Her fascination with industrial automation began during her Mechatronics studies at The Hague University of Applied Sciences. Like many students, she started her search for a first internship with an open mind. “My preference was for operational technology, but I still had very little understanding of which companies operated in that field.” A careers event proved decisive. “I spoke with ICT DWG there and heard about projects involving infrastructure, energy and tank terminals, among other areas. I immediately thought: that’s where I want to do my internship.”
“My internship assignment involved researching new software for one of their clients, but I actually did much more than that,” Sonia explains. “I was able to visit clients, investigate faults and even contribute to a project in Antwerp.” It was this variety that made a lasting impression on her. “I worked alongside colleagues in practice and saw the wide range of tasks they carried out. I found that incredibly interesting.”
A Mutual Match
The feeling was mutual. After completing her internship, Sonia was offered a part-time position of twelve hours per week at ICT DWG. That role naturally led to the next step. She also completed her graduation project with ICT DWG, and a year ago she joined the company full-time as an Automation Engineer.
I’m given exciting assignments, excellent support and a great deal of freedom. My colleagues are friendly, helpful and enjoyable to work with.
Making an Impact
As an Automation Engineer at ICT DWG, Sonia programs and manages operational systems that ensure critical infrastructure functions safely and reliably.
At the same time, she acts as a problem-solver under pressure. When faults occur, rapid analysis and action are required, as downtime often has immediate consequences for processes ranging from transport and energy to logistics.
According to Sonia, her work differs significantly from traditional IT. “Software engineers are generally more focused on dashboards and office automation. Automation engineers control large industrial installations such as bridges, locks and tank storage facilities. If something goes wrong there, the impact can be substantial. If a bridge stops working, traffic comes to a standstill. The consequences can be enormous.”
A Role That Requires Specific Qualities
Sonia recently began participating in the overnight on-call support rota. “We work with an annual schedule, and for one week every six weeks or so you carry the duty phone 24/7. If something happens, you need to respond immediately,” she explains.
“That can be quite exciting at times, but it’s also rewarding. After all, you’re the person responsible for solving the problem.”
Her role as an Automation Engineer requires a particular set of skills. “You deal with many different clients and situations, so you need to absorb information quickly. Every new situation requires you to identify the key issue in a short space of time.” Flexibility is equally important. “Sometimes you have only a limited amount of time to get something working again, especially when you're on call. In those situations, you have to keep going until the job is done.”
Relaxation and Connection
Outside work, there are plenty of opportunities to relax and connect with colleagues. “We organise all sorts of social activities, from paintballing and drinks evenings to game nights. There’s something for everyone.” Sonia also sees this diversity reflected within the team itself. “We have colleagues ranging from their early twenties to well over sixty. That variety makes it enjoyable.”
Her advice to other IT professionals is straightforward:
“Just come and have a look and a chat at ICT DWG. You can discover for yourself what interests you, and you’ll receive excellent guidance.”
Sonia is still at the beginning of her career with ICT DWG. “There are many directions I can take here: Senior Engineer, Lead Engineer or Project Manager. Whatever path I choose, I want to keep learning and continue developing.”
