What Sergio Steven says about the Master's in Photonics

Sergio from the USA

What year did you graduate?

"I graduated from the Master’s in Photonics in autumn 2019."

What is your current job and where is it located?

"I’m currently working as the Team leader of the Implementation team for the DPD IP (Digital Pre Distortion Intellectual Property) at Ericsson. I’m based in Lund but I also have a strong connection with the HQ in Stockholm."

How did you find your job and how long did it take?

"I originally started as an Algorithm Developer and through time I was given the opportunity to lead the team. I found my job online but that would be oversimplifying the process. Truly, it all started in one of my courses of advanced optical networks where we had a guest researcher from Ericsson. This was my first contact with the company. After this, I got the opportunity to do my Master’s thesis in Kista, Stockholm, with the research institute of Sweden (RISE) where I worked across the street from the Ericsson HQ. From here, I met multiple people through events and such where I got recommended to apply to some positions. After the interview process, I was able to land my first job at Ericsson in Lund."

Favorite thing about your job?

"Hard to say as I feel intrigued by everything I do, so it doesn’t really feel like I’m working a 9 to 5 ‘’job’’. There is a real value to your contribution and it is also recognised in the organisation. On top of that, we create the future of telecommunications which allows you to see the future of technology, and ultimately, society. I feel very happy and proud to be working in Sweden where the work conditions also allow you to have the freedom and time management that is needed to have a cohesive and fruitful life."

How are you changing the industry or the world (in a large or small way)?

"I work with the production of antenna systems that are used for all types of communication. My work will directly impact the future of communications and the online services that will be available in the future. We are also in the leading edge of 5G and 6G technologies so how we define our ways of working has a big impact on the industry standards."

 What was especially useful about the programme that you use in your everyday work?

"The way of thinking, where I was given the opportunity to get a holistic view of the optical fibre industry – all the way from the detailed analysis of the fundamental physics of a laser and optical fibre – to the commercial impact on deployment and management. This holistic view has allowed me to jump into the industry and learn quickly what other technologies require to be viable for production and implementation"

 What do you miss most from your time at Lund University/LTH (Faculty of Engineering)?

"I miss the student life as well as being able to learn and absorb such a diverse set of information. I still keep in contact with some of my professors because they weren’t just great teachers but also great people. Thus, all in all, I miss the people from Lund, so it is a good thing I’m not far away at all."