Published on 12/10/2021
Cultivators invest in young talents by providing internships for students from Wageningen University (WUR). The internships offer valuable insights for interns, Cultivators, and our industry partners. Introducing our newest addition to the team, Mexx Holweg, who started as an intern at the beginning of this year. Mexx graduated from WUR in Plant Sciences (Greenhouse Horticulture) and is now a valuable member of our ambitious team.
We asked Mexx about his experience at Cultivators and his expectations and ambitions for the future.
What were your main activities during your internship at Cultivators?
During my seven-month internship, I primarily worked towards the optimisation of the propagation of medicinal cannabis through stem cuttings. The rooting trials were conducted at the WUR in collaboration with two industry partners active in the fields of LEDs and substrates. Additionally, Cultivators guided me in becoming a horticultural specialist. Cultivators gave me the opportunity to participate in various interesting projects.
I joined my colleagues in meetings with clients. This included supporting the conduct of market analysis, developing training modules, and participating in monthly technical meetings with the international consultant team. I wanted to gain hands-on experience as a grower. Cultivators arranged for me to work as a greenhouse assistant at one of the largest herb growers in the Netherlands. With their consultancy support, I applied my theoretical knowledge directly in practice.
What were the most important lessons you learned since you came to Cultivators?
During my internship at Cultivators, I learned about the practical implications of research and how to conduct business effectively. Since I came from an academic background, I had to make steps in translating information and research data into a practical and commercial use. After completing my internship, I had the opportunity to further develop myself at Cultivators as a Cultivation Consultant for both hydroponic lettuce and cannabis. I made big steps and many more to come during my career at Cultivators.
With your academic education and time as a student ended, what will you focus on in the future?
With my new position at Cultivators, I will focus on assisting my colleagues in various cannabis and hydroponic lettuce projects. In the coming period, I look forward to further developing my skills as a horticultural specialist by focusing on these two crops. Cultivators is growing rapidly, and my colleagues actively support me as I seize every opportunity to develop both myself and the company. I enjoy working closely with such a strong team, and I’m excited to see what the future holds!
Currently, Mexx is a PhD researcher – Crop Physiology of Medicinal Cannabis at Wageningen University & Research.
Photo by: Andrea Di Pastena – MMJDaily (www.mmjdaily.com)