Edinburgh Napier University

Tell us a bit about yourself. 

This is Fahad Saleem, from Pakistan. I have done my earlier education from Kamra cant. Then I decided to Electrical Engineering from CUI, Comsats University Islamabad. From the very beginning I was quite good in mathematics and solving equation or playing with tech tools. These things attracted and motivated me to continue my journey in this field. I have done multiple internships from various online platforms and, I have an experience in data analysis field. After searching and exploring a lot of courses, I opted for MSc Digital Technologies for smart cities course because it covers both my engineering and analysis part. As we all know, it is a growing field in this modern world. To me, Engineering is simply love when you apply to different things in real world. 

Why did you choose to study at Edinburgh Napier University? 

While choosing Edinburgh Napier University, there were certain main reasons. First of all, I love Edinburgh. It is closer to nature and I love the way the people of Edinburgh maintain their culture and history. The university has strong relation with industrial sector, great academic counselling staff like Annamarie Douglas. Furthermore, the university curriculum structure is designed in a well way like my course Digital Technologies for smart cities. Labs and libraries are outstanding. The JKCC is my favourite one really, no doubt.  

What attracted you into studying your course?

Well, I have engineering knowledge as my academic background and I have experience as a data analyst. So after searching so many courses, this one finally I selected and the main reason is this course cover both of my aspect and its a well known, growing in demand course in the future. This course subjects are interesting and challenging, for example: Distributed Generation system is complex, but I have learned so many things like ERACS which is very famous and useful tool that industries are using now. I have completed multiple course works. I hope this course open a variety of option in this field for me in the world.  

Has your course given you any practical opportunities out-with standard teaching?

Yes, I took part in the technical event and explore the latest project, which is based on new technology, in demand and growing in future. Robotics show held in July was interesting experience for me and because of that I chose automation and robotics as one of my subjects. IoT and automation lab was amazing based on virtual learning.  

Do you have any highlights of studying at Edinburgh Napier University? 

In Robotics events, I interacted with different educational background students. I discuss about their projects and couple of questioning and answering session was held, such as: how they will help industries or what is their importance in future. This can expand your knowledge and get a chance to interact with different nationalities to grow and learn together. Right now, I am thinking to join the sports society. There are so many societies here in Edinburgh Napier University for student for multiple purposes.  

Have you faced any challenges? 

Well, you know moving abroad is the first challenge for me, but I know this is nothing and there is more coming ahead. I was ready to face it, one of the major challenges for me is to learn my subject more deeply like I wanted to explore practically and theoretical as well. For me it was difficult to manage both study and work at the same time but somehow, I managed it successfully and, in this way, I learned how to balance workload effectively.  

Would you recommend the course to others? If so, why? 

I will recommend this course to Electrical Engineers and Data Scientists, who want to excel their expertise in this high demand field. This course opens a lot of opportunity for them in many sectors of the world.

What key skills have you learned from your university experience?

I have learned to do many things during this short-term period, for example: my technical thinking ability, how to approach the solution of every critical problem and especially my confidence improved. Further, the university conduct academic session for students. One thing more, as we are late arrival students, so they conduct again sessions for us from the begging that is appreciated on behalf of all. That session helped me to get my first part time job in Shell as an Assistant Manager of the site.  

Can you sum up your student experience living in Edinburgh? 

I like so many things about Edinburgh but one thing which I like the most is its natural vibes, its architecture and events like the most famous one Fringe Festival. Summer time is so beautiful here in Edinburgh.

What advice would you give to anyone considering studying this course?

Well, this course is not easy, you will have to put some input like your efforts, time and knowledge and then definitely there is an output and you will be happy. But the people who have engineering, solving critical problems and data handling mindset, hope they can do this course in good manner and will be implemented in industry nicely. 

What’s next for you?

Right now, I am moving towards the final semester of my curse. Hopefully I will complete my dissertation, build organized cv and cover letters for the listed companies and ready to interact with them in a well way. I am eagerly waiting to be working in the power, automation or technical industries sector around the globe.