From Freshman to Grad: A Memorable Voyage - My 4-Year Engineering College Journey with UEM Kolkata
Welcome aboard as we embark on a captivating journey through my four-year engineering college experience at UEM Kolkata. Let's start!
UEM Kolkata, an esteemed institution known for its commitment to academic excellence and holistic development, served as the backdrop for my college adventure. From the moment I stepped onto its vibrant campus, I knew I was in for an extraordinary experience. Throughout my time at UEM Kolkata, I encountered a multitude of opportunities, made lifelong connections, and discovered my true potential.
But college life is about more than just academics. It's about discovering oneself, forging friendships, and immersing in a vibrant campus culture. We will unravel the tapestry of campus life at UEM Kolkata, from the countless extracurricular activities, clubs, and societies that enriched my college days to the co-curricular events that fostered a spirit of camaraderie and celebration.
Moreover, my journey at UEM Kolkata wasn't limited to the four walls of the classroom. I had the privilege of gaining real-world exposure through internships, industrial visits, and research projects, allowing me to bridge the gap between theory and practice. These experiences sharpened my skills, broadened my perspective, and laid a solid foundation for my future endeavors.
Whether you are a prospective student seeking insights into life at UEM Kolkata, a current student looking to reminisce about shared experiences, or simply someone curious about the college journey, this blog is for you. Together, let's celebrate the memories, honor the challenges, and embrace the invaluable lessons learned during my four-year engineering college odyssey with UEM Kolkata.
The Freshman Year
In 2019, I received the results for WBJEE and JEE-Main, and unfortunately, I didn't achieve the scores I had hoped for. As someone who had dreamed of pursuing a B.Tech degree and becoming an engineer for the past two years, this was disheartening. However, UEM Kolkata emerged as a ray of hope in my situation. They offered me admission to B.Tech Computer Science and Engineering, reigniting my dreams. UEM Kolkata became the sole option for me to pursue my aspirations, and I believe it serves as a savior for many other students like myself, who are in pursuit of their dreams.
Our journey commenced in the last week of July. During my first year, I was solely focused on my college studies, believing that mastering the syllabus would make me an engineer. I had limited awareness of the expansive field of engineering, and at that time, I considered college studies to be my sole pursuit. Looking back, I now realize how naive I was, and I can't help but acknowledge my lack of understanding during that phase.
It was a year filled with making lifelong friends, enjoying every moment, and little did we know that it would be the last time we would meet for two years. However, in March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, leading to a nationwide lockdown in India. As a result, colleges were closed, and we transitioned to online learning for our second year.
The Sophomore Year
During the lockdown, with access to the internet, I delved deeper into the engineering domain. I explored technologies in demand for upcoming industries and focused on Machine Learning. Competitive programming became a priority as it would help during off-campus drives. As my interest in Machine Learning grew, I started working on projects and building my GitHub and LinkedIn profiles. Understanding the importance of social networking in the Internet era, I shared my projects with friends.
I discovered open-source communities and eagerly began contributing, expanding my network. By the end of my sophomore year, I became a mentor for juniors in open-source events, sharing my insights and experiences with them.
During this year, our college projects were assigned, and my team, led by our mentor Sudipta Ma'am, focused on using machine learning to address real-life problems. Our project on the Covid-19 pandemic received great appreciation, and our mentor even presented it at an international conference. This breakthrough marked my first participation in an international conference, an unforgettable experience for which I am truly grateful to Sudipta Ma'am for inspiring us.
This year marked a pivotal moment in my career journey. Initially, I approached college intending to focus solely on the syllabus. However, within the second year, my perception of engineering took a complete 180-degree turn. It was a transformative process, reversing my mindset from the first to the second year.
The Penultimate Year
Amidst the lockdown, the thought of campus placements crept into my mind as I entered the third year. Securing a job offer during campus placements became crucial for my middle-class family. To enhance my resume, I devoted myself to project development, mastered DSA and competitive programming on various platforms, and actively participated in hackathons to gain experience.
Simultaneously, my passion for Machine Learning persisted, and I continued my work in that field for the past two years. Our mentor played a pivotal role in motivating and supporting us during this transitional phase, where preparation for campus placements and self-improvement were equally important to stand out.
In the initial phase of the third year, I focused on upgrading my skills and delving deeper into ML, particularly researching its integration in healthcare. Additionally, I received an invitation to work on a drone project funded by the electrical department. While time and funding constraints prevented its full completion, the initial trials showed promise. Interested individuals can find the drone at the electrical lab of UEM Kolkata or inquire about it from Mr. Barun Kumbhakar.
During the second phase of the third year, I gathered information about campus placements and conducted research on companies and their recruitment processes. It was during this time that I had the opportunity to start learning with Cognizant through their Digital Nurture program, which made me realize the need to shift my focus toward campus drives.
The Final Year
With our semester exams behind us and the start of our final year classes still ahead, recruitment drives by various companies began through exams like eLitmus and CoCubes. It was time to work on my resume and optimize it to the best of my abilities. As each company's recruitment drive was announced just five days in advance, I focused solely on that particular company. My approach was to tackle one company at a time, shifting my goal with each new opportunity. By achieving these smaller targets, I knew I would eventually reach my ultimate goal. It's fulfilling to see how these smaller achievements contribute to the larger picture and bring a sense of pride in the work I've put in.
As September drew to a close, I couldn't help but reflect on the incredible journey I had undertaken. I stood tall, filled with pride and happiness for my accomplishments. It was a stark contrast to the days when I struggled to secure admission into engineering colleges. Now, I found myself with multiple offers from renowned multinational corporations. This achievement served as a powerful motivation, instilling in me the firm belief that anyone can replicate this success if they set their mind to it.
