Aniruddh
Aniruddh is from India. With a BSc in Automotive Design Engineering from the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, and two years of work experience as a Design Engineer, Aniruddh's passion for motorsports and hands-on hobbies like 1:8 scale nitro buggy racing and sketching fuels his academic journey.
Why did you choose this master's programme at KTH?
I have always been immensely curious about the functionality of things and how processes occur, which ultimately drove my life towards engineering. During my bachelor's programme, internships and work experience, I delved into design projects and realised the depth of design engineering, the industrial setting, and a personal need for up-skilling. While searching for the best universities globally, I came across KTH. I wanted my university choice for master's study to be excellent. KTH was highly ranked and offered a programme that perfectly matched my aspirations. The course content and academic culture were everything that I hoped for and more. Ultimately, after interacting with the ambassadors and other students taking the same programme, I was reassured that KTH and the programme perfectly fit me.
What are the best aspects of your programme?
The kick-off event for my programme was an exciting "build a cart and race" competition! That's the best way my journey at KTH could have started. We were divided into groups and given resources to build a cart and snacks to last for the day. We were expected to design and fabricate a cart with basically zero instructions. It was a very hands-on, straightforward, and impromptu design challenge that proved to be exhilarating and a fantastic way to make friends!
One of the best aspects of my programme is how everything revolves around engineering design, ranging from fun activities to project courses. We gain a comprehensive understanding of design language principles and engineering fundamentals from different perspectives, which sharpens our design thinking.
Another phenomenal advantage of taking this programme is the industrial collaboration. The project courses are in partnership with companies and involve working in groups towards a collective goal. I got the opportunity to work closely with Ericsson and SL on different projects, engage with industrial experts, and learn a lot from my course mentors. This real-time application of learnt skills and attention to detail enhances our learning process holistically.
Have you chosen a specialisation track within the programme? If Yes, which track and why?
I was presented with two tracks: Machine Design and Mechatronics. I chose Machine Design as it aligned well with my work experience and what I wanted to learn during my master's programme. I wish to up-skill myself with knowledge of component purpose, probabilistic design, machine dynamics, and eco-design, focusing on circular economy. This track offered the best-suited courses for my goals. Going through the course offerings and their respective syllabi in Machine Design, this was an easy choice for me.
What are some of your favourite courses so far?
Some of my favourite courses have been Machine Design (MF2101), Machine Dynamics (MF2068), Tribology (MF2018) and Machine Design Advanced Course (MF2076).
Machine Design (MF2101) taught me the nitty-gritty of machine design principles. The assignments and lectures helped solidify my foundation in mechanics, theory of machines, dynamics of machines and strength of materials.
In Machine Dynamics (MF2068), we delved deep into vibrations and how cyclic forces or displacement affect physical components or machines. We jumped headfirst into rigorous MATLAB use, which was difficult at first but became a useful tool as we learned how to use it.
The Tribology (MF2018) course was particularly fascinating, as we conducted many contact tactile studies. This course shed light on the ubiquitous yet complex nature of tribological contacts, such as asperity profiles, friction, and wear. Learning about these overlooked aspects greatly enhanced my understanding of engineering.
Most recently, I took the Machine Design Advanced Course (MF2076), where I worked on a problem statement provided by Ericsson based on some of their products. I dived deep into the fundamentals of the design process, collaborating with company experts and receiving guidance from university professors. It was a very rounded and healthy learning experience, demonstrating the importance of engineering design and how the slightest changes in the design of a single piece of equipment could lead to massive benefits for a company.
How would you describe your time at KTH so far?
My time here at KTH has been enriching. The study experience can be challenging and require much effort, but how is it fun, if not a bit demanding? These challenges have been instrumental in fostering my growth.
KTH has been very welcoming. The professors and all mentors have been accommodating in my learning journey. Furthermore, integrating into the student community was seamless, and I made many connections with talented peers from classes, clubs and teams. Attending numerous career fairs, workshops, seminars, company introductions, and student meets on the campus has been very insightful academically and professionally. Also, the career support at KTH helped me improve my CV, increase my marketability, navigate job searches and engage with recruiters. This guidance was reassuring, addressing a few of my primary concerns as a student.
Beyond academics and career development, the social scene at KTH is also very vibrant. Events such as parties at the student chapter pub, watching F1 on race weekends, free fikas, game nights, movie nights, sports activities, and hikes are stimulating and have offered me plenty of fun and relaxation.
In this one adventurous year at KTH, I have received invaluable support in finding my feet here in a new environment. This journey has been enriching in all spectra, and I am ecstatic that I chose KTH as my alma mater.