Uttaran has a solid academic and professional background in information technology and has always been interested in data science. Encouraged by his friends and family, he decided to pursue a master's degree in Computing at Dublin City University (DCU) to cultivate his passion further. His time at DCU turns out to have offered him more than just academic achievement.
The beginning of a study-abroad dream
Originally from Kolkata, India, Uttaran obtained his bachelor’s degree in Information Technology at Jadavpur University. Upon completing his undergraduate studies, he started a career as a software engineer at LTIMindtree, a multinational IT services and consulting company.
After gaining two years of professional experience, Uttaran was ready to take advantage of his expertise in the tech industry to realise his study abroad dream in Europe.
“I always want to do something with data science and analytics - data analytics has always been my passion. That’s why I opted for my master’s degree,” Uttaran began.
“I wanted to study in Europe because I’ve had many friends studying in Europe, and their experiences were very good. I wanted to study in Ireland because it’s a part of the European Union and it’s the English-speaking capital of the EU. After Brexit, I think Ireland is the most suitable choice for me,”
Uttaran’s friends and family played a vital role in supporting him as he began his study abroad adventure. His father, a teacher, was a prominent source of motivation.
“My family has been constantly supportive throughout my preparation and application process. My father didn’t want me to take a job in the first place. He always wanted me to pursue higher education. So yeah, he was very happy,” said Uttaran.
The research process
Uttaran started his research by speaking with two of his friends, who studied in Germany and Ireland, to understand what to expect from being a student in Europe. He also asked his professors at Jadavpur University for advice and attended webinars organised by various universities, including Dublin City University.
During his research, Uttaran discovered that the master's degree programme in Computing at DCU had a practical approach, with a focus on mathematics and statistics. The course perfectly aligned with Uttaran’s preferred learning style and study goals. Having found the right course for himself, Uttaran decided to apply to DCU.
The application came with challenges, but thanks to his determination and supportive friends, Uttaran overcame the difficulties and submitted his application to DCU.
“Writing the essays and SOP (Statement of Purpose) seemed like a very daunting task. But after talking to my friends and looking up resources online, [I realised] they just wanted me to express myself. So I would say it started difficult writing the essays and SOP, but as I kept doing those and writing loads of stuff, it started to feel fresh,” explains Uttaran.
Preparing for the big move
It didn’t take long for Uttaran to receive the good news he hoped for. After accepting his offer for a master’s degree in Computing from DCU, Uttaran utilised the resources the university provided to help him prepare for his move to Ireland.
Uttaran found the pre-arrival webinars especially helpful. Throughout the five to six online sessions, he learnt everything about the visa and immigration process, on-campus accommodation, what items to bring to Ireland, the easiest way to travel from the airport to the campus, how to travel around Dublin and more. The webinars left him feeling ready for his new life in Ireland.
Settling in
While moving to a new country was exciting, Uttaran felt homesick in his first few weeks in Dublin. Fortunately, Uttaran’s homesickness was compensated by the many unexpected new friendships he found since he arrived at the airport.
“I made friends at the airport - I didn’t even know they were coming to the same university! We went through the immigration process together; we were in the same line and became friends. We haven’t stopped talking since then. It’s easy to make friends if you reach out to people - people here are really friendly. You just have to say hello, and it’s the start of a new friendship,” enthuses Uttaran.
The cultural diversity of the DCU student community has brought Uttaran friends from many different parts of the world.
“I’ve made friends with people from South Africa, Lithuania, Brazil. I’ve even got loads of Irish friends because I’m a part of the DCU Football Club. We play together every week, and obviously, I’ve got a fair share of Indian friends out here, with whom I regularly communicate and talk. I think the diversity here is one major aspect people choosing DCU should be looking forward to,” says Uttaran.
Uttaran settled in smoothly, though it took him some time to get used to the Irish weather. “I come from India, where it’s sunny every day, and here, it’s like the sun comes out once a month,” he says smiling.
Apart from adapting to the Irish weather and making plenty of new friends, Uttaran prides himself on his newly gained independence, “I have to take care of everything. Like, I haven’t been away from home. During my undergraduate years, I commuted from my home so I never had that experience of doing everything [on my own]. But now I’ve got used to this, and it feels like I can achieve anything.”
The academic life
On top of his colourful social life, Uttaran’s academic life has not disappointed him. He noticed a difference in the teaching style between Irish and Indian universities after having his first two lectures, and he very much enjoyed this new learning approach.
“The lecturers help us learn new concepts, but they also tell us how those concepts are being applied to the real world, and they frequently bring their own research into the course. That makes it more exciting to think that we can be a part of that. Back home, it was almost like we were studying just to get marks. But here, we learn new things, and we get to know in what ways they are used in the industry. That’s satisfying and exciting at the same time,” elaborates Uttaran.
Thinking ahead
As for his post-graduation plans, Uttaran is in the middle of deciding between seeking further education and starting a career as a data scientist. Inspired by his father and friends, Uttaran is curious about pursuing a PhD.
At the same time, thanks to his interest in sports, he is also exploring the possibility of becoming a data analyst in the sports industry. He has already spotted a few internship opportunities offered by various sports clubs in Ireland.
To help him make this decision and discover other career options, Uttaran maximises the career support and services available at DCU.
“There’s a Student Development Centre at the university. You can book consultations with them and go to them with your CV. [They will show you] how to improve your LinkedIn profile, how to get more engagement and make connections. They help us with interview preparation as well,” explains Uttaran.
Uttaran has also been attending regular career fairs taking place on campus. They allow him to understand exactly what employers are looking for so that he can tailor his CV to their requirements. In addition, he gets to meet and connect with lots of industry experts.
Uttaran sees himself staying in Ireland for his next steps after graduation, “For the near future, I think this (Ireland) is the perfect place to be because I’ve settled in and there are opportunities available. But at some point, I think I might want to go back home because they (my parents) are getting old.”
Living in the moment
Uttaran is actively planning for his future, but he hasn’t forgotten to live in the moment and make the most of his life at DCU. According to him, making new friends, learning new knowledge and taking part in activities he never thought he would engage in are what excite him the most right now.
Uttaran gives an example, explaining, “I never played Ultimate Frisbee in my life, but one day I saw people playing and they asked me if I wanted to join. I learn new things every day out here, which I'm not sure I would have been able to do back home.”
Tips and advice for those planning to study in Ireland
Uttaran gave some tips and advice to students who are considering studying in Ireland. “First of all, don’t expect the sunny weather back home. It’s not gonna be like that,” he says laughing. “But other than that, you will make so many new friends and I think you should look forward to that.”
He recommended students express themselves thoroughly in their essays, which they are required to submit with their applications. In addition, getting as much help as possible with the visa application process is also something he recommended doing.
Last but not least, Uttaran encouraged everyone to try hiking in Ireland, “The hikes are really, really beautiful. Once you start getting into it, you will want to go hiking every weekend. It’s a good workout that keeps you fresh and healthy, and the views are really magnificent.”
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