A practically oriented education with openness to new ideas

How come you choose Sweden and Mid Sweden University?

I had plans to do my higher studies abroad. Since I worked as a software engineer for a Swedish company in Sri Lanka, I got to learn about Sweden through that company. It gave me an insight into the academic culture in Sweden that I found very good from an academic point of view. Fortunately, I applied for a master degree program and received a placement together with a scholarship at Miun.

What did you think of the program?

The program suited me well. My working experience came from software engineering and there was a few years of gap since I studied my bachelors, so I had some catching up to do. I was very thirsty for new knowledge, like AI, Data Science and Distributed Systems. All the things I wanted to learn were included in the program.

I also found education at Miun practically oriented. It is not just lectures, you get to use your knowledge.

What was your impressions of Mid Sweden University, and your time studying here?

I worked hard during the first semester to get back to the studying life cycle.  After I made friends to study and work with, it became a lot easier. Academic learning can be stressful, but at Miun, I found that you could focus on the subject and enjoy the learning. There is an openness from the teachers to discussions, questions and ideas from the students that leads to creativity and new ideas.

What did you think about Sundsvall as a city?

It was like moving from one world to another. I moved with my wife and two daughters from Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, to Sundsvall. Colombo is a busy city, a lot of traffic, hot and humid. And then you find yourself waking up in a place that feels like the forest. I enjoyed the vintage feeling of the city with all the old buildings and architectures. Its a beautiful city where everything is located within close proximity.

Did you have any contact with the business sector during your studies, perhaps through your master's project?

I made my master´s thesis project at a consulting firm working for Volvo. The project was about face recognition algorithms. We researched on the most efficient face recognition algorithm for an Android system. Such algorithm could be used to prevent a car from starting if there is an unknown person behind the wheel.

What are you doing now after completing your education?

I am working in the Bank sector, at SEB as software engineer and are looking forward for finding a position where I can use all the skills I got from studying Computer engineering at Miun.

Do you have any tips for international students considering studying Computer engineering at Miun?

Plan for study if you come to Sweden and don’t waste it on small jobs during your study period. You will end up with a decent job in your industry, if you focus on your studies, so make sure you stay on track.

Also having good programming skills would surely be an advantage since the program is more focused on practical stuff.

Read more about the programme and apply!