"We have highly cited professors teaching us"
Shabna Siraj Mohamed Sirajudeen is from Chennai, India. She has a bachelors degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering and worked with Tech Mahindra Pvt limited for almost six years before she decided to enroll for her masters degree.
Why did you chose to study at the Master Programme in Computer Science and Engineering – specialization in Distributed Cloud Systems?
– I started my networking career in Tech Mahindra with AT&T as my first client and worked with Layer 3 protocols. I learnt in depth about all the actual functions of the networking protocols while working for AT&T. The inter connection, management and maintenance of networks helped me to get acquainted with the subject of Networking at high levels. Having acquired reasonable knowledge after completing a course in CCNA I explored an advanced knowledge in Computer Networking. After working for a year with AT&T, I got an opportunity to work with Cisco, a pioneer in Information technology. My following years were the most experimenting and challenging phase of my career, where I worked for Cisco and involved in testing the world's fastest DHCP servers. I was also introduced to cloud computing during these years. I found this field to be fascinating and I had learnt how to optimize the use of shared network resources using the cloud. Researching about cloud fascinated me, and thats when i decided to get a masters degree in Distributed Cloud Systems.
What is the most fun about your programme?
– It's fun to study subjects with insights related to contemporary applications in the field rather than learning concepts based on outdated examples. Everyday someone invents a new technology and it is fun to discuss and debate about the current research trends.
What is the most challenging?
– Unlike traditional universities, the system of education here helps you keep track of your progress every day and keeps you on your toes. While this is really helpful to hone your skills in a short time, it takes good time management to digress to explore and experiment different possibilities in the field.
What is it like to study at Luleå University of Technology?
– Studying at the university's Skellefteå campus feels good. I can get in touch with students and professors with so much ease. Hence, it feels like a community rather than an institution, which I reckon, is helpful to pool in ideas and co-create wonderful things.
Why would you recommend this programme to someone else?
– Courses like Internet of things, Cloud Services, Mobile IP Networks are compelling and are research oriented. You learn about new technologies everyday and get to interact with researchers who work on these technologies on daily basis.
What do you want to work with after you finish the programme?
– When I complete my masters, I want to possess an in-depth knowledge on cloud computing, Internet of things and software defined networking. I intend to do a PhD after my master's degree and to pursue a research career. Eventually, I aim to start a think tank that will use its expertise in computer science domain to contribute to social development by addressing the region-specific problems in developing countries.
Do you have any advice to someone who wants to study the Master Program in Computer Science and Engineering – specialization in Distributed Cloud Systems?
– If you are interested in Cloud Computing, Software Defined Networks, Named data Networking and Internet of things, then this course is definitely tailor made for you. We have highly cited professors teaching us who research in these technologies. All I would recommend are the motivation to learn, interest in the field and good time management, oh and the obligatory Fika!