What Wesley says about the Master's in Production and Materials Engineering
Wesley from the USA
Could you please tell us a little bit about yourself?
"Hi, my name is Wesley. I am from the United States, California. I am currently living in one of the LU accommodations since I am a fee-paying student. Here at Lund, I enjoy cooking large family-style dinners in my corridor, frequenting the 24-hour local gym Gerdahallen, and learning all that I can about my programme. I am your typical upbeat, optimistic, charismatic Southern California guy and I am darn proud of it. I graduated as a mechanical engineer from San Diego State University and have held several jobs at multiple companies across a wide range of industries before starting the Master’s programme here at Lund."
Why did you leave California to come to Sweden?
"Probably for some of the same reasons that brought you to this web page. Perhaps you fantasise about Scandinavian culture? Maybe you have a specific job in mind and heard about Lund’s incredible reputation? Or you are just looking to scratch a travel itch. Whatever the reason may be, personal or professional, investing in yourself and achieving a Master’s degree is always a good investment. What ultimately inspired me to choose Lund was its inviting college-town atmosphere and how well the curriculum aligned with my aspirations as a manufacturing engineer."
About the programme and the learning environment
How would you describe the programme?
"The Production and Materials Engineering Programme is a culmination of, but not limited to, material science, business sustainability, and social responsibility within the realm of engineering. You will quickly find yourself at the forefront of some incredibly interesting research within these fields. My favourite course so far is Sustainable Production Systems. Namely because of its complexity and intricacy when generating solutions for clients. For some, this could be a frustrating process, but I rather enjoy detective work when it comes to case studies. It also has a direct relationship with today’s geopolitical landscape and can explain many of the happenings across global supply chains and bilateral trade."
What is the learning environment like?
"The teaching style within the programme is split up into four blocks. Within a block, two courses are taught over six weeks, then a one-week break, and lastly either a final project or examination is due. During the course, all resources are well within reach, you simply need to ask ahead of time in order to take advantage of them. Time, tide, and formation wait for no man or woman. Be on top of your schedule, don't spread yourself too thin, and you will perform wonderfully.
The learning environment is focused and serious. You can easily find other people to form study groups within the department’s large hallways, but you can also find quiet corners in some of Lund’s historic libraries. Cafes are never far if you need a quick snack, but the lunch bag culture here is also popular. Around noon both students and professors can be seen gathering at one of the many small kitchens conveniently located throughout campus to heat up their food or just pass the time.
There have been ample opportunities to network within the programme. I have collected business cards from guest lecturers and spoken to recruiters at job fairs. At the moment I am not working with any companies as I have been quite busy during my first year. But now as I start my second year, I plan to reach out to certain companies that have caught my eye and perhaps inquire with them about cooperating with my Master’s thesis."
How “international” is your programme?
"Our programme is incredibly international. This is such a boon considering how globally involved manufacturing engineering is right now. Having the ability to interact and ask questions to my colleagues whose nationalities reach the far corners of the globe is one of the best caveats of this programme. Lund University as a whole also attracts folk from all over, so there will be opportunities to interact with even more cultures and ideas that may or may not be familiar."
What do you think is the most significant difference between studying in Sweden and the United States?
"The biggest difference is that I don't have to take the Graduation Readiness Exam and I end up saving myself quite a bit of money while still earning a Master’s degree in a field of engineering I am quite interested in."
Future plans, social life and advice
Do you have any plans for what you would like to do after your studies?
"Thankfully I have a few options to choose from once I complete my studies. Geographically where I will work and in which industry it will be is uncertain. What I do know is that the role I plan to be in will have more responsibility, and more decision power, and the work I do will be towards a noble cause. Conveniently, as political powers continue to negotiate critical resources, there will be a demand for manufacturing engineers to help build the 'Doughnut Economy' of the future. I have no doubts that with this Master's degree, you too will be able to confidently promote yourself and build the portfolio you desire within the current job market."
Do you have any thoughts or advice for prospective students?
"I would recommend living in Lund over any other option. Be here, be present, and be engaged. This programme is for two years, and it will fly by. I am a firm believer in the immersion theory, which implies that being placed in an uncomfortable or new environment forces you to adapt and learn faster. Innovation doesn’t occur on a treadmill, fail fast and win big. There is so much happening on campus, if you have the choice to live closer why wouldn’t you?
Living in Lund is comfortable, and I do feel welcome here. Just don’t expect to continue living the same way you lived back home. The food you eat, the commute you take, the conversations you have, everything will vary in difference. It is up to you whether to see this as an opportunity or an obstacle. Furthermore, I would argue the challenges of being an international abroad have increased in this post-pandemic world. Nationalism has disseminated into the minds of the majority and certain individuals will prefer to keep to their own ilk. It takes hard work and a persistent attitude to establish meaningful relationships with not only Swedish people but people from all around the world. Thankfully Lund is a melting pot, so there will be plenty of others to relate with and the locals also understand this is primarily a student town.
My best advice for incoming students is to prepare for the darkness over winter. Look out for yourself and those around you. The darkness affects us all and establishing a plan with others ahead of time will help everyone stay positive through the long nights. Eat dinners together, go for walks together, hit the gym together, watch movies together, study together, etc."
Meet our student ambassador Siddhay
Read his testimonial and chat with him via Unibuddy.
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