Those who make contacts early on have the best career opportunities later on: Timon Herzel and Hauke Bosch founded a VDI Young Engineers network in Clausthal during their Bachelor's degree. You can find out how the network can support prospective engineers starting their careers here.

Timon came to Clausthal University of Technology in 2019 to study mechanical engineering at Bachelor's and Master's level. He is currently doing his doctorate at the Institute of Mechanical Plant Engineering and Structural Durability. He is a founding member and network spokesperson for Young Engineers Clausthal.

Hauke has also been at Clausthal University of Technology since 2019 and has completed his Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and Energy and Raw Materials. He is currently studying for a Master's degree in Mining Engineering. He is also a founding member of Young Engineers Clausthal and acts as deputy network spokesperson.

1. Who are the VDI Young Engineers?

The VDI Young Engineers is an initiative of the Association of German Engineers (VDI) aimed specifically at young engineers and engineering students. The aim of this initiative is to promote the exchange, networking and professional development of young engineers.

2. When and how did the network in Clausthal come about?

We studied together in the Bachelor's program and were involved in the student council MVC (mechanical engineering, process engineering, chemical engineering). After several years of involvement, we wanted to withdraw from the student council and looked for another way to continue organizing events and excursions for students. We have both been members of the VDI for a long time and attended the annual general meeting of the Braunschweig district association, to which we belong as Clausthalers, in spring 2024. There we got talking to the chairman at the time, Rüdiger Wendt, who was very impressed by our idea and recommended that we set up a Young Engineers network in Clausthal. In cooperation with the Young Engineers Network Braunschweig, we then carried out our first (test) excursion to Rammelsberg in Goslar in July 2024. The response was so positive that we then decided to set up a network here in Clausthal ourselves in October 2024.

3. what is the composition of the network? How many members are there currently?

There are around 23,000 active members of VDI Young Engineers throughout Germany and over 50 local networks. With the exception of the network spokesperson and their deputy, there are no permanent positions in our local team. The district association takes care of the treasury for us. We are made up of students from all technical departments at Clausthal University of Technology. It is difficult to estimate the number of members, as all VDI members in Clausthal who are under 35 years old automatically belong officially. Our regular events are attended by around 10 to 20 participants. We have a WhatsApp group that includes both members and interested parties. It currently has around 70 members.

4. What activities do you offer?

We offer a regulars' table once a month. This always takes place on the second Wednesday of the month from 7 pm at Anno Tobak. At the regulars' table, we get into a relaxed conversation and talk about current and planned projects. We also regularly organize excursions to industrial companies in the region. As part of the VDI Young Engineers Clausthal, we also have the opportunity to take part in supra-regional network meetings (nationwide or even at European level). We usually receive financial support from our district association, so that we can even take part in these events free of charge.

5. How can you become part of the Young Engineers?

Just drop by! It's also possible to get a taste of what we do without being a VDI member.

6. Which past projects/excursions have you already organized?

Since October 2024, we have organized a regulars' table (almost) every month - recently also with "Research Spotlight". We came up with this format to give young scientists the opportunity to give short talks about their work, research or other topics in a relaxed atmosphere. We have also already visited Alstom in Salzgitter, Ilsenburger Grobblech GmbH and Ottobock in Duderstadt. We have also visited national events. We were guests in Hamburg in the winter of 2024. In summer 2025, we took part in the German Engineering Day and the Young Engineers Congress in Düsseldorf. In August, we organized a summer party together with the MVC student council.

7. What can we expect from the Young Engineers in the future?

In November, we will be attending a nationwide network meeting in Aachen. We are constantly working on further events and new concepts. We would also like to carry out a longer-term project or organize a workshop. We are always open to new ideas and are looking for energetic supporters.

8. Why is it important to build up a network at an early stage?

In general, we believe that contacts and regular exchanges are the basis for a successful career. With our events, we primarily want to connect students from different departments within Clausthal and offer a platform for social exchange alongside their studies. Basically, however, it's not just about networking, but also about continuing our education alongside our studies, gaining insights into practice through excursions and - most importantly - doing things together and having fun.