What It's Like to Intern at Enza Zaden?

An internship is the perfect way to discover where your talents can truly flourish. But what kind of internships does Enza Zaden offer?

To find out, we spoke with Martine, who works closely with young talent every day. Read on to discover how you can make the most of your internship experience!

To start with: what makes an internship at Enza Zaden so special?

"As an intern at Enza Zaden, you're truly part of the team. During your internship, you're seen much more as a colleague than as an intern. You'll be given both freedom and responsibility."

What types of internships do you offer?

"We offer both work placement internships and research internships. We also work closely with vocational schools, universities of applied sciences and research universities on a wide range of practical and research projects.

Our internships cover everything from laboratories and greenhouses to logistics, finance, IT and HR. We also offer opportunities within facilities and health & safety. There really is a huge variety of possibilities!"

What does an internship look like in practice? How long do they usually last, and where in the company do they take place?

"It depends. Some research projects are relatively short, while others take longer. Most vocational (MBO) and university of applied sciences (HBO) internships last around 20 weeks and can be completed either full-time (38 hours per week) or part-time, depending on the requirements of the educational programme.

MBO internships are often based in our laboratories, but we also offer opportunities within IT, Finance and the various support departments across Enza Zaden."

How would you describe the working atmosphere to someone who's never been here before?

"Enza Zaden has an open, friendly and informal culture. You can simply call your internship coordinator or manager by their first name. We're a family-owned company, and you can really feel that."

How much room do students get to contribute their own ideas and talents?

"At Enza Zaden, interns are genuine members of the team. We often find that the ideas and fresh perspectives of young talent help us look at challenges in new ways. That's why we actively encourage interns to share their ideas and take initiative."

How can students best prepare for an internship at Enza Zaden?

"We appreciate it when students take the time to learn about Enza Zaden and can clearly explain why they're interested in doing an internship with us. If you're submitting an open application, always include a motivation letter. And above all, just be yourself."

What do former interns usually say about their time at Enza Zaden?

"We recently carried out an evaluation among former interns and received a lot of positive feedback. Since 2025, we've also introduced an internship programme. During their internship, students are invited to several events, including an onboarding afternoon with all interns, training sessions on topics such as CV writing, LinkedIn profiles and presentation skills, and they work together in groups on a business case.

These activities are not only educational, but also give interns the opportunity to get to know fellow interns from different departments. Overall, they tell us they had an enjoyable and valuable learning experience."

Can you share an example of an intern who achieved something special?

"Every intern contributes something unique, and we're genuinely grateful for the commitment they bring. Many of our interns return for another internship or eventually find a permanent role within our organisation.

Are there opportunities to stay with Enza Zaden after an internship?

"Absolutely! Many of our interns apply for permanent positions after completing their internship. Of course, you'll still need to go through the application process, but if you've performed well during your internship, you'll certainly have an advantage and may be considered a preferred candidate."

Finally, do you have any advice for students who are unsure whether they should apply?

"Applying for an internship is an important step in your life, so it's completely normal to feel a little nervous.

Some students think we only offer internships within research or the more 'green' side of our business. But we have so many different departments and opportunities available. So don't hesitate, just go for it!"