As part of the inaugural class participating in full implementation of The Arch at Rensselaer, rising junior Jack Zhu, a physics and chemistry dual major with a concentration in materials science, is well into the summer semester. In preparation for his fall 2019 semester away, Zhu has already secured an internship abroad at ASML in Eindhoven, Netherlands.

Founded in 1984, ASML provides leading chipmakers, like Intel, Samsung, and GlobalFoundries, with the tools they need to mass produce patterns on silicon. With R&D and manufacturing locations in the Netherlands, United States, China, Taiwan, and Korea, ASML has more than 23,000 employees in offices throughout 60 cities and 16 countries.

While reflecting on his Arch semester away at ASML, Zhu said, “I look forward to exploring a new realm of physics at a semiconductor company, and all the possibilities it can open up for me in my future academic and professional career. In addition to completing my assignment, I also get to explore a culturally distinct region and expose myself to more of the world.”

Through his semester away search process, Zhu happened upon ASML, who specifically sought out people who majored in physics, chemistry, or materials science at Rensselaer’s Spring Career Fair organized by the Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD). “I was very fortunate that I got placed in the right place at the right time,” Zhu said.

To excel academically at Rensselaer, Zhu took advantage of the resources provided through the Advising and Learning Assistance Center (ALAC) and networked with the dedicated professors, faculty, and strong community of fellow classmates within his major.

“In addition to that, I was also involved in the Rensselaer music department, be it the orchestra, chamber groups, or other performance-related activities, to help me relieve my stress and to help me maintain my passion as a cellist and musician,” said Zhu.

After graduation, Zhu hopes to gain one to two years of work experience before going to medical or graduate school to better learn what he wants to do in the future.

“There is no one formula for success,” Zhu said. “Diversity gives you depth of character and experience, and commitment gives you discipline and determination.”