Sansidha
With a background in Biotechnology Engineering and five years of experience in IT service-oriented industries, Sansidha loves exploring new places and has a keen interest in museums and history. Driven by her desire to bridge technical expertise with management skills, Sansidha chose KTH for its perfect blend of management and technical courses, aiming to reignite her passion for structured learning and academic exploration.
Why did you choose this master's programme at KTH?
After completing my bachelor's degree, I was eager to enter the workforce and gained valuable experience in various technology service-oriented industries. Over time, I realised that my genuine interest lay in understanding the industry's technical and management aspects. I wanted to bridge the gap between my technical background and my growing interest in management, which led me to explore master's programmes that could offer this blend. KTH's Industrial Management programme immediately caught my attention. The curriculum provides a perfect mix of management and technical courses, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, which is crucial for me. I was also impressed by the university's reputation for research innovation and its connections with various industries and organisations. Another significant factor was the inspiration I drew from interacting with fresh graduates at my previous workplaces. They spoke so passionately about their studies, the exciting assignments, and the academic projects they worked on, which made me realise how much I missed structured learning and academic exploration. This programme at KTH is the perfect opportunity to reignite that passion and expand my knowledge.
How do studies at KTH differ from your previous studies?
The academic environment at KTH differs from what I experienced in India. Back home, the schedule was tight, strongly emphasising theoretical aspects and written exams. The education system was highly structured, with little flexibility in the curriculum. At KTH, the schedule is more flexible, with semesters split into two periods and exams completed for each period. This allows for a more balanced approach to learning and reduces the pressure of having all subject exams at the end of the semester. The assessment methods here are varied, including individual and group assignments, home-based or open book exams, and digital exams, which contrast with the predominantly written exams of my bachelor's programme.
Moreover, there is a significant focus on research-based learning, involving reading various research papers and their discussions, fostering a reflective thinking approach. We are encouraged to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations through various case-analysis, enhancing our understanding and problem-solving skills. The collaborative learning environment, where group work and discussions are integral to the curriculum, is another refreshing change. This approach fosters teamwork and exposes us to diverse perspectives from our peers.
What are some of your favourite courses so far?
One of my favourite courses has been "Business Model Innovation", offered as an elective by the Stockholm School of Entrepreneurship (SSES) at KTH. This course brought together a diverse group of students from top universities in Stockholm, including KTH, Stockholm University, and Karolinska Institute. The course provided a deep dive into business models' theoretical and practical aspects and encouraged us to explore our entrepreneurial spirit. As part of a group assignment, I got the opportunity to lead a diverse team to create and pitch a business model for an innovative venture. Despite challenges such as brainstorming and navigating internal conflicts, we successfully delivered an award-winning pitch. This experience showed me my ability to excel in diverse environments, manage disputes, and provide successful outcomes.
Another course that I thoroughly enjoyed was "Project Management". This course provided a comprehensive understanding of what goes into planning, organising, and leading projects. One of the most exciting assignments was a group project where we were given an event case study and tasked with planning it from scratch. We applied project management skills such as planning the event, organising and allocating resources, setting goals and targets, and creating a detailed timeline. This assignment was particularly enlightening as it required us to integrate various aspects of project management into a cohesive plan. We had to consider risk management, stakeholder engagement, and performance measurement, ensuring that each element aligned with the project objectives. The hands-on experience enhanced my organisational and leadership skills and underscored the importance of meticulous planning and effective teamwork in achieving project success. These courses have significantly contributed to my academic growth and provided me with practical skills that I can apply in my future career.
What do you want to do after graduating?
After graduating, I aim to work in Sweden for a few years, possibly in business analysis and transformation, or management consulting. I am particularly interested in roles that allow me to work across diverse industries and leverage my technical background and management skills. Additionally, I am exploring leadership and project management opportunities, which have recently piqued my interest. I am still discovering my specific fit, but my primary areas of interest would be around these fields. However, I am open to new opportunities and interests that may arise. Eventually, I plan to return to my home country to share my international work experience and apply my learnings there, further enriching my career. There is also a possibility that I might pursue a PhD if I find a research area that captivates me!
What would you like to say to students thinking of choosing KTH for master's studies?
KTH is an excellent choice if you are looking for an international learning experience in a diverse and inclusive environment. The programmes here offer a practical learning approach, incorporating sustainability into the curriculum. Sweden's beautiful landscapes and vibrant student life further enrich the academic experience. You will find yourself studying amidst stunning natural surroundings. Don't hesitate to take the leap: KTH provides a supportive community and endless personal and professional growth opportunities. The faculty, resources, and connections you make here will help you achieve your career goals. One day, you will happily look back and realise that choosing KTH was one of the best decisions you made. Embrace the challenge, forget your apprehensions, and embark on this incredible journey at KTH. You will love it here and create memories that last for a lifetime!