Why did you choose to study building engineering at Politecnico di Milano after your bachelor degree?
With a background in architecture, I harbored a strong desire to delve deeper into the engineering aspect post my bachelor’s degree. This was primarily driven by my aspiration to gain a profound understanding of the technical aspects of the field.
My decision to choose Politecnico di Milano (Polimi) was influenced by the recommendation of my professor in Egypt, an alumnus of Polimi. He shared his experiences about the high-quality education and the enriching student life on and off campus. A quick online research further solidified my decision as I was impressed by the vast number of published papers and the events featuring esteemed personalities and alumni’s.
Moreover, the opportunity to study in a culturally diverse university was appealing. It provided a platform to learn extensively about various cultures and countries. I recall an instance where my group comprised of individuals from Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Italy, India, and myself from Egypt.
Lastly, the prospect of studying in a culturally vibrant city like Milan, which is also in close proximity to other major European capitals, was enticing. In retrospect, all my expectations were not just met, but exceeded. To this day, I regard the time spent at Polimi as the best period of my life. Studying at Polimi is a singular experience that, while it occurs once, resonates perpetually.
What are the main difficulties you dealt with while studying at living in Italy? How did you manage them?
The main challenges I encountered as an international student were the language barrier off-campus, finding accommodation, and being distant from my family.
Regarding the language issue, I was fortunate to learn about a language course offered by Polimi upon my arrival. This course was instrumental in helping me grasp the basics and navigate around. Additionally, I forged friendships with my Italian classmates who encouraged me to converse in Italian.
As for finding accommodation, it was somewhat challenging, especially since I commenced my studies at Polimi during the spring semester when most student accommodations were already occupied. However, through socializing, I managed to find a flat with one of my colleagues, which was owned by another colleague. I would strongly recommend prospective students to allocate a substantial period prior to their arrival in Italy for initiating conversations with landlords. This proactive approach could significantly streamline their accommodation process.
Lastly, being far from my family was not an easy challenge to overcome, particularly now that I permanently reside in Italy. However, knowing that my family takes pride in my accomplishments and shares in my happiness with every step I take has been the greatest source of motivation and strength throughout my journey. Furthermore, advancements in technology have significantly eased communication, making it feel like they are not so far away after all.
What are the main differences of studying in your home country and studying at Politecnico di Milano?
The primary distinction between the teaching methodologies at Politecnico di Milano and those in Egypt or Qatar where I grew up, is that the former places a strong emphasis on practical experience, while the latter is more theoretical. This practical approach is particularly beneficial from a student’s perspective, as it often involves project-based exams that require the student to navigate various challenges, such as balancing cost and value.
Moreover, almost every project at Polimi promotes sustainability, aligning with the guidelines and vision of the European Union. This approach has significantly impacted my soft and hard skills. It is also noteworthy that professors provide ample opportunities for students who are willing to go the extra mile. For instance, I once delivered a lecture on bracing, and I participated in a research paper on the development of construction materials, led by Professor Andrea Mainini.
Furthermore, The prestige of studying at a globally recognized university, where professors have international teaching experience, cannot be overstated. I fondly recall the global classroom experience during the “Fundamentals of Integrated Building Design” course, Taught by Professor Giuliana Iannaccone, The course incorporated the participation of students from the United States, facilitated through remote learning. These sessions served as a remarkable platform for knowledge exchange, undoubtedly broadening my intellectual horizons. The course objective targeted a high degree of creativity and unconventional thinking, which further contributed to my cognitive expansion.
Moreover, the university’s facilities were instrumental in my academic journey. I fondly recall the countless hours spent on campus. My day would typically commence with classes, which were equipped with the latest advancements in audio, video, and instructional technologies, This was followed by time spent in the library, a space that provided an optimal environment for focused study. Afterward, I would often head to Piazza Leonardo for a delightful lunch under the radiant sun. The day would usually end with a lively table tennis match at the court in Building 1 or a workout session at the campus gym. These facilities greatly enriched my university experience.
Lastly, the diverse cultural backgrounds of the students at Polimi create a rich learning environment. This diversity has greatly facilitated my understanding of different markets and working methods. In conclusion, my experience at Polimi has been both challenging and rewarding, significantly contributing to my personal and professional growth.
What are the opportunities that this Master Program offered to your personal and professional growth? How were they useful to your career development?
During my course at Politecnico di Milano (Polimi), I developed a profound interest in sustainability and cost management. I endeavored to deepen my understanding of these subjects and apply them in my coursework and graduation project. The expertise of Polimi’s professors and teaching assistants in these fields greatly facilitated my learning and honed my technical skills. Throughout my projects, I had the opportunity to learn various software tools currently prevalent in the market.
In addition to my studies, I also had the opportunity to serve as a Teaching Assistant at Polimi. This role was instrumental in the development of my soft skills, particularly in the areas of communication and presentation. I found these skills to be fundamentally relevant to my current position, where I interact with clients on a daily basis. This experience has not only enhanced my ability to effectively convey information but also fostered a deeper understanding of the importance of clear and concise communication in a professional setting.
In addition, I attended numerous seminars on campus, which introduced me to the latest construction technologies and methods. Currently, I am employed as a cost manager at Turner and Townsend which is a global leading company in the field of cost and project management. The master’s course at Polimi equipped me with the necessary knowledge and technical skills for this position. Furthermore, the internships I undertook under my professor’s supervision allowed me to gain practical experience in the market even before graduation. All of these qulaifications and experiences gave me a competitive edge during the screening phase at my current company.
To this day, I maintain contact with my professors (who i truly consider as my mentors). They remained always available for any technical queries, career advice, or to facilitate connections with firms and corporates in the market. This enhances the students’ experiences and increases their chances of securing employment post-graduation. In conclusion, my time at Polimi has been instrumental in shaping my career and professional growth and I take immense pride in being an alumnus of such a distinguished institution. I would like to express my profound gratitude towards all the esteemed professors I had the privilege to encounter during my academic journey. Their guidance has been invaluable. My heartfelt thanks to Polimi and Italy for providing me with this enriching experience.