Defence Ministry Launches Innovative Internship Program for Students
The Hague, Monday, 2 June 2025.
Students at HBO and WO levels are invited to join a new internship at the Ministry of Defence, focusing on enhancing IT and Quality through innovation. This program aims to develop future professionals skilled in addressing modern defense challenges.
Overview of the Program
The Ministry of Defence in The Hague, Netherlands, has introduced a novel internship program targeting HBO and WO students, concentrating on innovation in IT and Quality sectors. Beginning on 1 June 2025, the program spans 32-38 hours per week and aims to enhance operational efficiency and drive technological advancements. This initiative is a part of the Netherlands’ broader agenda to prioritize innovation across all sectors, with approximately 20% of the Defence budget allocated for modernization efforts [1][2].
Engagement in Key Initiatives
Participants in the internship will be deeply involved in pivotal initiatives such as ‘Operatie Horizon’, which focuses on incrementally improving IT processes. This initiative incorporates modern methodologies like ITIL 4, Agile, DevOps, and PRINCE2 to ensure the Ministry’s operations remain agile and resilient. The nuances of this initiative emphasize not only technological upgrades but also behavioral shifts, cooperation, and continuous learning [1].
Collaborative and Practical Experience
Interns will contribute to defining quality standards and identifying improvement opportunities. They will, among others, set quality objectives using key performance indicators (KPIs) and objectives and key results (OKRs), conduct process measurements, and engage in monthly evaluations with peers. Their efforts are pivotal for maintaining alignment of IT quality with training, innovation, and ongoing projects, enhancing the information delivery crucial to both national and international defense operations [1].
Building Future Innovators
This internship represents a critical stepping stone for aspiring professionals in the defense technology sector. By working within the directie IV&C4I, interns will contribute to the Directorate for Information Provision and Command and Control, a central component of the Dutch Defense organization. This opportunity prepares students to meet the modern challenges of defense with innovative solutions, fostering a new generation of skilled experts poised to navigate complex global security landscapes [1].