Shreyasi wants to work within R&D in the antenna industry

Why did you choose KTH?

Sweden has always been the epitome of research and inventions since a very long time. It was during my third Bachelor's degree when I was applying to various schools for interning abroad, I had come across KTH. The impetus for applying further came from the fact that my branch Electrophysics is an amalgamation of three parts i.e. Plasma, Space and Radio. With communication and energy being on the rise world wide, the projects in the department and the profile of the professors along with the plethora of subjects offered had proved to be a strong motivation to apply.

What is your best tip for a new master's student?

My tip for a new master student is to utilize their time very tactfully in grasping new things as well as trying out different projects at the same time. It is only through master's that you will be able to shift and experience new areas of research and get a fair idea about it because later on the time you have given, you will have to chose an area of specialization which will make you streamlined. Mingle with people and professors of different cultures as the learning methods that you have acquired need not be the best and most compatible one at all times. Respect your peers and draw inspiration from their experiences.

What are your impressions of Stockholm and Sweden?

Stockholm is a multicultural city where it is very easy to get adjusted because there is not a single product or food item etc. which I had got in my country is not available here. So missing home, in that perspective is not possible. In terms of nature and beauty, it has bounty and yet being the centre of the country with respect to jobs and trade, there is still space for you to experience and spend time alone with yourself. The roads to walk, the Fika places, the fine multicuisine restaurants, etc. all are easily accessible for you to sit and enjoy the culture of the city. Especially the cruises to various archipelagos and near by countries is a pleasure to experience. The settlement of the Viking ages in the island of Birka, was my best experience so far.

Is there something about life in Stockholm and Sweden that has surprised you?

The social structure and importance of equality has totally surprised me in Sweden. After experiencing a place and culture like this, it is quite impossible by me to accept standards lower than this. It indeed takes a lot of thought and courage to establishes these rules and discipline of the population as well to adhere by them. Moreover the concept of equal basic salary irrespective of job profile, the internet banking digipass system which is protected by two walls, the compactness of certain tools that are used here, has totally surprised me in many nuances. Neverthless, the concept of Fathering, has swoon me off my feet.

Do you have a place in the city that you enjoy spending time at?

Since, I live on campus most of my night, evening or morning walks are in and around this area. The forest behind the KTH Hallen has been my best walk so far. There are better places for sure in the city. But since this is close to home and very few people come here, spending time having lunch, taking a stroll, pondering about the most difficult knots in life, has been there for me. The meandering roads and tall trees with lush green panorama all over makes you feel cocooned from all the fears and hardships that is reality.

Are you taking part in any student activities?

Most of the time, I am busy with the projects in my department and thats how my time flies off. I hardly get time to be involved in student activities but yes have definitely managed to meet many people doing this.

What do you do in your spare time?

I love reading books in the forest that I just mentioned previously. I also love long walks into unknown streets (definitely google maps is my guide). I also make sure, if I am free as well as my friends, we make sure to try out new restaurants and different cuisines. I also love to maintain a journal of my life and my experiences. So when I am free I sit and jot them down. I also love cooking different cuisines and have learnt many new recipes as well.

How do you keep in touch with your family and friends from home?

Keeping touch with family and friends is not at all difficult. Be it WhatsApp, Viber, Skype, Facebook. My family and friends use all of these, so being in touch is not at all difficult. I also sometimes use Comviq Amigos and Lyca to make calls to be in touch with my grandparents. But yes, they too have recently caught up with WhatsApp...

What do you want to do after you have received your degree here at KTH?

I want to work in the R&D of the antenna industry. I definitely harbour a dream to open my own consulting company of Antenna design but before that I do want to experience the different industrial needs and designs of Antenna.

Is there any advice you would like to give others that will live in Stockholm and study at KTH in the future?

Being an expensive city, definitely I have heard myself, my friends all of us complain sometimes about it. The best way out to it, is to learn cooking, know the offers of the week and hunt for cheap places to do your groceries intelligently. As far as being in KTH is concerned, my only advice would be, use the resources given to you to the best possible limit. There is no boundary to what you can achieve and everyone is so helpful that I guess you cannot blame but yourself if you have not achieved anything out of it.