“Politecnico opened for me a world of possibilities. The opportunities to get involved in academic and working environments, different per methods and culture, are infinite: to take them it’s on you!”
Why did you decide to study mechanical engineering at Politecnico di Milano?
I decided to enrol in POLIMI to continue studying scientific subjects, which I had already started by choosing a secondary school focusing on math and physics. Thanks to my school choice, I took and easily passed the TOL when attending my 4th year.
Have you always known you were going to continue studying after getting your Bachelor? Was it any close to what you believed your dream job would be?
I always have. Never doubted about enrolling in the Postgraduate Programme nor my desire to join a PhD Programme. As a child, when I got asked “What is your dream job?” my answer was “I want to be a scientist!”. Even though I am not one already, I can absolutely tell that my academic career led me to the research world. As a matter of fact, I am beyond happy with what I learned at POIMI, both professionally and personally, aware of the value of all acquired knowledge.
How did you choose your specialisation track? And how did you know it was the right one for you?
Math has always been my greatest passion. Choosing Mechatronics and Robotics allowed me to pursue my passion. Moreover, when you’re passionate about something, even difficulties seem less a problem, and facing them turns out easier than it might be when working in fields you’re less interested in. Honestly, when making the decision, how easy it was for me to pass some courses more than others was crucial.
At what moment did you realise that studying Mechanical Engineering at Politecnico di Milano meant the chance for an international path?
I joined the presentation events of the mobility programmes held by the Student Exchange Programme Coordinator, and I realised I had the world at hand, literally. I remember that year the Alliance4Tech was presented for the first time ever: a medium-term mobility programme to study at two different Universities – in Paris and Berlin. I took my chances and submitted my application. Regardless of the technical problems, in the end, I was selected. It was by far the most rewarding result of my career. It was just the beginning. After two terms spent at TU Berlin and Centrale Supélec in Paris, I also applied to write my thesis abroad, precisely in Los Angels, where I was lucky enough to work in a NASA lab. Moreover, before getting my Master’s Degree, I took part in a three-week Summer School at Xi’an, China.
What are you doing now?
I am currently doing my PhD at the University of Eindhoven, Netherlands. I met my supervisor in LA just while I was writing my Master’s Thesis.
What’s your piece of advice for those who want to study Mechanical Engineering at Politecnico di Milano?
I won’t deny it: studying at POLIMI is hard. However, if willing to take them, the University offers tons of opportunities, not just after graduation. Politecnico opened for me a world of possibilities and, consequently, gave me the opportunity to get involved in academic and working environments, different by methods and culture. My advice: don’t let them slip away.
Find out more about the Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering.