Interview with Narra Vivek Reddy (alumnus Master’s programme in Software Engineering)

What was the intention to apply for this programme?

The intention to learn, practice and implement new methods and technologies drive my decision to choose this programme. I have always since my childhood been attracted towards the growing technology and its perks. I believed that achieving the goal to reach a reputable position in the software Industry would be greatly aided through this programme. It was my first steppingstone to create a successful path towards a fruitful career.

How much was your programme connected to projects and work in the industry?

It is with a very good first-hand experience that I share this fact where the students at BTH have a comprehensive insight and collaborative projects with the industry. We were always encouraged to approach with any new interest found or propose new ideas which had the exposure into the real time industrial problems. I personally remember contributing to few open source projects as part of my Courses taken in BTH which add to my better accomplishments.

How would you assess the quality of this programme and how did it affect your career path?

Any student trying to figure out a proper path stumbles upon various challenges and problems. I think conducting regular workshops, hands on exercises and more importantly the support provided by the faculty were always the icebreakers enabling me to go out there and do my thing. I would also add the endless follow up meetings, student friendly campus and events where I would either participate, volunteer or just hangout to the list of things that have supported my Career.

Did the programme help you to develop all the needed skills for your career?

In my opinion, I have learned to take up new challenges and work hard to complete the task which is a good trait I picked up. This programme has helped me recognize and embed various technical and professional skills which have paved my way to land a Job at INFOR.  The teachers, especially my thesis supervisor Dr. Deepika Badampudi has been a strong pillar in guiding me to become a better student and industry generalist. I believe that the programme has a lot of unknown and unseen advantages to offer to different kinds of students based on their growth.

Please describe how the programme led to your chosen career?

I got into a multinational enterprise software company as an associate software developer. During my study life, most of the times I used to wonder about different paths I could get into and used to brainstorm which career opportunity would help me continuously learn and grow as an individual. The curriculum and structure of this programme has been a good influence over me to assess which skills and technologies should I be concentrating on and helped me choose a right start to my career. The teachers and other faculty members at BTH also have always tried to their best to support and encourage me at different points of time. Student fairs conducted periodically exposed me to the industry experts and allowed to engage in other competitions to eventually test my skills and learn more. I could also stress my experience about my Master thesis which significantly helped choose a specialization.

What is your highlight so far? What happened after your graduation?

I was awarded the student scholarship which I must acknowledge has been one of the best highlights. Secondly, I always wanted to do an Industrial Thesis which I did with all the support from my thesis supervisor Dr. Deepika badampudi. Towards the end of my Master Thesis I had already started applying for Jobs in Sweden. It is with gratitude and hard work when I share that I landed a Job at an industry leading multinational enterprise software company INFOR, which I consider to be one of many to come great accomplishments. It was right after I had finished my Master thesis at BTH when I got selected for the job of associate software developer. There was a brief amount of time in-between for me to breathe and look upon different opportunities and make a decision. I think every student should be able to plan how their career life should be after graduation which will be useful and give motivation to work hard.

How did you experience your student life and the student environment at BTH?

I have always tried to explore new places and new cultures. My life at BTH introduced me to a diverse and friendly environment within the campus. I have learned to be more decisive and independent in my life after coming here. I must appreciate myself to become more managing, organized and punctual when I started the course work at the university. I became more proficient in cooking and other household chores. I also had a lot of fun in the student parties, gatherings where I made a bunch of new friends. University projects and courses helped all of us with different backgrounds and cultures to collaborate and make great connections which will last a lifetime. I have come to love the Swede way of living and appreciate their humble nature which can be experienced at BTH. I was also intrigued on how advanced the University library and Computer labs were with the newly introduced Ericsson space. Of course, I cannot forget the scenic view of the Baltic sea right infront of the University which is more beautiful in summer. In the end I had a splendid and fortunate chance of experiencing all this at BTH which aided the growth of my personality and life in a lot of ways.

What tips and advice would you give everyone interested in this programme and/or studying at BTH?

Where do you see yourself in 5 Years? What is your great goal? How would you like to live your life?. These are few questions One has to ask him/her self . There is no textbook method which dictates the path of your future. My advice to all the students applying to this programme is that work hard and always find ways to inspire yourself to achieve good things. Please take advantage of every small detail that you find or experience through this programme. I would also stress on the fact to make new friends, acquaintances and build a good social network when you are in the prime of your student life. Keep yourself active by attending as many events, gatherings, workshops and student fairs to grow your knowledge over the current industrial problems and pursue any research opportunities. Find a mentor/connection who could suggest and guide you in a good path. Try to be more independent in finding any kind of internships or working in at a company for your Master thesis or pursuing a job. You should acknowledge that BTH is a medium through which you will reach different destinations and it is up to you on how to shape it. I would encourage you to sign up for volunteering and other social activities to build your personality which will of course be a great addition to your profile. I have tried to challenge myself with something new every 3-4 months during my education at BTH, I would suggest if anyone is interested can also do it. Take up Swedish language at the university or SFI which will aide in the your communication in the long run. A nice tip towards the living situation could be to find good accommodations in advance before you arrive to Sweden or any place .Do not try to distract yourself with part time jobs or other things. Finally Live healthy and have a fun filled enriching student life at BTH.