After my undergraduation, I was at crossroads and had to choose either employment or higher studies.
I chose to study in a new line, different from what I had qualified for as a computer engineer. I wanted to get into the business side of the civil engineering and construction.
The obvious destination was the USA as its education system would lend itself to a career transition. I managed to secure admission at the Georgia Institute of Technology for a master’s programme in Building Construction. GeorgiaTech is one of the few universities to offer the programme, apart from standing out as an institution.
Arrival on campusIt was night when my flight landed in Atlanta. The student organisation has arranged a meet-and-greet service. By the time we entered the residence hall, the housing representative was waiting for us with keys to our rooms. The next morning, we went to the Office of International Education to get registered for the programme and complete other formalities for international students.
Later, a tour was arranged of the sprawling campus, which has around 175 buildings. It created a lasting impression on me. The transport facilities include “Stinger”, the shuttle service that provides transit from resident halls to main campus, a trolley service which runs within the campus and also, there is a night ride for students to the library. I felt that I had arrived at a treasure hunt filled with surprises everywhere.
During orientation, the Dean and other faculty members were introduced to us. The professors encourage international students to engage deeper in the class discussion and help them achieve their course goals. The peer group mostly consists of executives in various construction and allied companies. So, it is an added advantage to learn from them as well.
I had a chance to interview the Director of Sustainability in Atlanta and the Head of Facilities Management at Hartsfield Jackson Airport, which gave me an overview of the nuances in managing large facilities and utilities. As a part of the learning experience, we have visited various construction projects, office tours and public hearings.
Periodic job fairs are organised, and students can choose to study for one semester and work/intern during the other semester.
Despite having the opportunity to intern during my first semester I chose the other option due to a mismatch with the course calendar. However, after my first year I completed an internship with a large construction project in Coastal Andhra Pradesh to make up for it.
The cityA plethora of activities are available in and around Atlanta for students. It may just take a matter of couple of weeks to get the bearings right with the directions and shortcuts. Musical retreats are available throughout the year in theatres nearby.
Atlanta prides itself in housing the world’s largest aquarium which abuts the perimeter of the campus. Many beautiful suburbs surround this place. One can experience extremities of the temperature living in Atlanta.
There are two key takeaways from my U.S. stint: experience changes your outlook and the learning enhances confidence.
The writer is in his final semester of Master’s in Construction Management at Georgia Tech.
