Interview with Yashaswini Julapally

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

It is necessary to understand the programme and the school you are choosing, to be sure that this is really where you want to build your career. My advice would be to take your time for your researches: it is important to make the right choice for your future school and program. I would also advise them to visit the campus and their local fairs to get as much information as possible. Eventually try to find the right connection to advise you during the whole procedure and then you will be a lucky one!

Similarly, do not rely 100 % on your school to look for your internship or a company if you wish to go ahead with an apprenticeship during your second year. Same for cost of living: you need to look before you arrive in Sweden! You must have an option, even a short accommodation option is way better than nothing. I would advise them, if possible, to take some Swedish classes before coming as that would be extremely helpful. When you are in Sweden, you have to look into an institute named SFI (Swedish for foreigner). They teach Swedish for free without any costs. You just need to have time, patience and interest to learn.

You can also be part of student organisations at BTH like ESN, they always have some events planned. Every week you can find something to do with other students which helps building a social network. My last advice is to never miss a chance to explore this beautiful country and simultaneously do the right things at the right time, you’ll definitely succeed.

What was the intention to apply for this programme? Why did you choose Sweden?

Sweden was my choice since I was part of a dual degree integrated programme. I got admission at one of the well-known government colleges in India which had a collaboration with BTH. I have a bachelor’s in Computer Science and Engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (India) and I have a master’s degree in Software Engineering from Blekinge Institute of Technology (Sweden). Since my childhood, I always wanted to come to Europe. I chose Sweden because it was a real challenge for me, especially for the language. Most of the students go to English speaking countries, I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and learn a new language.

How would you assess the quality of this programme?

The quality of academics and the excellence of our teachers is something I value as it plays the main role in assessing the quality of this programme. Especially my supervisor, Dr. Deepika Badampudi, is very skilled, helpful and available to her students. BTH also have a high-tech campus. I like the library because computers and books are available to help students in carrying out further research. The program is great and I like that the curriculum not only covers Software Engineering, there is also an option to select subjects with a Computer Science and Telecom background.

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

One of the highlights of my time at BTH are that I got a student scholarship and my work as a student ambassador where I get to support and mentor new students. Right after my graduation I got placed at the Swedish multinational networking and telecommunications company “Ericsson AB”. Currently I am working as a Software Developer at Ericsson, Lund. It is a dream that comes true.

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

It is a challenge that I am still enjoying. I have become so much more independent since I am here. I know how to manage my money and I have become a chef. Never thought before coming here that I would do so much cooking!

Moreover, I can take care and help other foreign students who are coming to Sweden. I know how things work! At school, at the beginning it was difficult to adapt with the classmates as there were tensions in the class. We are only a few students, but several groups were created within us. It was mainly due to our far different backgrounds but in the end after co-working on several projects, a good atmosphere was established in the class.

On an ending note, I would say Sweden is an awesome place to study because it feels like we are part of a little BTH family once we are here building networks even if we don’t know every student on campus.