In January, my long-awaited dream came to fruition as I began my internship journey with Cognizant. The opportunity to work with such a renowned company was truly a dream come true for me. If you're interested in reading about my internship experience, I have detailed it in a separate blog post which you can find here.
Support System
UEM Kolkata stands out among private engineering colleges in Kolkata when it comes to providing a conducive faculty and environment for preparing for competitive exams like GATE, UPSC, and WBCS. Here are some key aspects that contribute to UEM Kolkata's commitment to offering better opportunities for exam preparation:
Experienced and Dedicated Faculty: UEM Kolkata boasts a team of highly qualified and experienced faculty members who are well-versed in the subjects and syllabi of competitive exams. These faculty members provide comprehensive guidance, coaching, and mentoring to students aspiring for exams like GATE, UPSC, and WBCS. Their expertise and support play a crucial role in helping students navigate the complexities of these exams.
Customized Study Material and Curriculum: UEM Kolkata understands the unique requirements of competitive exams and designs study material and curriculum accordingly. The institute provides targeted resources, including study materials, practice papers, and mock tests, specifically tailored to align with the syllabi and patterns of these exams. This focused approach helps students gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter and enhances their preparation.
Regular Workshops and Seminars: UEM Kolkata organizes regular workshops, seminars, and guest lectures by experts and successful candidates to provide valuable insights and tips for cracking competitive exams. These sessions cover various aspects, including exam strategies, time management, problem-solving techniques, and interview preparation. Such interactions expose students to different perspectives and enhance their overall exam preparation.
Dedicated Exam Preparation Cell: UEM Kolkata has a dedicated Exam Preparation Cell that caters to the needs of students aiming for competitive exams. This cell provides personalized counseling, guidance, and support to students throughout their exam preparation journey. It keeps students informed about important updates, exam notifications, application processes, and deadlines, ensuring that they are well-prepared and organized.
Mock Tests and Practice Sessions: UEM Kolkata emphasizes the importance of regular mock tests and practice sessions to assess students' progress and familiarize them with exam patterns. The institute conducts regular mock tests and provides feedback and performance analysis to help students identify their strengths and areas for improvement. This systematic approach enables students to refine their strategies and boost their confidence before the actual exams.
Comprehensive Library and Online Resources: UEM Kolkata maintains a well-equipped library with a vast collection of reference books, study materials, previous years' question papers, and online resources related to competitive exams. Students have access to online platforms, e-libraries, and digital resources that supplement their exam preparation and allow them to explore additional study materials conveniently.
Career Guidance and Placement Support: UEM Kolkata understands that success in competitive exams opens up a plethora of career opportunities. Hence, the institute provides career guidance and placement support to help students make informed decisions and pursue their desired career paths. The placement cell at UEM Kolkata assists students in exploring job opportunities, internships, and further studies related to their exam achievements.
Through these initiatives, UEM Kolkata ensures that students receive the necessary resources, guidance, and support to excel in competitive exams like GATE, UPSC, and WBCS. The institute's commitment to providing a better faculty, a conducive learning environment, and comprehensive exam preparation opportunities sets it apart from other private engineering colleges in Kolkata.
Unity in Diversity
UEM Kolkata, renowned for its vibrant campus culture, is a hub of diverse cultural activities and exhilarating cultural fests. These events not only foster a sense of unity and inclusiveness but also provide students with opportunities to showcase their talents, celebrate diversity, and engage in artistic expression.
Throughout the academic year, UEM Kolkata organizes an array of cultural activities that cater to a wide range of interests and talents. Students can participate in various clubs and societies dedicated to music, dance, drama, art, literature, and more. These clubs serve as platforms for students to explore their creative sides, hone their skills, and collaborate with like-minded individuals.
One of the highlights of the cultural calendar at UEM Kolkata is the annual cultural fest. This much-awaited event brings together students from different disciplines and institutions, creating a vibrant atmosphere of enthusiasm and camaraderie. The cultural fest showcases a myriad of talents through captivating performances, including music concerts, dance performances, theatrical plays, fashion shows, and art exhibitions. Students enthusiastically participate in these events, not only as performers but also as organizers, stage crew, and volunteers, ensuring the fest's success.
Adios!
UEM Kolkata, without a doubt, has been the ultimate savior of my engineering dream. It has exceeded my expectations by providing not just academic excellence but also the best friendships, top-notch faculty, and countless opportunities for personal and professional growth. As I look back on my four-year journey, I am filled with immense gratitude for everything UEM Kolkata has offered me.
To those who are about to embark on their own UEM Kolkata journey, you might initially perceive it as just another institution. But I can assure you that it will soon transform into something much more meaningful. The transformation will be evident as you progress through your studies, engage with inspiring professors, and find yourself immersed in a vibrant campus life.
UEM Kolkata has the power to shape your future, and when the time comes for you to graduate, you will walk away with a sense of pride and accomplishment. The experiences, knowledge, and friendships gained throughout your time at UEM Kolkata will become invaluable assets as you step into the professional world.
As I conclude this blog, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to UEM Kolkata for providing me with an unforgettable journey. It has truly been an honor and a privilege to be a part of this esteemed institution. To all future students, embrace the opportunities that come your way, cherish the friendships you make, and strive for excellence in all that you do.
UEM Kolkata is not just another university; it is a stepping stone toward a bright future. Trust in its ability to shape your destiny and let it be the catalyst for your personal and professional success. As you embark on this remarkable voyage, remember to embrace every moment, overcome challenges with determination, and make the most of the transformative experience that awaits you at UEM Kolkata.
Check out my campus placement experience blogs,