Exchange Diaries  

Muhammed Patel | Industrial and Systems Engineering

University of Waterloo, Canada

1. While you were in college, what was your motivation to go for higher studies, and in
which year did you get that motivation? How did you manage your academics with your
preparation?

Ans.: I started my research journey in my second year, when I worked on a project under a
professor named Manoj Kumar, it was in machine learning. So basically I started with
machine learning and through that, I got introduced to deep learning and then computer
vision. So through these years, I got interested and thought that I should pursue my carrier in
research a little bit more. It is not very complicated to prepare for your academics.

2. What are the factors that you considered for selecting the universities you are going
to apply for?

Ans.:- 1. I preferred Canada because some of my relatives are there.
2. And I search for which good universities are there in Canada.
3. Professor of Waterloo working in my field of interest.
3. Did you apply to multiple universities? If yes can you please elaborate on the
differences in the selection process of the universities? In universities in which you
were not selected can you please share what you felt you lacked, and what could you have
done better?

Ans: They all follow similar selection processes. First of all, we have to apply for the program
and program and then they will review our application, and if a professor is interested in our
profile they will contact us for our interview and then we will receive a formal letter from the
universities.
There is some constraint in the switching field. As I applied for the computer science
program, switching from industrial to computer science. So in Canada, they do not allow
students to switch. Until and unless you have a strong background in that particular field.

4. How are you planning to manage your finances? Have you applied for any
scholarships? What were their procedures?

Ans: No, I did not apply for any scholarship. But at the university of waterloo as soon as we
applied for a master's we were automatically admitted to a scholarship. Apart from them as
far as my living expenses and all, I am thinking I will cover my research assistant job.
5. Is CGPA a factor while considering higher studies at foreign universities?

Ans: Definitely, It’s the most important factor. I think if it's above 9 and you have a strong
research background, either of the university pays for you.

6. Have you taken up any research project at your bachelor/master's level under any
professor here at IIT KGP? How did you manage your college studies and worked for your
research?

Ans: Yes, In my second year, I had taken in a research project under my professor Mr.
Manoj Kumar Tiwari in my department itself.

7. What were the other difficulties you faced on taking this path and how to overcome
them?
Ans: I think the main difficulty I faced was to publishing a research paper because it takes a
lot to publish a research paper and to be honest if you know what you are doing you’re good
to go and if you are stuck somewhere it becomes difficult to come out of that and I felt that
when I was working under my professor in the second year and my professor wanted to just
publish a research paper and I received less guidance from him to find a path.

8. How did IIT KGP benefit you in your journey?

Ans: Yeah, IIT KGP is the most profile place to grab various opportunities. Our professors
have good research areas and have good collaboration with other researchers as well. So,
Yeah it benefits me a lot.

9. What are the suggestions that you would give your juniors who want to pursue higher
studies? Could you please give a rough roadmap to ease their journey?
Ans: I would like to give some suggestions like:
1. Maintain a good CGPA (probably above 9)
2. Try to publish at least one research paper.
3. Try to have foreign exposure as well.