Andreas went on to PhD studies at TU Delft

What made you decide to start studying at KTH?
Knowing that KTH is a well-known school for its quality of education, both in Sweden and abroad, was one of the decisions that made me choose KTH. Originally having started only a Bachelor’s programme, I further knew that, should I change my mind and want to continue studying (which I did), KTH offers ample opportunity to do so, and with a wide range of available master’s programmes, there really is something for everyone.

What do you see as the greatest aspects of your programme?
I see the wide range of possibilities as the greatest aspect of my programme, and that, regardless of the courses you decide on within the programme, there is a market for each specialisation. Another related aspect that I think makes the programme valuable is that several of the specialisations of the programme are rising rapidly in popularity. Whether you are interested in public transport, GIS, logistics, or any of the other specialisation, you are quite likely working with state of the art tools for your chosen field.

What does your current job involve?
I am a PhD student at TU Delft in the Netherlands. My job involves research into the field of urban mobility with the goal of creating models and tools to aid in the decision making process in regards to transport and mobility issues. This is being done both in a western context as well as looking at rapidly growing larger cities, in for example India, where the challenges could prove even more difficult.

How do you use the knowledge and skills you gained during your degree?
Through the courses of my degree, I developed an understanding for, and found out a lot about what was available in my field. I made contacts, discovered interesting topics and realized how much there actually is to the field. Seeing as a lot of my work currently is project based, as well as writing papers, the skills learned doing that has been what is currently the most important for me.

What kind of career opportunities are available in your field?
Previous study mates of mine have started working for companies in the public transport and traffic planning sectors. Transport, mobility, logistics and geovisualisation, these are all very hot topics in the current development of our society and there are a multitude of different working positions.

Five things that you would like to give as advice to students?

• Don’t be afraid to go a little off the beaten path. Take chances! Something that initially seemed minor, but I decided to take a second year course in my first year for instance. In the long run, doing that landed me my master’s thesis, an internship in India, and the job I currently hold.
• Remember your elective are really elective. Have some ECTS to spare? Polish off some old language skills, or why not learn a new one! Take a course at a different faculty to widen your horizons or give you an extra edge. There are so many things you can do at KTH with your electives if you have some to spare that it’s impossible to summarise it all.
• Try to involve yourself internationally. It is good to have a core group of study friends, but try your best to work with different groups in different assignments. KTH offers a great opportunity to work with people from all over the world. Take that chance! Learn about new cultures and how they work, different ways to interact with people, and make lifelong friends!
• Connecting to the previous point, and perhaps more directed towards Swedish students, do try to go for an exchange! Going abroad, even within countries that geographically seem close will definitely broaden your horizons. And don’t be afraid of not making it to your first choice. I have personally yet to encounter someone who hasn’t been happy with their exchange, first choice or not.
• And finally, remember that the student coordinators are on your side, they are not there to just set stamps on your applications for courses to approve of them. They are trained to, and want to help you have your best time at KTH, and make the best of your possibilities and your time while studying. Be sure to make good use of all the help you can get.