Interview with BTU alumna Roshni Bhatia (ERM)

Roshni Bhatia first came to Senftenberg from India and then studied Environmental and Resource Management in Cottbus. This year she joined LEAG's Energy Master Trainee Programme. She also received a scholarship from LEAG in 2023 and the Soroptimist International Club Cottbus Award as an outstanding student in 2020. Her efforts have paid off and she can be proud of her achievements.

Hello Ms. Bhatia, how did you come to study in Cottbus and what was your experience like here?
I arrived in Senftenberg in 2019 with a clear goal: to study the German language as a foundation for pursuing a master's degree in Civil Engineering. I was eager and ready for the challenge. But then COVID-19 hit, and everything changed. My language classes shifted online, which turned out to be far more challenging than I had anticipated. Learning a new language in a virtual environment lacked the immersion and interaction I needed, making the process even harder. Despite these obstacles, I persevered and successfully passed my language exam. However, during this time, I discovered a new path that resonated deeply with me: the master’s program in Environmental and Resource Management (ERM), which is taught in English. ERM turned out to be a diverse and dynamic field of study, offering a wide array of career options. With so many possibilities, choosing a specialization was not easy. After much thought and reflection, I decided to focus on renewable energy, a decision I am truly proud of. Cottbus has become more than just a city to me; it feels like home. Here, I formed some of my closest friendships, navigated through personal and academic struggles, and even landed my first job. This city has witnessed my growth and transformation, and it holds a special place in my heart.

You received an award as an outstanding student and a scholarship from LEAG during your studies. What did these awards mean to you and how did they influence your academic and career path?
Yes, I have won these awards, and honestly, I am surprised at myself. There were moments when I thought things couldn’t get any harder. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that perseverance through hardships pays off. No matter how tough life gets, if you keep pushing forward, you’ll eventually reach your goals. Receiving these awards made all those struggles worthwhile—it’s a feeling of validation that’s hard to put into words. These awards didn’t just boost my confidence; they also made financial management much easier. They eased the burden of expenses, allowing me to focus more on my studies and personal growth without constant financial stress. What makes this journey even more meaningful is how it shaped my career path. Through these experiences, I learned about LEAG for the first time and their transition from coal to renewables. This discovery inspired me and solidified my decision to pursue a career in renewable energy. Knowing that I’m contributing to such a transformative and impactful industry makes all the challenges along the way even more rewarding.

You have now joined the Energy Master Trainee Programme at LEAG, please tell us more about it. How did this come about and what kind of programme is it?
I am currently an Energy Master Trainee at LEAG, and it’s an incredible program. This opportunity allows me to explore various departments that align with my interests, giving me hands-on experience in multiple areas. The program is designed to help trainees identify their strengths, and ultimately, I’ll have the chance to settle into the department where I perform the best. Interestingly, I discovered this opportunity on LinkedIn, and it has proven to be a perfect fit for my career aspirations. It’s been a rewarding journey so far, allowing me to grow professionally while contributing to LEAG’s transformative mission of shifting from coal to renewable energy.

Your parents were also present at your recent graduation and were visibly proud of your success. Your move from India to Germany has certainly not been easy all the time. What would you say to other international students who experience struggle along the way and wonder if it's all worth it?
I am incredibly proud that my parents were present at my convocation. Seeing their happiness and pride made all my hard work feel truly worthwhile. Moments like these remind me why I push through the challenges—it’s not just about personal achievement but also about sharing that joy with the people who have supported me unconditionally. At this stage in life, it’s normal to face a whirlwind of personal and career struggles. We often fear so much during this phase, imagining the worst-case scenarios and feeling overwhelmed. But if we take a moment to relax and reflect, we’ll realize that half of our worst thoughts and problems never actually come true. They are just in our mind. Once we embrace that perspective, we’ll feel lighter and realize we truly have nothing to lose. Convocation day was a beautiful acknowledgment of my journey, and having my parents there to celebrate made it more meaningful. It was a moment of pride, satisfaction, and a reminder of the value of perseverance through every fear and doubt.