About our students and alumni

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 (today: MSA) board where I was responsible for IT and marketing.

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 (today: MSA), and make sure you not only develop yourself academically, but also socially. And most importantly: enjoy!

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 MSc MTEC Student Organisation OBIS (today: MSA) and your role as 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 studied mechanical engineering at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, in Barcelona. It was a five-year Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programme. 

Why did you choose the MSc MTEC programme?  

I realised that although I loved solving engineering and mathematical problems, I wanted to have a closer contact with people and business. I wanted to learn about strategy, corporate transformation and sustainability. The D-MTEC programme was the best fit in terms of equipping me for a position that would combine the best of my three areas of interest (technology, business and people).

At which company do you work, and what is your current position?

I currently work at Roche Diagnostics as a Head of Exploration. In this role I help teams develop customer- and patient-centric products and services through Design Thinking, Lean Startup and Agile Coaching.

I am a member of the Innovation and Research Leadership Team. As such I am responsible for the earliest phases of the innovation process, those that fill the innovation funnel. I am also responsible for introducing an innovation-oriented mindset into the broader organisation.

How did the programme influence your career?

The programme provided me with a business perspective that I had missed out on during my engineering studies, and allowed me to practice and gain confidence in group case studies and delivering presentations.

I also participated in the Corporate Master Thesis Programme with Georg Fischer AG, where I made contact with the company’s senior leadership. Right after graduation, I started working there as a Product Manager in the industry business unit.

What were the personal highlights of your D-MTEC journey?

Working together with MAS MTEC students (D-MTEC continuing education students) on case-study projects involving a diverse range of companies – from Amazon to Axpo – was certainly one highlight. It was a great learning experience to be on the same team as people who already had many years of professional experience, and at the same to use my unique skills to contribute to and support the team.

We had very bright professors with industry experience who introduced us to real case studies from various companies. I also enjoyed the guest speakers from industry, and the opportunities to work on real cases in workshops.

And of course, the Corporate Master Thesis Programme was a highlight for me. We were a group of eight students doing our thesis in the same company, and used reflected-practice methodologies to learn from our experiences and further grow in the programme. Our project sponsor, the vice president of the company, devoted time to coaching and guiding us during the journey.

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

You will have a lot of opportunities to learn more about business and strategy in the D-MTEC programme, as well as to get closer to companies and learn about the realities and challenges they face. You will see how they approach their current problems, and you will get to work together with them.

Be curious and eager to learn. Step out of your comfort zone and expose yourself to all the bright people that will be around you. It is okay if, at the beginning, you don’t know what you will do after D-MTEC. Learn from all areas of the programme, and figure out what you are most passionate about. And most importantly, enjoy the journey!

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

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in IT and Management Engineering at the University of Bologna.

Why did you choose the MSc MTEC programme?  

D-MTEC looked like the perfect continuation of my Bachelor’s degree, which I really enjoyed. I was also attracted by the wide range of courses and the diversity of the students’ backgrounds.

Which career path did you pursue after your studies at D-MTEC?

I work in the Digital Factory at UBS (Multichannel Management & Digitisation Department). I currently have two roles, as digital product manager and as product owner.

What did you accomplish in the MSc MTEC programme that has helped you professionally?

I experienced working in groups, collaborating with international students and managing concurrent deadlines. I pursued an internship and started to build my network in Zurich.

What did you particularly appreciate about the MSc MTEC programme?

I was positively impressed by the number and variety of events and initiatives I was able to become involved in. I particularly enjoyed being part of the D-MTEC Mentoring Programme, which contributed a lot to my personal and professional growth. I also enjoyed the opportunity to work in groups together with MAS MTEC students and in companies.

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

Constructing your study plan at D-MTEC is not easy, with so many courses to choose from and so many chairs. While preparing your plan, I would suggest you try not to be influenced by market trends (the reality around us changes quickly and in unpredictable ways, as we have seen with the pandemic) and instead follow your passions and dreams.

Moreover, while studying and lectures are extremely important, you should try to make the most of your time and enjoy the additional activities that D-MTEC will offer you, which will help you build your network and discover new synergies.

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

I earned a BSc in Computer Engineering at the University of Zagreb in Croatia.

Why did you choose the MSc MTEC programme?  

My goal was to find an opportunity, still in the early stages of my career, to complement my engineering background with expertise in technology management and economics. When researching various options around the globe for a Master’s degree programme, I felt that D-MTEC at ETH seemed to fit well with my expectations, especially due to its connections with Swiss industry.

Which career path did you pursue after your studies at D-MTEC?

I am currently a senior consultant in digital and data transformation at PwC.

After completing my studies at D-MTEC, I wanted to centre my work around engineering and problem-solving while simultaneously exploiting the strategic management, negotiation and digital business model knowledge I gained at D-MTEC. This combination has been of great value to me in my work, which consists of contributing to the solutions of complex problems in a consulting environment.

How did the programme influence your career?

The D-MTEC programme helped me to position myself in exactly the career I wanted, one at the inter-face of technology, innovation and business. Moreover, D-MTEC was a great place to build a network in Switzerland and to learn from my colleagues and their career experiences.

My former role as president of the student organisation OBIS (today: MSA), along with my current involvement with ETH Alumni, has helped me to deepen my understanding of the interactions between ETH and the private sector in Switzerland and to remain engaged in university initiatives.

Why would you recommend the MSc MTEC programme?

MSc MTEC provides you with an opportunity to tailor your own career path and, even more importantly, to do so at the early stages of your career. It allows BSc graduates to leverage their expertise in the field they come from as they gain management and entrepreneurship competencies that complement that expertise.

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

Take some time to reflect on your existing experiences, both academic and practical, and try to figure out which direction will drive and motivate you the most when you have completed your studies. D-MTEC covers many different fields of expertise, and while you will get a good overview of each of them, it is your responsibility to shape your own path and get the most out of the programme.