Shashank
Shashank comes from India. Before coming to Sweden, he completed his bachelor studies in Computer Science, and he joined Goldman Sachs as an Analyst. In his free time, he likes playing video games, bouldering, playing techno music, and learning languages.
Why did you choose this master’s Programme at KTH?
I had always wanted to get my master’s degree, so when the time came to sit down and look for universities and programmes, KTH stood apart in every dimension – from the breadth they offer in their master’s programmes to the flexibility to pick and choose your tracks and pave the path for “your” perfect Master’s.
Have you chosen a specialisation track within the programme? If Yes, which way and why?
Yes, I chose the Interaction design track within the Computer Science programme because I realised that it was the one area of computer science I had yet to explore. This was my chance to study it academically and see if it was for me. It was also because of my interest in the Human-Computer Interaction paradigm that made this the appropriate choice. I am gaining different perspectives on using design in computer science, which is equally important as developing good software.
What are some of your favourite courses so far?
Two courses instantly popped into my head when I saw this question, Artificial Intelligence and Information Visualization. The Artificial Intelligence course is taken in period 2 of the first year and offers the right balance of depth and breadth in the content of the course. The programming assignments are fun and extremely rewarding to witness when you figure out the solution. The Information Visualization course is an "experience," the professor goes above and beyond to engage students and show them why the various visualisation concepts are more important than just stating them. The assignments are enjoyable, and you end the course by developing a full-blown visualisation project that you present to the rest of the class. I had too much fun in the system.
How do studies at KTH differ from your previous studies?
My previous university followed a traditional structure in that every course you took had “similar” evaluation patterns and finals. This was the first difference I noticed. At KTH, courses may have exams at the end or require you to deliver a project or a report. It depends on the course responsible and what they feel is best to achieve the course outcomes. Another aspect of my studies here at KTH that differs from my previous university is the emphasis on collaborative work. This is especially important to learn how to conduct oneself in a team and work toward a common goal—collaborating to work on assignments led to numerous networking opportunities and friendships.
What would you like to say to students considering KTH for Master’s studies?
As Nike puts it, Just. Do. It. KTH offers so much more than world-class academics: from a vivid and striving student life to access to a tech haven like Stockholm. I have felt at home from the first day, and it only improves daily.