Mahidhar Krishna Marisetty is an MSc Software Engineering with Cloud Computing student.
What motivated you to pursue postgraduate study?
After engineering, I came to the crossroads of my career where I decided to take the path to follow my heart and opt for a specialization in Cloud Computing. The use of Cloud Computing has grown significantly in the past decade and has proven to be one of the fastest-growing sectors with good career prospects.
Hence, I wish to nourish my passion with relevant skills that would help me to embark on a better career path. These thoughts led my research into pursuing a master's degree in a challenging environment that brings out my creativity and competitive spirit.
What were you doing before applying for a postgraduate degree?
I was doing by bachelors in Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE). I did my bachelors in Hyderabad, India. While engineering has been a repertoire of independent learnings from various aspects, I made sure to cover academic and extracurricular learning through various events conducted on our campus. I've learned to do this from my school days as an active NCC cadet.
I was also elected as a School People's leader during my 10th standard due to my outstanding performance at school. And, at the college level, I was selected as a Vice President of the Electronics Club and organized several events and workshops.
I love dancing and took an active part in Pulse, our college’s biggest fest. I conducted and participated in Blood Donation camps of the Red Cross Society just to add to the list. The learning experiences at my engineering college enhanced my presentation, analytical, communication skills, ability to solve problems and provided a conducive environment to nurture my confidence, dedication, and determination.
I also developed a good working knowledge on C language, Object oriented Programming concepts using Java along with a basic knowledge on SQL, Python and networking through my projects and training courses.
Were there any challenges affecting your decision to study a postgraduate degree? If so, how did you overcome them?
I wouldn’t say that my path to a master's here at City was very smooth. I had to face a lot of hurdles throughout. I was impacted by the pandemic and my parents were not at all willing to send me. There was a bit of a financial crisis in our family as well. In addition to all these, my family were going through a lot of stress as my grandparents as well as my mother's health were bad at that time.
In spite of all these, my determination was so strong and I was sure that I needed to pursue my postgraduate degree no matter what it would take. I would say that it was my sheer will and determination that drove me here. I never gave up.
Why did you choose City?
After a lot of research, I came across the courses at City, University of London, where all my requirements were met. City offers a comprehensive course program that is particularly suitable for students transitioning from branches other than computer science. The facilities and services of the university promised to provide international students with a strong basis for their future endeavours.
Adding to that, guest lectures from industry leaders and volunteering opportunities in the local communities to gain real-time insights and technical skills were a huge bonus. Besides, the course curriculum, based on my observation, seemed to be tailor made for industry needs. Also, the internship opportunities provided by the university and networking groups of university students were good incentives and compelled me to choose this course at City.
How are you funding your studies – did you secure any financial support such as a scholarship or bursary?
My father is supporting me financially for my master's degree. I also attained a scholarship of £2,000 for my course.
How are you finding studying in the UK?
I would say that my experience has been good so far. London is my dream city - I am excited every time I step out. I find the academic curriculum a bit challenging due to time constraints, but overall, I am satisfied with my course.
The academic experience is completely contrasting with my academic experience in India. The way we used to study, the way exams are conducted, the way they are evaluated, everything is totally different. Yet, I find UK's regulations more practical-oriented rather than just theoretical. I love this way of approaching a topic.
What does a typical week at university look like for you?
My typical week is very normal. This semester, I have classes on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Tuesday would be very hectic as I have two classes and two labs continuously. During the rest of the week, I spent my time reading the subject, watching movies or going out occasionally. I haven’t had the opportunity to explore a lot of extracurricular activities as of now. Being an introvert, I don't often go to social places and all. I would say that I keep myself hooked to my subjects or movies or travel.
What has been your favourite module or aspect of your course so far?
I loved the Cloud Computing Module. This module played a key role for me while deciding which university to choose.
What knowledge and skills has your course helped you develop?
My knowledge in cloud computing, big data, and project management has improved a lot. I got exposed to a different perspective of databases and Unified Modeling Language (UML). In addition to these academic skills, I have improved my communication skills and presentation skills a lot. Though I had previous experience of hosting many events and giving presentations, I always used to feel sceptical about my language and body language; City has helped me a lot in overcoming those fears.
What opportunities and experiences has City offered you so far?
I have been able to get involved with several student clubs and organizations, which has helped me to build my leadership skills and expand my network. I have been able to participate in community service activities through these groups. I have also been able to attend a number of guest lectures and workshops that have exposed me to new ideas and helped me to broaden my perspective. These events have been both informative and inspiring. The way City helped me in my career building starting from my resume correction to helping me in searching my internship – this has been is most helpful.
What are your career plans and how has City prepared you for them?
Down the line, in the next five years, my aim is to work as a Software Developer or Software Consultant. I would possibly like to work in some reputed companies like Google or Amazon which would provide me with a healthy environment and provide me ample scope to get involved in a challenging role solving complex technological problems.
However, my current goal is to get educated under the university's elite platform and engage with like-minded people, assist professors in teaching, host and participate in hackathons, devthons, and other tech events. These activities will help me become more social and upbring the confidence to tackle professional and personal barriers in the long run.
What advice would you give to someone considering a postgraduate degree?
If you're considering pursuing a postgraduate degree, here are some tips to help you make an informed decision. Firstly, identify your career goals - before pursuing a postgraduate degree, it's essential to identify your career goals and how a postgraduate degree can help you achieve them. Consider the career path you want to pursue and the skills, knowledge, and credentials you need to succeed in that field.
Next, research the program and institution - take the time to research the postgraduate programmes that interest you and the institutions offering them. Look for information about the programme's curriculum, faculty, research opportunities, and student support services. You can also check rankings, reviews, and feedback from alumni.
Consider the cost - postgraduate programs can be expensive, so it's important to consider the cost and determine how you will finance your education. Look for scholarships, grants, fellowships, and other funding options to help you cover the cost of tuition, books, and living expenses.
Evaluate your readiness - pursuing a postgraduate degree requires a significant commitment of time, effort, and resources. Evaluate your readiness for the challenges of postgraduate study and consider factors such as your work experience, academic background, and personal circumstances.
Finally, seek advice and support - talk to current students, alumni, and faculty members in the programme you're interested in to gain a better understanding of what to expect. Seek advice and support from friends, family, and professionals who have experience in your field of interest.
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