Graduating from the Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology (EEIT) programme, Preethi enjoyed a diverse educational journey across the electrical engineering and information technology industries. In this feature, she shares how having an interdisciplinary education background has benefitted her at work.
Hi Preethi, tell us more about yourself?
Preethi: Hi DIGEST readers! I am Preethi, I was from the pioneer cohort of graduates in the Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology (EEIT) programme. Ever since graduation, I have worked in both the information technology (IT) and the electrical engineering sectors. Currently, I am a System Manager at a technology startup company, Blue Wireless, where I lead implementation of various systems and software. I am responsible for the development and maintenance of the internal systems.
Can you share with us some of your industry experiences?
Preethi: I have worked in several companies from the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to multinational corporations (MNCs) and have also seen the changes in the oil and gas industry as well as experienced the rise of the IT industry. I have worked as a Systems Engineer in my various roles, where I monitored the systems and infrastructure to ensure the highest levels of availability and efficiency. My other professional experience includes a job role as an Electrical Engineer, working on engineering calculations and preparing electrical deliverables.
“AS WE ARE MOVING INTO TECHNOLOGY-ENABLED SOCIETIES, EVERYTHING AROUND US IS INCREASINGLY CONNECTED AND CONTROLLED BY OUR SMART DEVICES. BOTH THE ENGINEERING AND IT SECTORS PLAY A PART IN BUILDING A SMART NATION.”
It has been a long while since graduating from TUM Asia. Is there any specific experience from your Bachelor studies that is still fresh in your memories?
Preethi: I remember that at one point of my Bachelor studies, I was feeling a little overwhelmed while preparing for my final examinations, as it would determine whether I could qualify to be part of the first batch of students to go to Germany for my thesis. I studied day and night and persevered through the period, telling myself “I can do it”. Thankfully, the hard work paid off! I was amongst the first few to travel to Germany to write my thesis, and eventually to graduate. Till this date, this has been a reminder to myself that persistence comes a long way and I can do anything if I put my mind to it.
Tell us more about your current job – what are some things you do as a Systems Manager?
Preethi: As a Systems Manager, I oversee all decisions related to my company’s use of technology. This involves software implementations such as Dynamics 365 and creating solutions and processes that best fit the company. I help to ensure the highest levels of availability and efficiency. Currently we are developing applications for internal and external use, to improve operations and customers’ usage.
What do you enjoy about your job?
Preethi: When people go “How did you do that!” In the IT sector, you meet people who come to you with their problems. The solution may be simple, but they are not “tech-savvy” enough to solve it by themselves. Besides that, I enjoy doing mathematics! It brings me delight and relieves stress. What more can I wish for than doing calculations full-time and getting paid to do it? Most of all I enjoy working with various departments (such as process, mechanical and design) and presenting the deliverables to clients who have invested millions of dollars.
Is there any way your Bachelor studies have contributed to your current career path?
Preethi: My bachelor studies have aided me in gaining technical knowledge for my electrical deliverables. For instance, some topics I found helpful were on power systems, load flow analysis, short circuit analysis, calculating equipment sizing of generator, transformers, and uninterruptible power supply (UPS). Calculations and electrical design sure did come a long way when I worked as an electrical engineer. But more than the technical knowledge, I have also gained soft skills while studying in TUM.
From your industry experience, how do you think the fields of engineering and IT are interrelated?
Preethi: When I was working as an electrical engineer, there was a time where I needed to customise the report according to the requirements. Since I had an IT background, I was able to use codes to customise and configure the electrical deliverables report. Otherwise, we would have engaged an external vendor to do it.
Thus, I feel that engineering and IT goes hand in hand and are interconnected, especially when we are moving into technology-enabled societies. Electrical engineering is physical, and it covers application of the laws. On the other hand, IT uses technology to process and display information that is important to engineers.
“I FEEL THAT ENGINEERING AND IT GOES HAND IN HAND AND ARE INTERCONNECTED, ESPECIALLY WHEN WE ARE MOVING INTO TECHNOLOGY-ENABLED SOCIETIES. ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING IS PHYSICAL, AND IT COVERS APPLICATION OF THE LAWS. ON THE OTHER HAND, IT USES TECHNOLOGY TO PROCESS AND DISPLAY INFORMATION THAT IS IMPORTANT TO ENGINEERS.“
The IT industry is always evolving with new technologies and applications. How do you stay in tuned with the latest trends of the industry?
Preethi: I have learnt the importance to keep up with technology. It is immensely crucial to stay hungry. Luckily for me, I enjoy learning something new all the time. I make it a point to pursue a new certification every year and I usually research on the new upcoming technologies that are relevant to my career before pursuing it.
What do you think are the prospects of EEIT graduates?
Preethi: The IT sector is expected to grow even more significantly over the coming years. Technology has disrupted the industry and is starting to replace jobs. As we are moving into technology-enabled societies, everything around us is increasingly connected and controlled by our smart devices. Both the engineering and IT sectors play a part in building a Smart Nation.
– Preethi studied in the Bachelor of Science degree in the field of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology with the Technical University of Munich. She studied in the Singapore branch campus (TUM Asia) and spent three months in Munich, Germany to complete her thesis at the home campus of the university.
To read the full interview with Preethi, it was first published in our DIGEST Newsletter January – April 2019 Issue. View the e-newsletter here >> TUM Asia administrates the TUM Bachelor degrees together with the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT). GCE ‘A’ Levels, Polytechnic Diploma and international qualification holders may apply for the TUM Bachelor degrees. Find out more about the programmes offered >>
Interested students may apply for the TUM Bachelor of Science programmes from January to March each year by selecting the TUM Bachelor programmes: www.tum-asia.edu.sg/adm