Marko
Marko comes from Croatia. He got his bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Oklahoma, USA. Apart from studies, he is a basketball player, and he plays for Akropol BBK in Basketettan, which is the second division of professional basketball in Sweden.
What made you choose KTH?
After 4 years in the US, I decided that it was time to go back home to Europe. Among many options across Europe, I chose to come to Stockholm and get my master’s degree at KTH. There are many reasons why I chose KTH and Stockholm. Here are some of them. I had a clear goal to study in the field of innovation and product development, and KTH is one of the few European universities offering such a programme that is completely taught in English. Additionally, KTH is one of the top-ranked universities in the world. KTH is one of only 20 technical universities ranked in the top 100 universities worldwide. The master's programme is well structured. Furthermore, KTH is known for innovation and its collaboration with industry. Finally, Stockholm is known as the biggest innovation and start-up hub – the “Silicon Valley of Europe. Therefore, there was no better place for me to study than KTH and Stockholm.
What do you like most about KTH?
I really like that KTH invests many resources in innovation and entrepreneurship. Students have the ability to create their start-up and get almost unlimited support from the university. Apart from that, I like that campus is in the city and is easily accessible and close to city attractions.
What are your impressions of Stockholm and Sweden?
Even though English is not their first language, Swedes speak excellent English. Coming to Sweden as a student and not knowing Swedish will not be an issue for you. Everyone speaks English, and as soon as you step here you will realise that Stockholm is a very international city. Stockholm does not have skyscrapers, and despite its big population and circulation of people on a daily basis, you will not experience traffic issues. The city has an excellent metro. There are many outdoor activities, especially during late spring and summer, and parks are abundant, so you basically have the opportunity to get in touch with nature easily in your day-to-day activities. Stockholm has been an outstanding city to live in so far, and I hope that impression gets better with time, as I will be calling it home from now on.
Are there any differences between studying at KTH and your home university?
One of the differences is the campus size and thus the way the campus is structured. In the US, many colleges are suburban or even in remote places. That is why most US colleges have one central campus where academic facilities, faculty, student life, and residential life come together. In contrast, KTH is located in Stockholm City, in the heart of Swedish capital. The typical university life at KTH would therefore include living in the city, taking public transport (or your bike), and being much more independent. Students at KTH are more integrated in the society that surrounds them. In terms of academics, KTH is more focused on sustainability and innovation.
What would you like to say to students thinking of choosing KTH for their master's studies?
By choosing KTH for master's studies, you also chose new identity. You chose to become part of the “Royal Blue” family known for its expertise in the field of studies and passion for environmental and sustainable development in our communities. This is a place that will transform the way you think and work, not just academically, but also professionally. This is the place where you create tight connections with industry that will help you in your future career to hit the road running as an engineer, innovation manger, or whatever you end up doing.
What do you see as the most significant aspects of your programme?
It is definitely the ability to put your knowledge into practice. There are many projects going on. Students are able to learn by doing, and they are very well supported by the KTH professors who add significant value to the programme.
Do you have a dream job after graduating from KTH?
One day I would like to have my own company. That is my dream. That is something that I have dreamed about since I was a kid. I do not know what is it going to be about yet, but I am sure it is going to happen.