From the Platform to an Industry-Based Bachelor Thesis
While searching for an exciting and practical thesis topic, I came across an opportunity at Stadler through the Studyond platform. Thanks to its targeted design, Studyond gave me a fresh perspective on industry-oriented thesis work. What really helped was the overview of current topics that are in demand in the industry – and how diverse the opportunities can be beyond a traditional ETH thesis.
The Project: Optimizing Weld Seam Assessment Methods
At the core of my thesis was the development of a method for optimizing measurement positions and calculating stress concentration factors in weld seam evaluation. The goal was to make the assessment process more efficient, objective, and reproducible. The challenges ranged from technical programming to testing the method on a real-life model.
Key Questions That Guided Me
Throughout the process, I was guided by questions like:
- How can industrial requirements be combined with academic methods?
- What role does automation play in quality assurance in industrial settings?
- How can I, as a student, use my knowledge to truly make a difference?
As the project evolved, it became clear: the interface between theory and practice isn’t a rigid handover point — it’s a dynamic space of constant iteration and adaptation. Many initially planned approaches had to be adjusted along the way, requiring flexibility and iterative development.
Collaboration with Stadler: Team Spirit and Real-World Insights
From day one, I felt genuinely welcomed by the Stadler team. The atmosphere was defined by openness, support, and strong motivation. A personal highlight was seeing the factory every morning – watching trains being built was incredibly inspiring. The collaboration with engineers on-site showed me just how vital team spirit and mutual support are. Often, the most innovative solutions come from bringing multiple perspectives together.
Benefits and Challenges
The greatest strength of doing an industrial thesis, in my view, is the direct connection to real-world applications. You work on solutions that are actually needed – and that’s extremely motivating. At the same time, coordinating between ETH, the project, and my own exams was definitely demanding. Especially during exam phases, strong time management was key to staying on track.
Career Opportunity: Beyond the Project
One major advantage of this project? It allowed me to complete an internship alongside my thesis – and I was later offered a working student position at Stadler. That clearly showed me how valuable it is to get involved in real industry-based work – not only for personal and academic growth but also as a stepping stone into the professional world.
Advice for Other Students
My tip: Make use of Studyond, even if your dream project isn’t listed yet! Take initiative and reach out to companies yourself. The experiences and contacts I gained through this project are invaluable for my professional journey. Especially for those looking to enter the industry later, this type of project is ideal preparation. I can recommend it to anyone eager for real challenges, exciting insights, and an amazing team.