Nusrat Ferdous is a MSc Artificial Intelligence student.
What is your name and what course do you study, what year are you in, what scholarship did you receive?
I am Nusrat Ferdous, enrolled in the MSc Artificial Intelligence programme at City, University of London, for the academic year 2021-22.
I received the ‘British Council Women in STEM 2021’ scholarship.
What were you doing before you came to study at City?
I was in a teaching position in the department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Institute of Science and Technology (IST), National University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Before that, I got my MS and BSc from the Department of Applied Physics, Electronics and Communication Engineering, University of Dhaka.
What has been your favourite module on the course, and what have you enjoyed most about your time at City?
My favourite module in term-1 was Agent and Multi-Agent Systems, where I learned problem-solving methodologies in a Complex Environment.
Being a student of City, University of London opens up the door to knowledge, culture, and diversity. On the very first day when I stepped into the campus, I was amazed to see people here from different parts of the world, so did not feel strange myself - though it was the first time out of my home.
The campus and the student accommodation are in the centre of London, offering the scope to explore this historic, fascinating city conveniently.
What do you plan to do after you graduate?
After my graduation, I aim to join any research project based on state-of-the-art AI technologies to nurture my gained knowledge and expertise in AI from this program to a greater extent.
What would be your top tip for our applicants?
One’s true interest in any program becomes vivid when one can reflect on the necessity of that program and how one can contribute. AI has applications in almost all sectors in present days, but not always in a straightforward way.
Therefore, one needs to explore the aspects of one’s field and figure out how AI can be utilized. Then proper reflection of these facts in the personal statement would help for a successful application.
What work experience or activities have you taken part in relating to ‘your subject’?
During my teaching period at IST, Dhaka, Bangladesh, I participated in different conferences, seminars, and workshops at the national and international levels.
The conferences organized by OWSD and ICIEV are noteworthy. Besides, I served as the general secretary of the Bangladesh Association of Women Scientists (BAWS) since 2018.
What is one way we can engage other women and girls in STEM from Bangladesh?
To be engaged in STEM, women and girls need to overcome the prejudices about their potential in STEM. In this regard, providing categorical technical training programs addressing the needs of different major economic sectors of Bangladesh can be a fruitful approach.
Trained women graduate in different STEM fields can contribute to designing such training programs.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Being a British Council Scholarship in STEM recipient at City has not only expanded my academic prospect but also has stretched my scope to develop social and co-curricular skills.
Students get excellent support from academics for their studies, and the services from the student centre for other aspects are also admirable.