Exchange Diaries
Neelakash Biswas | Aerospace Engineering
PhD in Multiscale Interactions in a Windturbine Wake, Imperial College London, UK
From where did you get the motivation? How did it all start? How did you handle your preparation along with your academics?
It isn't true that everyone wants to go for placement. Many have research ambitions. Over time, motivation for some dies out, while for some others, it remains intact. The aforesaid depends on various factors - for me, it was an Internship I did in 2nd year at IIT Kanpur under a profoundly motivating professor. It helped me identify my research aptitude and discover research areas that would not have otherwise happened through only academic courses. I continued the work with a professor of the AE Dept. IITKGP. The presence of such a professor proves to be of immense help. Such a continuous flow of support is needed to keep up the love for the subject.
One's interest makes oneself learn to manage. Having a lot of time, some students go for societies/clubs/fests/cells. Some pursue coding, while others work to achieve good results in academics. Working on projects of your interest and building the right research background gives you an edge. That's the reason why I attended classes regularly and continued with the projects after the studies.
What part does a Ms/Ph.D. degree from a prestigious university play in a student's life?
It helps as many opportunities unfold for the person that can be broadly classified into two heads. First, there are many research-oriented jobs, and second, going for a postdoc degree. Students, after PhD, can also join National Labs. Students who wish to continue research or are inclined to become a Professor at an esteemed college, pursue a postdoctoral position. A prestigious university is unquestionably instrumental in carving a student's life by giving them the opportunity.
How did you apply for a PhD?
PhD application varies from different countries. I had my GRE and TOEFL scores ready about a month before application. One needs to prepare for it at least two months ahead. Having LOR(s) is a must. Also, the SOP needs to be submitted. As far as the Imperial College application is concerned, one needs to find a professor beforehand and mail him/her asking for a PhD position under him/her. A research proposal has to be submitted along with the application to get funding.
What difficulties do you think the pandemic might bring or has brought already in the process?
The travel restrictions due to the pandemic and Visa law is the most significant concern. Some industry-sponsored projects need to start this semester itself, which can't proceed remotely. The worst thing that could happen is that such offers might be revoked due to the increasing demands, and instead, native students might be preferred. So, it is quite unpredictable. Also, funding might reduce due to the financial crisis.
How are you planning to manage your finances?
Usually, the universities provide accommodation, and the department gives a stipend aplenty to meet daily expenses. The Imperial College assures the same.
What is the role of CG?
It is evident that CG is something essential, but as a matter of fact, having only a good CG would not suffice. A high-grade research profile and experiences of internships might land a student with competitively lower CG in a better research opportunity than someone having a better CG but trivial research credentials.
How did IIT KGP benefit you in your journey?
I can't imagine what I would have done otherwise. IIT KGP gave me the necessary exposure to identify my aptitude. It could have never been possible without the dedicated professors to secure such an offer. Their connection with foreign professors aids us, students. Lastly, being an IITian is a priceless privilege for us as the professors abroad do value it.