"Never Give Up"

Poulomi Mukherjee Reddy, a native of New Delhi, holds a Master’s Degree in Information and Communication Systems from TU Chemnitz. After graduating in 2016 she returned to India to build her own start-up in Mumbai

What was it like to study in Chemnitz?

Chemnitz is a beautiful place and the University has amazing departmental heads and their respective teams who enlighten you, guide you and nurture you to your best. It has laid a strong foundation in me of being able to adapt to the field of knowledge and research.

You are a writer and blogger. What do you like about your work?

Well, I write books both technical and fiction. Alongside, I also run a blog "www.poulomisabode.com" that majorly categorizes itself into the field of various technical updates, which helps me keep myself updated with the latest technology and developments in the field of science and technology. This blog also helps people find motivation through my write-ups and I stay motivated while writing the same. So, this work helps me stay motivated and updated at the same time.

You also work as a digital marketing and content manager, what does that job entail?

My start-up company here is basically a research and development firm that works on developing scientific/technical content and showcase the same using digital media. Having tie-ups with a lot of companies, my start-up handles their respective digital marketing and content development based on research and analysis.

Do you have any fond memories of your time as a student in Chemnitz that you can share?

Studying in Germany had been a life-changing experience. I've become more self-dependent than ever and my working style has become more research-oriented. Working under Prof. Dr Madhukar Chandra as a HiWi (german abbreviation for student assistant) had opened my conscience to various apt technologies and has evolved me as an individual. His guidance was, is and will remain irreplaceable throughout my life and career.

I recall quite a few incidents which had shaped the person I'm today and helped me run my business quite efficiently.It all starts with the Electronic Design Automation (EDA) Tools class which was tough for me as I had no prior experience in the same field and thus couldn't get through the practicalities and hence had been very worried. But, Dipl. -Inf. Matthias Sauppe ensured I would learn it, understand it, perform it and he didn't give up on me until I cleared it. His teaching methodology thus taught me to keep working over a specific area until I master it. There are many such incidents and many such amazing personalities like Prof. Dr. -Ing. Thomas Bauschert, M. Sc. Ronald Romero Reyes, Dr.-Ing. Erik Markert and others who have played a vital role in shaping my future and I am thankful to them whole-heartedly.

Why did you decide to study in Chemnitz?

The field of study and its disciplines gave me a strong reason to select TU Chemnitz out of all the other Universities I'd gotten through. Especially the department of "Microwave Engineering and Electromagnetic Theory" had interested me a lot.

What did you dislike about your time in Germany?

Actually nothing! I've enjoyed every bit of it. Whether it be snow or it be the University or the trams or the students.

Is there any experience that you would like to share with current and future students of TU Chemnitz?

"Never Give Up". Initially, the studies may seem to be difficult but then remember why you started and why are you here! Many a time I found myself asking about my reason to be at the University and I found myself struggling hard with the stress of a few subjects that weren't my cup of tea in the beginning. A little dedication and an open conversation with the respective subject expert in the University gradually settled me in. The Professors, the teachers, the University administrators and various others are right there to help you with anything and everything you need to grow.

What is your dream for your future?

"The Right Science" is my dream! I wish to build an open journal and bring in world famous educators under one roof and create a high profile research team for the "Science" to reach the masses in the easiest and the most efficient way. My firm has started developing the same and my days and nights are currently dedicated to this project and the basic foundation of the same can be seen at www.therightscience.com which is solely dedicated to research.

Did your degree from TU Chemnitz enable you to pursue your career ambitions?

Yes, indeed and in all ways! Starting from overcoming my fears and my setbacks, TU Chemnitz and its team had helped me realize my true potential and eventually take a stepping stone towards my start-up and then further in the realization of my goals towards research and give back a potential research zone to the aspiring scientists in the near future.

What is life like in Mumbai after having lived and studied in Chemnitz? What comes to your mind, when you think about Chemnitz now?

Life in Mumbai is very fast with never-ending stories and with its own share of worries. Now, when I look back at Chemnitz, it gives me strength, passion and my reason to do what I want to do. And yes, I terribly miss the snow, the fun-filled classes, Prof. Chandra's guidance, the calm and composed lifestyle and the long walks to the University.

(Interview: Evamaria Moore)

Matthias Fejes
28.02.2019

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