Gabriel

What made you choose KTH?

Right after I graduated, I started working in São Paulo as an engineer in a very specific area of power engineering. I worked for more than a year and enjoyed it very much, but I started to feel that something was missing.

I always felt that even though I worked with highly technical subjects, I could do more and also help to develop and create new technologies within the power sector. After selecting and passing on some universities, I decided to come to KTH in Sweden to do my master's work.

The high degree of proximity between KTH and industry was in fact one of the main reasons why I chose KTH. It seemed to me that this was the right place to be if I wanted to get more connection with industry and furthermore get my much-desired dream job. The possibility of being closer to industry enabled me to get a summer job in ABB in Västerås, which is where I will also be doing my master's thesis.

Additionally, KTH is consistently ranked among the 20 best universities for electrical engineering, and that really made me want to come here. 

What do you like most about KTH?

It is hard to choose just one thing I like about KTH. There are so many positive sides about the university, the courses, and the university environment in general.

I think what I like the most about KTH, apart from the academic and technical sides, is the people. Everyone is so open and dedicated to helping others that it really makes you feel like you have been in the university for a very long time. Just drop them an email or approach them in the corridors and everyone will be more than happy to help you.

What are your impressions of Stockholm and Sweden?

So far, I have only good impressions about Stockholm and Sweden. The city is very alive and beautiful during all the times of the year. I particularly like the sunny days in autumn, where you can combine a very nice sunny day together with a bit of cold! Also, some people might argue that is too expensive, but if you choose your habits wisely, you can actually have a lot of fun, live well, and not spend a lot!

Regarding Sweden in general, the society is what impressed me the most. Everyone is so respectful and generous towards others and everything works well and is well organised.

After my time here, I really feel a sense of belonging and acceptance. It is indeed a really a good place to live and raise your family.

What is your best memory from your time at KTH so far?

Well, this might sound silly, but so far the best memories I have at KTH specifically are the long days and nights of study in the labs of Q building. Everyone from the master’s programme used to go and still go to those computer labs to study for exams and do projects, and that is where I really strengthened my friendships here in Sweden. I will always cherish those moments full of tension and work but also laughter and companionship with all the good friends I have made at KTH.

Are there any differences between studying at KTH and your home university?

My University back in Brazil was also very technical, but what differs at KTH is the visible proximity that the university has with the real world problems and industry. At KTH, you have the sense that everyone (the master’s students, PhD students, and professors) is working towards solving and addressing the main challenges we are facing right now.

Moreover, the possibility of doing the master’s thesis at a company is something very rare in universities in Brazil. This not only helps the students to get professional experience and network with industry, but also enhances the spirit of collaboration between academia and companies, which results in amazing outcomes for society.

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

Get involved as much as possible and take the most advantage of your time at KTH and Sweden. The university offers so many opportunities and you just have to go after them. Whether you prefer the academic or industry paths, you can find amazing guidance within the university.

Do not hesitate to contact me or talk to professors and PhD students about your aspirations. We are all here to help you settle in and enjoy your time at KTH!

Are you taking part in any student activities?

Yes! During my time here at KTH I also got involved with the IEEE Power & Energy Society as a Student Representative Chair, where we are constantly developing relations between important lecturers/professors from Europe and North America and the students. We have many plans for the near future bringing together the Swedish industry and the master's students from the course as well as PhD students and professors at KTH.

Do you have a dream job after graduating from KTH?

My whole idea about coming to KTH was to reassure my desire to be in the front of development in the power industry and learn even more about it. I have always liked and been very interested in electrical engineering and feel that as a dream job I would like to become an R&D engineer in a company or a researcher in academia in order to be constantly thinking about and developing new solutions in the electric power engineering domain.