Introducing ASML
ASML is a renowned Dutch firm whose acronym stands for Advanced Semiconductor Materials Lithography. ASML is one of the world leaders in the semiconductor industry, distinguished for its expertise in developing and manufacturing top-tier chipmakers. The company’s headquarters are located in the city of Veldhoven, where everything first started 40 years ago, but many other locations can be found all over the world.
My internship at ASML started quite late in March 2024. I assumed the role of Project Management and Communications intern for the Legal Department of the company. To be completely honest, I did not know what to expect from an internship, let alone one from such a big corporation, and was not entirely surprised when faced with many complex challenges and learning curves. Nowadays the beginning of my internship feels like a fever dream. Most likely because I was actually experiencing a 38.5º fever at the time but…who knows?
Day in the Life
ASML embraces a hybrid work model, with most employees working on-site on Tuesdays and Thursdays, while the rest of the week is open for remote work. This approach ensures that the most important meetings are scheduled on these two days, a pattern us interns quickly noticed. I appreciated this flexibility due to the demanding commute a full on-site job in Veldhoven would entail. Here’s a glimpse of a typical day for me:
6:21 AM: jump on the train from Amsterdam Zuid and commute all the way to Eindhoven. I make a point to keep my personal and work life separate, meaning that I don’t open my work laptop until I am in the office. I usually try to nap on the train or read a book.
7:45 AM: take the bus from EIndhoven Centraal to Velhdoven, where ASML headquarters are situated.
8:20 AM: I finally arrive at the office and it is time for me to choose my desk of the day (since it’s an open space and you can change your desk every time). I always drag myself to the vending machine to get my first espresso of the day and take the time to properly wake up and get ready for all of the day’s meetings.
9:00 AM until 12:00 PM: meetings, meetings, meetings, and then some more meetings. From team catch-ups to, one one-on-one updates and project meetings, the mornings are usually pretty busy.
12:00 to 1:00 PM: lunch break with my fellow intern friends. ASML’s expansive canteen offers a variety of options, from Asian dishes and Italian cuisine to sandwiches and daily specials. You can also bring your own lunch if you prefer.
1:00 to 3:30 PM: the afternoon is a mix of solo work on various tasks and additional meetings. Then it’s time to jump on the bus and train again and finally crash at home.
Conclusion
Despite the rocky beginning, I genuinely loved my time at ASML and found it extremely rewarding. As a Communication Science student, I finally had the chance to apply the theories and techniques learned in the past 2 years and learn from other professionals. Additionally, I was fortunate enough to work with a fantastic team that encouraged me to engage in various fascinating, sometimes tedious, projects.
Most importantly, I experienced something I never thought I would have the courage to try out: the corporate environment. My final advice is to never back down from a challenge and embrace opportunities, that might not necessarily be your preferred result, but that will give you the satisfaction to at least say “I tried it!”