Student Statements

Which Bachelor’s degree programme did you complete prior to your D-​MTEC studies?

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in physics at ETH Zurich. During the D-MTEC elective course "Discovering Management", I got a short introduction to the field of management studies, and also got to know some professors from the MTEC department. This course was one of the factors that convinced me to enrol in the D-MTEC Master’s programme.  

What do you find special about the MSc ETH MTEC programme?

D-MTEC offers a unique combination, allowing you to study both technology and its impacts on business, the economy and our society. The programme provides you with a profound knowledge of economics and, at the same time, cutting-edge analytical skills. It offers an education that is highly sought after in the modern business world. The department’s broad spectrum of research is reflected in the diverse backgrounds of its students. My class is distinguished by its passion and eagerness to tackle various challenges, also in extracurricular settings. Its impressive personalities are one of the strongest assets of the D-MTEC programme.

Can you tell us about the D-MTEC Student Organisation OBIS and your former role as OBIS President?

OBIS enriches your experience as an ETH MTEC student by helping you develop your social and cultural life in tandem with your academic competencies and your career. We represent MSc MTEC students on an ETH-wide level through our active participation in academic decision-making; we elect and send delegates to teaching commissions and departmental conferences. Moreover, OBIS fosters relationships with numerous corporate partners in Zurich to ensure contact to local and global firms interested in students in our field of study and to give our students the opportunity to expand their professional networks.
As former OBIS president, I had the responsibility of developing our programme for each new semester and, together with the whole board, providing services to our students. In addition, I represented the student organisation in carrying out certain functions, such as the selection of new professors, the improvement of alumni relations and the evaluation of the D-MTEC academic experience.  

How highly do you value the internship and your access to practitioners?

Much of the knowledge that we attain is the product of interplay between academia and the private sector. It is therefore very important that students have the opportunity to actually use the skill set they have acquired, enriching it with personal experience.
Our studies have a very broad focus, and the internship allows us to find positions that suit our specific interests and capabilities. In addition, a short period of involvement with a company might be the starting point for a successful career!

What message would you like to pass on to future D-MTEC students?

If you are interested in engineering and the natural sciences, and also in business and economics, use your undergraduate studies to dive deeply into a technical field, dedicating the time and effort necessary to truly understand it. The knowledge you gain will be a tremendous asset when it comes to understanding and assessing the most challenging tasks facing our world.
When you have completed your Bachelor’s studies, D-MTEC provides an excellent way to merge your diverse interests and employ your analytical skills in societal and economic contexts. The D-MTEC programme opens doors, allowing you to pursue your interests later on!

Which Bachelor’s degree programme did you complete prior to your D-MTEC studies?

I have a Bachelor’s degree in engineering with a major in information technology from YMCA University of Science and Technology, India.

Why did you choose the MSc MTEC programme? What is your focus of study, and why?

I chose the D-MTEC study programme to develop competencies in the areas of management and economics. Since I did my Bachelor’s in information technology (which is very similar to computer science), I feel that the skills I acquire at D-MTEC will complement the knowledge that I gained while earning my Bachelor’s. Such a mix of skills is very desirable, and exciting to develop!

My focus of study is on management of technology and entrepreneurship. I would like to explore the strategic and innovation aspects of various tech giants, and to understand what it would take to set up a business of my own.

How do you experience the internationality and diversity of the programme?

I believe the MTEC department is one of the most cosmopolitan at ETH. It feels great to know people from all over the world who bring their different cultures with them. This is a really cool part of the experience! One of the best things about D-MTEC is that you get to work on many team projects. Working in a diverse team is an experience everyone should have! I took it to the next level by joining the OBIS board. I was responsible for IT and marketing at the student organisation OBIS.

Where do you wish to start your career after graduating?

I have special places in my heart for technology and for India. Hence, I would love to work in the tech industry in India.

What message would you like to pass on to future D-MTEC students?

Interact with as many professors, doctoral students and researchers as you can in order to plumb your subjects to their depths. You will have access to world’s best resources and journals. Take the plunge and dive deeply into what most interests you. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

Which Bachelor’s degree programme did you complete prior to your D-MTEC studies?

I studied food technology at Wageningen University in the Netherlands.

Why did you choose the MSc MTEC programme?

I had been searching for a Master’s programme that would allow me to pursue my interests in food technology and management at the same time. The D-MTEC programme offers this opportunity at one of the world’s leading universities. The programme is definitely challenging, but working in such a diverse group makes the learning more exciting.

What is your current focus of study, and why?

I am focusing on sustainability in business, an interest I pursued during both my Bachelor’s and my internship. I believe sustainability will become increasing important for strategic decisions in the future. D-MTEC offers many courses in sustainability, and my focus on sustainable food processing gives me a comprehensive view of its potential role in my field.

Can you tell us more about the D-MTEC Buddy Initiative?

We decided to set up the Buddy Initiative to facilitate the onboarding process for incoming students, given the uncertainties brought about by COVID-19. A core asset of the MSc MTEC programme is its interdisciplinary and diverse student body, but students will only be able to benefit from this if they get to know each other. The buddy programme connects first-year students with senior MSc MTEC students. These “buddies” meet in person or online to discuss anything they want: “What courses should I take? Where can I find the WEV-building? Which student bars do you recommend? Where can I find the cheapest coffee on campus?”
Of course, there will always be more people to meet, but the Buddy Initiative provides a good first step toward meeting the D-MTEC crowd!

How do you experience your interaction with professors and staff?

I have found the professors in Zurich to be very welcoming and kind. At my previous university, all professors wanted to be addressed with their formal title, and most meetings had to be set up through their secretary or teaching assistant. Here, a lot of professors want to be called by their first name, and often invite you to drop by their office at whatever time suits you. This has allowed me to reach out to them more frequently and to discuss issues I might be working on. I also work as a research assistant at the Chair of Sustainability and Technology and help out at many events organised by the department, where the staff is equally friendly.

What message would you like to pass on to future D-MTEC students?

Don’t regard this programme as just a Master’s degree; it can offer you so much more!
Try to participate in the various special programmes and activities organised by the department and OBIS, and make sure you not only develop yourself academically, but also socially.
And most importantly: enjoy!