Prajit

What made you choose KTH?

KTH is a highly reputed technical university with esteemed professors and an abundance of research – as was my expectation. It was always my dream to study in one of the top institutes in the world, and I am extremely proud of the fact that I got to be a part of this university. I was curious about Scandinavian culture and languages after reading about Nordic mythology and watching a TV series. As KTH is the best technological university in the north, it was my primary choice. My master's programme, information and network engineering, is a perfect blend of electrical engineering and computer science, and I felt that it was the best fit for me in terms of career prospects and academic interest.

What do you like most about KTH?

What I like most about KTH is that there is a lot of flexibility in terms of choosing courses and that the workload is relatively less compared to my home university because of the study period system here. The professors are very friendly and approachable, and sitting in their lectures is a thing I feel very proud about. As an international student, the entire support system of the professors, the student union, and the programme co-ordinators makes one feel at home.

What are your impressions of Stockholm and Sweden?

What I like the most about Sweden is the relaxed pace of life. There is no hurry, and probably that is the reason why it is one of the happiest countries in the world. On the weekend, everyone spends time with their family and loved ones and engage themselves in interesting activities, and this is something that I felt is missing in my home country where the corporate culture makes life hectic.

As for Stockholm, I’m proud to say that it is indeed my new home! I’ve been to many cities in Europe, but it is only when I touch down at Stockholm that I feel truly happy. The lush greenery, the crystal clear water, and the beautiful islands make it an amazing city with a lot to offer. The most impressive thing about Stockholm in daily life that I experienced is its efficient public transport system that makes it easy to plan your day out.

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

I would say that the Osqvik camp organised by the student union when I first arrived at KTH is the best memory of my time here. In fact, all the welcome events organised by KTH and the student union were fantastic and made all the new students feel at home. Osqvik in particular is unforgettable because it was my dream to go on a trip to a cabin in the woods, a famous Scandinavian tradition. That was when I first began to explore and appreciate the pristine nature and pure air of Sweden. Another great memory was the first snow-day of the winter of 2018.

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

The study period system is the most important difference that I experienced. Having to study only two subjects in a study period reduced the workload and allowed me to concentrate more on the subjects individually. The curriculum is more suited to equip one with practical knowledge, and the exams are not based on remembering facts. In terms of jobs, in my home university there was a system where companies visited the campuses to hire students. Here, the onus is on us to create a professional network by interacting with more companies. However, KTH does organise a lot of events in which companies take part so that is a wonderful opportunity for students to gain knowledge and create a lot of professional contacts.

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

I would like to tell them that it would one of the best decisions they would make in their lives. KTH changed my life, and in a very positive way. It is a difficult decision to move to a foreign land for studies, leaving your family behind. However I would say that it is worth it because a degree from KTH is a very coveted article, strongly improving one’s career prospects. I felt at home here every day, and I’m sure that it would be the same for the new students. Being part of this organisation itself is an honour, so apply soon to join the elite club!

What do you see as the most significant aspects of your programme?

My programme of information and network engineering is a rather broad one by definition because it has four tracks ranging from communication engineering to networking, multimedia signal processing, and information engineering. The common aspect however is that the courses are mathematically intensive and really prepare one for a PhD. There is a lot of research potential in the courses, and the field of ICT always has a lot of demand when it comes to searching for jobs as well. I believe that it is a challenging programme, but it is worth taking because of the amazing growth potential for the future.

Are you taking part in any student activities?

Yes, I am currently the student representative for my programme. Apart from that I am also part of a corporate student programme called the Future Talent programme, which is an 18-month programme involving workshops, mentoring, organising an event, and possibly a master thesis. There are various student activities organised at the chapter level and the student union level for students who are interested. My advice would be to also look out for corporate student programmes because they can help one get good corporate contacts and increase one’s job prospects.

Do you have a dream job after graduating from KTH?

I plan to work in the field of artificial intelligence after my graduation. Although it may be rather difficult to achieve, my dream is to work at Google some day.

What dreams do you have for the future?

It is difficult to predict the future, but my plan as of now is to work for some time and then decide whether I want to pursue a PhD or not. I wish to actively work in creating ground-breaking AI algorithms and systems that can help in the progress of society and yet be ethical and compassionate.