“I learnt to think in a problem solving way, and that was exactly what I wanted”

For Marlene Arntz, her research project for SBM was a much better experience than her bachelor research project. “I worked in a nice team and my supervisor had really good leadership skills, she was a role model for me. I learnt to think in a problem solving way, and that was exactly what I wanted. After all, you also require this for business.”

To begin with, Marlene Arntz selected no less than 12 labs that appealed to her because of the research they worked on. She accepted a project at the University Medical Centre Utrecht. Here she worked on so called inhibitors that slow down tumor growth of colorectal cancer.

As a ‘tool collector’, she was happy that with the help of two very good technicians she gained experience with a variety of state of the art techniques. All of this did require perseverance, but who knows, she may even start in R&D after her MSc!

Her advice to new students: try to clarify for yourself what you want, i.e. are you more an industry or a university research type? Then just apply and really try to find a group of your interest!