Interview with BTU Alumnus Rajat Sharma (Electrical Engineering)

Rajat Sharma came to Germany from India, where he first completed a German course at the Eurasia Institute in Berlin before starting his Master's degree in Electrical Engineering at BTU in 2017. He now works as a development engineer and deputy project manager for the GIGA Watt Factory at LEAG in Cottbus. He recently visited a partner company in the USA for this project to store green electricity and reports on it in the LEAG blog - definitely worth reading.

Hello Mr. Sharma, how did you decide to study at BTU and what was your experience here?
My decision to study at BTU was the result of extensive research and careful consideration. I chose BTU because the university has an excellent reputation in Electrical Engineering and the academic programs match my interests and career goals. I had an extremely positive experience during my studies. The practical relevance of the course content enabled me to apply theoretical knowledge directly in practice.
It was not so easy to complete the German-language Master's program. There are many hurdles, but there is a very good relationship between professors and students at BTU. This also helped me a lot to complete my Master's degree in German. In addition, BTU offers a dynamic and supportive study environment. The diverse research opportunities, such as my Master's thesis in cooperation with BTU and TDK Electronics AG in Berlin, as well as the modern facilities, help to create an inspiring learning environment. Overall, I am very happy with my decision to study at BTU and appreciate the high-quality education and positive campus atmosphere.

You completed a German course in Berlin for several months before your studies. What was your experience there and how did it help you during your studies and when looking for a job?
I successfully completed a 9-month intensive German course to obtain the Telc C1 university certificate at a private language school. This decision proved to be extremely helpful for my academic career and my job prospects. The German course in Berlin was not only a linguistic preparation for me, but also a cultural enrichment. The experience of living in Germany and learning the German language allowed me to quickly integrate into the local culture. This was particularly important for the social aspect of my studies, as it made it easier for me to socialize and participate in student life. German language skills were invaluable during my studies at BTU. Many lectures, materials and communications were in German. Being able to understand and speak the language fluently not only improved my academic performance, but also helped me to integrate better into the academic community.
My German course also proved useful when looking for a job. Many companies in Germany place great importance on their employees having German language skills, especially when it comes to communicating in a professional environment. The language level I have acquired has significantly improved my chances on the job market and has given me access to a wider range of professional opportunities.

You now work at LEAG, what exactly do you do there and how can we imagine your day-to-day work?
As a development engineer in the field of battery energy storage systems (BESS), my tasks can be very varied. I work on the development, design, implementation and operation of energy storage systems. These can be battery storage systems or other types of energy storage solutions. In development and design, there are tasks in the development and optimization of energy storage systems, including the selection of battery types, business cases, WiRe and other components. As a deputy project manager, I work on project management from planning to realization of energy storage projects and in research and development on new technologies and innovations in the field of energy storage to improve performance and efficiency.

You also did an internship at LEAG during your studies, how important was that for your career path?
Completing an internship during your studies can usually be of great importance for your later job search and career development. It helps not only to gain professional experience, but also to make valuable contacts in the industry. Through an internship, you can get to know the actual working environment and corporate culture in the industry.
Internships offer the opportunity to expand skills and gain specific knowledge that is in demand in your chosen field. A successful internship can enhance your resume and show employers that you not only have theoretical knowledge, but can also apply it in practice.
In my interview, I mentioned that I had also completed an internship at LEAG and it had a very positive impact, so I got the job. It's very important to highlight the skills and experience gained from the internship on your CV and in interviews to impress potential employers.

You stayed in Cottbus to work, how did that come about and how do you feel here?
After graduating from BTU, I had the opportunity to get an attractive job offer in the region. I worked for a medium-sized company in Cottbus for about two years. After gaining this experience, I made an application to LEAG and have been working there for 7 months. The professional opportunities and the lively atmosphere in Cottbus convinced me to stay here. The city not only offers interesting career prospects, but also a high quality of life. The decision to stay in Cottbus allows me to enjoy the advantages of a smaller city with a strong community. The easy access to nature and the cultural offerings in the region help to make life here balanced and enjoyable. Compared to western Germany, the average salary in Cottbus is similar, but the cost of living is lower, which is also an advantage. Overall, I feel at home in Cottbus and am glad that I decided to stay here to build my career and be part of this vibrant community.