Sina Sharif Mansouri from Iran studied the Master’s degree program “Automation and Robotics” at TU Dortmund University from 2012 to 2014. In this interview, he speaks about his time at TU Dortmund University, why the library is his preferred put on school, and how coming to Dortmund altered his life.
How did your studies shape your life and profession path?
After I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering in Teheran, Iran, I looked for my Master’s degree program in 2012. I got offers from Germany, Norway, U.S.A. and Italy and then decided to come to Germany, since it is a capital of market with world-leading companies. At TU Dortmund University, I studied Automation and Robotics and particularly liked the courses taught by Prof. Sebastian Engell and Prof. Frank Hoffmann. I think Germany was a trigger point; a place that assisted me to kick-start my career. In November 2021, I started my task as a research and advancement engineer at Scania, dealing with self-governing options for Scania trucks and buses. I do not believe I would have the same opportunities if I had studied somewhere else.
Beyond that, staying in Dortmund was my first multicultural experience and I learnt more about different people from different nations and cultures. I made lots of good friends, we are still in contact, and it is fun to see how the professions of various people go.
Throughout my time in Dortmund, my life likewise altered due to the fact that I met my fiancée. She started her Master’s degree program in Dortmund in 2013 and we have actually been together since. We’ve been wed for over 2 years now and our kid is now one year old.
Do you still have connections to Dortmund?
After I completed my Master in 2014, I moved to Sweden to start my PhD. 2 years later on, I participated in TU Dortmund’s International Alumni Reunion for alumni from the degree programs “Process Systems Engineering” and “Automation and Robotics”, where I fulfilled buddies and our professors. At the reunion I reconnected with great deals of other graduates again, specifically on an expert level. It was good to see that some of them are operating in extremely similar fields. There were also supporting networking events– and while I never had the chance to check out the BVB stadium during my studies, I finally managed to go there during the reunion. What surprised you at the start of your research studies or was entirely unexpected?
Something I discovered throughout that time and still sticks with me is to take notice of details– particularly when it pertains to presentations, because my teachers discovered even the tiniest errors. Apart from that, I was amazed that the courses are extremely lined up with the industry’s requirements.
It was a brand-new experience to do group tasks with about 10 people. Back in Iran, we likewise did group work, however with about two to three trainees. For that reason, I learned a lot about collaborations in smaller sub-teams however also in a bigger group.
One thing that was difficult for me were German exams since your time was restricted, which was not the case at my previous university. In Germany you need to be well-prepared and fix it in a short time, otherwise you can fail the examination.
Do you have an extremely special memory of your time at university?
With my old pals, I actually like to talk about our ritual to go to the snack bar for a break– sometimes with about 10 individuals. We had our coffee there, relaxed and did not talk about studies for fifteen minutes.
Which is or was your preferred place on campus and why?
I believe my preferred location was the library, because it was peaceful and you could focus. We always went there to study; for time-outs and for discussions, we were going down to the very first floor, put our laptops in the lockers and sat at the round tables near the entrance– it was enjoyable. For talking and having a pizza together, we likewise liked the “Sonnendeck” (today: food fakultät). In general, I believe me and my buddies spent a great deal of time in the library.
What would be your supreme idea for new trainees today?
I believe the supreme recommendations is to discover German as excellent as you can. It is not simply that life is getting easier; it in fact opens you more doors for you at the end of the day since you will get more connections. As a trainee, you can learn languages a lot easier than during your work life due to the fact that you are a lot more flexible with your schedule and to dos– when you discover a job it is much more difficult to find correct time for language.
Another feature of housing: When I remained in Iran, I wished to have a one-room apartment and have my personal privacy. In Dortmund, I resided in a home with 3 other people, which I thought I did not like in the beginning– however at the end of the day, it was a good idea because I ended up being good friends with my roomies, they taught me new things and in some cases we talked for hours.
Additionally, simply enjoy and trust the educational system, pick your path (for me it was Automation and Robotics), and follow it.
German Variation
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