Hi, I am Eric,
a 22-year-old computer science student at RWTH Aachen University. After an exciting last exchange semester at ETH Zurich, I’m now back in Aachen to finish my bachelor thesis on graph neural networks. Afterward, I am excited to pursue my master's degree in computer science at ETH Zurich. Outside of academia, I enjoy photography and capturing memories with friends. I am passionate about my field of study, and I want to leverage my skills and knowledge in computer science to make a positive impact on the world around me.
What attracted you to apply to the UNITECH programme?
Initially, I was drawn to the UNITECH programme due to its unique combination of academic exchange and internship experience within a single programme. The opportunity to gain both academic and professional experience simultaneously was incredibly appealing to me. Additionally, learning that the programme has been running successfully for over 20 years, even in the face of challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, gave me confidence in its quality and reputation.
What did you enjoy most about your experience in the UNITECH programme, and how has the programme helped prepare you for the next steps in your career?
Participating in the UNITECH programme was an incredible opportunity for personal and professional growth. The programme challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone and interact with inspiring coaches and fellow students with diverse backgrounds. I found this experience to be truly impactful, and it has helped me develop valuable insights into the corporate partners of the programme through various visits and meetings. Through these interactions, I gained a deep understanding of how each corporate partner is uniquely positioned in their respective fields of business. Overall, the UNITECH programme has equipped me with a broader perspective and important skills that will undoubtedly prove valuable as I take the next steps in my career.
What are some of the biggest lessons you've learned in your career so far?
Never stop learning! Throughout my little career, I have learned that the world around us is constantly changing, and it is essential to embrace to never stop learning. By remaining open to new trends and technologies, I have been able to expand my skills and knowledge and keep up with the ever-evolving demands of my study field.
What are some of the biggest trends you see in your industry, and how are you preparing for them?
The increasing use of everyday technology has led to an explosion in data generation, making it more important than ever to handle personal data with care. While data-driven decision models like machine learning are becoming more prevalent in various industries, there is a need for greater awareness of how to handle and prepare this data. Without being cautious and anonymizing the data as much as possible, companies risk sharing the private data of their customers without actually knowing it.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your field?
My advice for newcomers in my field is to not be discouraged by the significance of math. Rather than seeing it as an obstacle, embracing its importance and understanding its impact on areas like efficient communication and problem modeling can be a game changer. Math is a fundamental component in many areas of our field, such as analyzing data and developing algorithms, so it's crucial to take the time to understand it. With patience and persistence, anyone can become proficient in math and succeed in this field.