditional scholarships, which focus solely on financial aid, this program has a broader vision—recruiting prospective talent and nurturing the next generation of tech professionals through a holistic approach. By offering mentorship from seasoned professionals at one of Main’s portfolio companies, aspiring engineers gain valuable firsthand experience and knowledge that complement their studies and help jumpstart their careers.

This approach is crucial given the growing shortage of software developers in the Netherlands and surrounding geographies. This year, students from the Technical University of Delft, Saxion, and the University of Applied Sciences The Hague have been introduced with their mentors from Main’s portfolio companies, including Qics, Railcube, and Paragin. The introductory event provided a casual setting where students and mentors could meet and discuss their goals and expectations for the year.

Bas van Haren-Suarez, Agile Coach at Railcube, emphasized the program’s practical benefits: “We aim to help students build their careers by providing guidance that goes beyond the basics of operations. Our goal is to offer a deeper understanding of the industry and help them stand out as young professionals.”

This connection between students and mentors is integral to the program’s success. It creates a collaborative environment where theoretical knowledge meets real-world application, ensuring that students are not only well-prepared academically but also equipped with practical skills and industry insights.

For students like Stijn Risseeuw, a Computer Science & Engineering student at the Technical University of Delft, the program is a valuable opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings. Stijn noted, “University provides a lot of theory, but the Main Scholarship program will help me see how that theory applies in practice. I hope to learn how to avoid common pitfalls and possibly find a side job or internship that fits with my studies. My goal is to start building industry experience while still in school.”

The practical experience gained through the program is complemented by the fresh perspectives that students bring. Sanne Hendriks, Front End developer at Paragin, shared her enthusiasm for this dynamic exchange: “Students offer new viewpoints, and I’m interested to see their ideas and what they choose to focus on during the mentorship.”

Overall, the Main Scholarship Program serves as a crucial bridge between academia and the software industry, equipping students with the skills and insights necessary to advance their careers. As the new year begins, both students and mentors alike are set for a productive and enlightening journey ahead.