Internship at Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) – Tanmay from The LNMIIT, Jaipur
It always seems impossible until it’s done. Tanmay is pursuing Electronics & Communications engineering and shares his wonderful experience of internship days.
Hi everyone, I’m Tanmay Chaturvedi, final year B. Tech. student at The LNM Institute of Information Technology (The LNMIIT), Jaipur. My major is Electronics and Communication Engineering. I did my Summer Internship at Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) in the field of Embedded Systems and Wireless Sensor Network.
It all began with firing several emails to professors all over the world. It was the last week of February, and though it was late to approach for summer internships, I was adamant to give my best shot. Next morning, I didn’t know that finally my offer has arrived and waiting for me as an ‘Unread Mail’. After having an informal Skype session with my to-be supervisor, he offered me my dream internship at Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), along with a cool stipend of 900 SGD (INR ~40k) per month, to cover all my expenses.
I used to see the campus multiple times on its website and every time got I intrigued by its marvellous design. Days passed by, and I landed in Singapore. When I was about to enter the glorious campus for the first time, it felt like a dream come true. I must say that every inch of the SUTD campus was architecturally well crafted, with the fusion of advanced technology and design. And not to forget, its collaboration with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA added cherries and berries on the pie.
Upon reaching, I got introduced to my supervisor’s team members. He gave me a proper workplace. I got a neat workbench, with all the required facilities, a cool big-screen computer, and 24*7 access to pantry. The lab, where I worked, accommodated majorly PhD candidates. My project was to deploy a massive sensors network for Smart City applications.
I worked on the hardware implementation of a scalable MAC layer protocol for Machine to Machine (M2M) communication where I successfully implemented the whole network of different sensors and enabled them to communicate effectively, with Quality of Service as the prime focus. Moreover, it was challenging as there were no previous work documentations or online resources—more of a mental challenge which I had expected.
The best thing I liked about working there was the collaborative environment, fast working attitude and easy availability of project resources. There were no fixed working hours. My professor was a cool and calm person, and always dedicated towards his work. I met him every Thursday for weekly reports, and he’d reply to all emails very quickly. I also remember one instance when I unknowingly spoilt some hardware modules, and my supervisor happily ordered 25 more the next day. Singapore is a place of opportunities, and this is undoubtedly embedded in its culture and eco-system.
As I had a thirst to learn and explore, I went to start-up meets, made new friends and built connections. Our next weekend planning started every Sunday night, when we used to come back tired after 2 days of weekend full of visiting some attractions. Universal Studios Singapore and Sentosa Island are some of the best places where I went and would never forget, especially the thrilling roller coaster rides. Talking about food conditions, it was initially bit difficult to manage being a pure veggie, but gradually I learned cooking through YouTube and my mom which helped me eat whatever I wanted. Good news for all my non-veggie friends – Non-veg is relatively cheap with lots of options.
Now, advice to all the aspiring students who are willing to pursue internships in any organization, India or abroad – Start developing your profile (resume for time being). Not being in IIT/NIT will never reduce your chances, if you do some good projects, or something of your own idea. Your previous work matters a lot! Next, your mailing content also matters. It’s always better to send quality mails to 50 people than sending not so good mails to 500. Spend some time in drafting proper mail, which should align to what professor is interested in, or has some prior work experience. The mail should clearly outline – Small personal introduction, 1 major project and project outcomes/achievements, and how you can contribute to the professor’s work.
Overall, I had a great great experience. My 2.5 months went smoothly and the people of Singapore made my stay truly unforgettable. The whole country was so beautiful and safe that one can spend his entire life without any problems. But not to forget, the place is a bit costly. I wholeheartedly thank Internshala for giving me and everyone this opportunity to share their work experiences, and I wish everyone good luck for their future endeavours.
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