The global work place is changing rapidly and now, more than ever, students have to be highly skilled and dedicated to compete for jobs.
I knew that in order to pursue a career in microelectronics, it was essential that I get a degree at a world-class university that could also give me the valuable work experience that so many students are looking for.
I came across the MSc in Microelectronic Systems at the University of Liverpool, which offered the opportunity to apply for a prestigious ARM scholarship.
The scholarship is exclusive to students in India and includes a four-month internship at the ARM research and development office in Cambridge. ARM also has an office in Bangalore and is recognised all over the world.
I was excited by the thought of studying in the UK, particularly in Liverpool, a city that has a rich history and culture. Its University is associated with nine Nobel laureates and many of its graduates, such as Dr Sanjay Jha, CEO of Motorola and Sir Robin Saxby,
Chairman Emeritus of ARM Holdings, occupy senior positions in multinational companies. Liverpool also has an excellent graduate employability record, with more than 90% of its graduates in jobs or further study. These factors were really important to me, and after being successful in my application for the ARM scholarship, I was sure that the University could offer me the opportunities that I was looking for.
Arriving in the city for the start of term last year, I found that the staff and students were really friendly and welcoming. The University has students from more than 100 countries studying across its degree programmes, but it also has strong links to the city and its culture. Opposite the Engineering building, where I am studying, is the Victoria Building, which inspired the term ‘redbrick university’. Established in 1892, it is home to art and heritage collections acquired by the University throughout its history and is a great place to visit to become familiar with Liverpool’s past and present.
I am living in halls of residence at the University and it has been a fantastic way to meet new people. For most Indian students it will be the first time they have lived by themselves and the experience makes you more responsible and mature. The Halls on campus are a two minute walk from the libraries, the sport centre and the Guild of Students. The Guild is one of the largest in the UK and has lots of clubs and societies that you can join.
There are plenty of opportunities to work on campus as well. When I am not studying I work with the International Recruitment and Relations team as a Student Ambassador.
My role involves talking to students in India who may be considering studying at Liverpool and offering them support and advice once they arrive in the city. It is a job I really enjoy and it gives me the opportunity to meet lots of new people and share my experiences of the University with students in my home country.
During the summer this year I will be moving to Cambridge to start my internship with ARM Ltd. I am really looking forward to working with the research and development team and experiencing a new city in the UK. ARM is a global leader in the semiconductor industry and specialises in the design of technology as part of advanced digital products, such as the chips in mobile phones and home entertainment devices.
I hope that the skills that I acquire here will help me progress to a career in the industry. I would recommend the University of Liverpool to any student in India who is thinking of studying in the UK. It offers a multicultural student experience, with access to world-renowned researchers and state-of-the-art facilities. It has given me the valuable work experience that I need, to start my career, as well as the employability skills to apply for jobs anywhere in the world.
