Exchange Diaries  

Radhika Gupta | Mathematics

University of New Brunswick, Canada

Research Area: Automatic Android Malware Detection System

Why is an FT important? How would one compare research in Indian universities and foreign universities?

FT is a research project. It’s quite similar whether you choose a foreign university or an Indian university. The major difference is that the foreign universities are very well funded with proper functioning labs.
It provides one with an enhanced exposure with regards to the universities outside India as well as their culture plus having such work experience is quite beneficial when one is looking to pursue higher studies. And the professors with whom you work can be contacted even after the FT is finished and you can receive insights and guidance from them for a lot of things. You also develop skills when you visit and work in a foreign country and these skills can never be taken away from one and so they help you a lot in future.

FT vs corporate internship, what are all the things we are missing out on and what are we gaining more?

FT is a research project while the internship is kind of like a job. In FT you read a lot of papers regarding your project and explore what all has been done in this domain, what work is currently the recent topic in this, what work you should focus on, and what all can be done. You read a lot and then you design your problem statement which is mostly based on what future work can be done on this topic. Then you start thinking about the solution, creating an ideal model and trying to implement it, and finally analyzing the results and thus creating a report. This all is a research project. This is quite similar to what students do while pursuing M.S. and Ph.D.
In a corporate internship, you are already provided a set problem and you have to do the work accordingly. The corporate internship is more based on implementation while research projects as the name suggests are based on research.
In terms of gaining more, doing a research project is a good experience, and gives some exposure to research domain, which gives clarity whether you should go for higher studies or not.

Should BTech students aspiring for higher studies from abroad opt for an FT?

Of course, it’s the best way to go as they already aim to pursue higher studies from abroad so doing an FT, hopefully, an offline one would provide them with a great deal of exposure to their culture, their work as well as make them ready to go for their goal. There are many programs such as Mitacs, DAAD WISE, SN Bose, EPFL, etc. which they should keep as a target as they are quite beneficial.

What exactly is the application process for the FT? Are there any important documents one must keep?

Resume is one of the priorities and having a good resume is quite helpful. For the application process keep constant look on the various FT programs available for Indian students, some of them also providing scholarships. Also, in case of targeted university, can mail the desired professor. You also need to create an SOP(statement of purpose) which is like an essay in which you provide your introduction, educational background, which topics you are interested in? why do you want to apply for this particular project? Why do you believe that you are good enough for this project? How did you build interest in this domain, etc. So basically it’s quite important and not having a good SOP can result in the application getting rejected.
Along with this, letter of recommendation from the professor, under whom you have done some project or course is also required with SOP and resume.

How did the process get affected due to the online nature of the applications?

Many programs shut down for the year because of covid implications, plus when you are doing a remote FT you don’t get that work experience of working in a lab and so the experience is not that great and since the professors are busy the progress is monitored once a week which might result in no motivation to work. The practical experience and learning which is missed due to remote projects cannot be compensated.

Did you have to personally mail the professor to apply for an FT? How long did you have to wait for the reply?

No, I got an FT through the IRC FTP portal. They mail the professors from their side and the students apply on the portal. If the students get selected then IRC provides us with the update and then I mailed the professor regarding the work and he used to provide me with the meeting links. I haven’t mailed any foreign professors.

When should one start applying for an FT? How long did the procedure last till you got the desired FT?

The FT is scheduled for the summer and so the IRC FTP portal opens up around October and then projects are displayed and you can read about them and there is a complete procedure that you can follow and apply for the desired projects depending on when the application form opens up. The major FT programs application open from august and the process may continue till march.

What is the role of CGPA in the selection process?

It has an important role in the selection process. Considering that you don’t have any prior experience and you are just only accustomed to your courses then the professors look at your CGPA and give a thought on selecting you as good CG reflects that the person is focused and hard-working and could be a good fit for working under him. They get an idea of your capability from your CG. Also when a lot of people apply then also the higher CG person gets the benefit.

Where should a student, who is unaware of the entire application process, look up information about professors and their research work for opportunities?

Basically, look for different programs which serve this purpose and keep searching about the domains and the professors. Also, work under the professors of our college to learn and keep exploring and try learning about different things and apply in the programs whenever you get a chance. Try connecting with the professors through mail as you might get fortunate and the professor might consider your application.

How should a first-year student prepare beforehand for his FT application in their subsequent year?

The professors know that the first years don’t have enough knowledge apart from their courses so having a high CG can be a good boost. Plus they don’t have experience so it’s mostly dependent on the professors and you should not think about your capabilities just keep exploring and apply as without trying you will never learn. So try maintaining a good CG and apply without putting a thought.

Does belonging to IITKGP provide any added benefits for getting your FT?

The presence of IRC in IIT KGP is quite beneficial as they bring a lot of good universities and good projects and which makes IIT KGP apart as many other IITs don’t have an IRC. Also, the tag of IIT is a great boost as it has a great sense of admiration in the minds of foreign professors. So yes it has added benefits.