Piyusha

Why did you choose this master’s programme at KTH?

While exploring master's programmes, I was looking for a programme that would allow me to go deeper into AI without losing the strong Computer Science foundations behind it. That's what attracted me to KTH. I was particularly drawn to the balance between theoretical foundations and practical applications, as well as the flexibility to specialise in areas that interest me. The Data Science track stood out because it offers opportunities to explore Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing in depth, two fields that are becoming increasingly important with the rapid growth of AI. KTH's strong reputation in Computer Science, both in Europe and globally, was another important factor in my decision. I was also attracted by the university's innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem through initiatives such as KTH Innovation and the Stockholm School of Entrepreneurship, which provide students with opportunities to turn ideas into real-world impact. 

Finally, I was excited by the opportunity to study alongside a highly motivated and diverse international community, where I can learn from people with different experiences, perspectives, and ambitions.

What are the best aspects of your programme?

One of the best aspects of my programme is its structure. The programme provides a strong foundation in core Computer Science topics during the first-year while also giving students the flexibility to explore different areas before choosing a specialisation. I appreciate that students are not forced into a narrow path from the beginning and instead can discover which areas interest them most. 

Another aspect I find particularly valuable is the balance between theory and practice. The courses are designed to build a solid understanding of fundamental concepts while also allowing students to apply their knowledge through projects and real-world problem-solving. This combination helps students develop both academic depth and practical skills. I also like the breadth of topics available within the programme. Whether a student's interests lie in software systems, data science, artificial intelligence, or other areas of computer science, the programme offers the flexibility to build a learning path that aligns with their goals. 

Have you chosen a specialisation track within the programme? Which track and why?

Over the past few years, I have developed a strong interest in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence through my professional experience, research projects, and self-learning. Building machine learning algorithms from scratch and working on research projects made me realise that I wanted to study these topics at a much deeper level. I am particularly interested in understanding how intelligent systems learn from data and how they can be applied to solve real-world problems. The Data Science track stood out to me because it offers the opportunity to explore areas such as Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and Natural Language Processing in depth. I am especially excited about courses like Machine Learning, Deep Learning in Data Science, Artificial Neural Networks and Deep Architectures, and Language Engineering, as they align closely with my academic interests and long-term career goals. 

The track provides a strong combination of theoretical foundations and practical applications, which is exactly what I was looking for in a master's programme. It will allow me to build expertise in some of the most impactful areas of modern Computer Science while preparing me for future work in AI research and development.

What do you want to do after graduating?

After graduating, I would like to work at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and real-world problem-solving. I am particularly interested in developing intelligent systems that solve meaningful real-world problems and create a positive impact at scale. I also hope to stay connected to research, as I enjoy exploring new ideas and understanding how advances in AI can be translated into practical applications. One of the reasons I chose KTH is its strong connection between academia, industry, and innovation, which I believe provides an excellent environment for pursuing these interests. While I am excited about building a career in AI, I am also open to opportunities in research, entrepreneurship, and technology innovation. My goal is to continue learning, contribute to impactful projects, and work on technologies that improve people's lives.

What would you like to say to students thinking of choosing KTH for master’s studies?

I would encourage students to look beyond rankings and course descriptions and think about the kind of environment in which they want to learn and grow. For me, KTH stood out not only because of its strong academic reputation but also because of its culture of innovation, research opportunities, and support for students. Moving to a new country can feel overwhelming, and it is completely normal to have questions about academics, housing, student life, and future career opportunities. My advice would be to attend webinars, connect with current students, and ask as many questions as possible. These conversations played an important role in helping me make my decision. Most importantly, don't let uncertainty stop you from pursuing opportunities that genuinely excite you. Studying abroad can feel like a big leap, and it is natural to have doubts or questions along the way. In my experience, some of the opportunities that help us grow the most are the ones that initially feel the most intimidating. If KTH feels like the right place for you, don't be afraid to take that step.