Exchange Diaries
Ekroop Cheema | Chemistry
Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
What role does a Ms/Ph.D. degree from a prestigious university play in a student’s life?
I would say a brand name plays a significant role in furthering your career. It opens up a lot of opportunities in terms of job prospects. Similar to the role IIT Kharagpur played in me securing a Ph.D., Johns Hopkins would help me while going into a job, after the five years of my Ph.D.
What motivated you to go for a Ph.D.? How difficult was it to manage your preparation along with academics?
I was always inclined towards academics and didn’t want to pursue a corporate job. For my 3rd-year summer internship, I went to Ohio State University where I explored different advanced research areas. This research experience intensified my love for research. Moreover, in the following year, I got an opportunity as a Bose Scholar 2019 to visit the University of Wisconsin, Madison. These two opportunities shaped my interest in research and played a deciding role for me.
Time management is the key to managing preparation alongside academics. It does become hectic. This is due to the fact that every facet requires you to invest time GRE, TOEFL, submission of applications, and Thesis. Therefore, the key aspect is spending time judiciously.
What is the role of Cgpa?
CG plays a fundamental role in pursuing research. Good CG, at least above 8.5, is necessary. A CG of 9+ helps in getting brownie points. This is the first parameter that is used by universities to segregate applicants. Therefore, CGPA plays a very essential role to get through the first round.
What is the application process for John Hopkins University?
I invested my summers in shortlisting the areas in which I wished to go for research and making a database of professors working in my domain. I also got in touch with professors under whom I had already worked. They also guided me with countries that offer the best-in-class research facilities in my area.
How is your university planning to tackle the COVID situation?
My university as well as a lot of others are planning to apply hybrid models. Students are being instructed to complete online courses and the non-native students are being sent back to their home countries.
Does your department matter when applying for a Ph.D.?
Department does play a role. It might be difficult if you are planning to go for research in an unrelated area as the shift is not seen in a positive way. But, this can be defended if you have taken some related subjects as additionals or have the required prerequisite knowledge in that domain. All in all, I would say the department does matter in applying for a Ph.D.
How did IIT KGP benefit you in your journey?
It helped me a lot as it is a brand name that gives an edge during applications. My first internship at Ohio State was funded by KGP alumni. This internship laid my foundation in research that helped me in making my mind on going for research.
What difficulties has the pandemic brought or will bring to the whole process?
The pandemic has delayed the whole process as it has caused problems for the people who were doing their master’s thesis forcing them to defer their admission. It would be difficult for the applicants next year as well, especially since they are missing out on lab work, compulsory internship, and practical knowledge. Apart from this, the universities would be reducing the seats offered due to deferred students and the reduction in funds.
What are your goals after Grad school?
I want to work as a research analyst in a pharmaceutical company or companies like Johnson & Johnson, P&G, etc.