How did you become aware of the program?

While I was doing my bachelor degree at UDE, I was immediately interested in the turbomachinery program once I learned of it. My awareness of the collaborating program between the university and Siemens came when I was looking for a turbomachinery related student job on the Siemens Energy website and I saw the ad.

Why did you choose this program?

My love for mechanical engineering and especially turbomachines (which at the time mainly meant turbines for me) started when I was around the age of 15, and it's what pushed me to come to Germany to pursue my dream. While I was doing my bachelor's, I was looking for master's programs that involved turbomachinery, and although there were other options available, the CoRE program was definitely the best choice for me:

First, as any other mechanical engineering student, having the opportunity to see the the theory that you learn about at the university in practical use is a dream come true.

Second, compared to other programs, it more focused on mechanical engineering (compared to programming or electrical engineering), which is the field I definitely enjoy the most.

Third, the mix between English and German is ideal for me as an international student. On the one hand, technical German can still be challenging, but on the other hand, as I am living in – and aspiring to work in - Germany, I did not want to join an all-English program, so having a course of studies that offers both - with the possibility of taking most of the exams in either language - was an amazing offer.

Last and definitely not least is the possibility of a job offer, which means fulfilling my long dream of working with turbomachines, even with a leading company like Siemens Energy... sign me up please!

How is the program structured?

The program, in my experience, has the students' best interest at heart. In addition to the university lectures, students go to the training center in Duisburg for a period of about a month (or more if it is convenient for them) each semester at a suitable time, usually after the exams. The training there is also individualized; for me, the training is focused on steam turbines and mechanical and commissioning training.

What do you like the most about it?

I love that I get the opportunity for gaining not just theoretical, but also practical knowledge. The moment when you are on site and see how the theory is actually applied and how everything works in such great details feels like magic every single time.

What role does the university play in the training program, and what could be improved in your opinion?

The university offers a wide variety of courses related to turbomachinery and, of course, the supervision of a thesis on a related topic. In some lectures, actual Siemens training material is used, which is very helpful, and even some guest lecturers from Siemens share their expertise on some of the subjects.

As for the future development, students' awareness of the program could definitely be improved - I learned about the CoRR program only after I already applied for the master's program due to a lack of promotional material.

How does Siemens Energy support your education?

Siemens does not only help complete the circuit between theoretical and practical knowledge, but also offers the financial support that allows students to focus on their studies as well as a job opportunity after graduation. In addition, the training program provides the wonderful opportunity to meet with Siemens employees from all over the world in the training center, which is a unique and inreaching experience.

Which experiences have had the greatest learning impact on you?

Learning about the complexity and variety of steam turbines left a lasting impact - these machines are unique and require extensive knowledge in various sectors, hence the extensive training for each type of turbine. Also, as an inexperienced engineer, the help and support I found from everyone in the training center - not only answering my inquiries but also encouraging me to ask and teaching me some tips and tricks of the trade - was really valuable.