Shivam
Shivam is from India and is currently pursuing the master’s programme in Information and Network Engineering at KTH. He completed his bachelor’s in Electronics and Communication Engineering in Vellore, where he developed a keen interest in networking, communication systems, and cybersecurity. Before joining KTH, he gained experience through internships in industrial automation and network/security engineering. Outside of academics, he enjoys fitness, kickboxing, football, exploring Stockholm, and meeting people from different cultures.
Why did you choose this master’s programme at KTH?
I chose the Information and Network Engineering programme because I wanted to deepen my understanding of networking, communication systems, and cybersecurity while studying technologies that are highly relevant in today’s industry. During my undergraduate studies and internships, I became increasingly interested in how large-scale network infrastructures and communication systems operate in practice. What attracted me to KTH was the combination of strong theoretical foundations and practical, project-based learning, along with the opportunity to study in a highly diverse and collaborative environment. I also liked that the programme covers a wide range of topics, allowing students to explore different areas within networking and communication systems before specialising further.
How is student life in Stockholm?
Student life in Stockholm has been very enjoyable so far. There are always events, activities, and opportunities to meet people through student chapters, university events, networking sessions, and social gatherings. Since Stockholm is such a cosmopolitan city, you get to interact with people from many different cultures and backgrounds, which makes the overall experience much more interesting and rewarding. I also really like the balance the city offers between technology, city life, and nature. Even though Stockholm is a major capital city with a strong tech environment, it still feels calm and well-organised, and there are many parks, waterfront areas, and outdoor spaces that make student life here very enjoyable.
How would you describe your time at KTH so far?
My time at KTH so far has been both challenging and rewarding. Academically, the courses encourage a lot of collaboration, critical thinking, and practical problem-solving, which has helped me improve both technically and professionally. The workload can be demanding at times, especially because many courses are project-based and require consistent effort throughout the course rather than only during exam periods. At the same time, that structure has helped me learn concepts more deeply and develop a much more practical understanding of the subjects. Personally, moving to a new country and adapting to a completely different environment has also been a valuable experience, and I have had the opportunity to meet people from all over the world and learn from very different perspectives and experiences.
What are some of your favourite courses so far?
One of my favourite courses so far has been Building Networked Systems Security because it completely changed the way I understand computer networks and security. Instead of only learning concepts theoretically, we built and worked with networked systems from scratch, which gave a much stronger understanding of how systems communicate, how different layers interact, and where security vulnerabilities can arise. I particularly enjoyed the hands-on and project-based structure of the course, since it pushed us to apply concepts practically rather than just study them for examinations. At the same time, it was not an easy course, since it required a lot of problem-solving, debugging, and independent thinking, especially during the implementation parts. However, that challenge was also what made the course so rewarding, because by the end of it, I felt that I had developed a much deeper and more fundamental understanding of networking and system security.
What would you like to say to students thinking of choosing KTH for master’s studies?
I would recommend KTH to students who are looking for a strong technical education combined with practical learning and international exposure. The university provides a very collaborative and supportive environment, and the experience goes far beyond academics. You not only develop technical skills but also grow personally by adapting to a new environment, working with people from different backgrounds, and becoming more independent. My advice would be to stay open to new experiences and actively participate in both academic and student activities, because a large part of the experience at KTH comes from the people you meet and the opportunities you explore outside the classroom as well. If you are looking for a place that challenges you academically while also giving you the opportunity to grow in an international environment, KTH is a place worth considering.