德國留學 | 慕尼黑工業大學TUM上課模式和職涯服務大公開！推不推薦念TUM資訊科學學士？給想要申請此學程學生的建議！學長經驗談 Part 2 - Karen's Podcast

Summary

This video provides insights into a computer science program in Munich, discussing the learning format, career services, student clubs, internships, and academic challenges. The speaker shares their experiences with large and small group lectures, hybrid learning, and interactions with professors and assistants. They also highlight the importance of student clubs for networking and skills development, such as their involvement in a rocketry club. The video also covers the practical aspects of university life, including housing challenges and work-life balance, and provides advice for prospective students, including the benefits of basic computer science knowledge and learning German.

Takeaways

• 😀 Career fairs, like Ecom, are popular and feature major companies like Google and Infinium, offering opportunities to connect and learn about career paths.
• 😀 In large lecture settings, professors are less personal, but students can still interact with them after class or schedule an appointment with course assistants.
• 😀 Practical courses are smaller, with around 20 to 30 people, offering hands-on problem-solving and closer interaction with capable teaching assistants.
• 😀 Classes were hybrid during the COVID-19 pandemic, with some lectures being attended in person and others available online, but in-person attendance is encouraged.
• 😀 Professors initially have little personal impact in large classes, but they can significantly influence students' studies later, especially when guiding thesis projects.
• 😀 As a research and teaching assistant, the speaker gains experience working closely with professors and is compensated with a salary.
• 😀 Munich has over 100 student clubs, including technical, philosophical, and entrepreneurial ones, offering valuable networking and skill-building opportunities.
• 😀 The speaker participated in a rocketry student club, which built liquid fuel rockets and competed in international competitions, focusing on practical engineering skills.
• 😀 Career services provide valuable networking opportunities, including access to companies and HR professionals, helping students shape their career paths.
• 😀 Internships, especially in startups, provide valuable insight into company founding, project management, and technical problem-solving in real-world scenarios.
• 😀 Work-life balance and housing challenges in Munich are significant struggles for students, particularly in securing rental apartments due to a shortage of housing for students.

Q & A

What is the structure of the career fairs at the university?

The career fairs at the university are quite popular and are held several times a year. They last for almost a week, featuring many companies, including major firms like Infinium and Google. These events provide opportunities for students to connect with companies, learn about available roles, and understand the skills that employers are seeking.

How are the lectures and practical sessions structured at the university?

Lectures are typically large, with around 200 students, and they are impersonal due to the size. However, students have the opportunity to approach the professor for questions after class. Practical sessions, on the other hand, are smaller, typically consisting of 20 to 30 people, and as the semester progresses, the group size tends to decrease. These sessions are more interactive, and students can ask assistants for help while solving exercises.

What is the format of lectures at the university? Are they online or in person?

The lectures are primarily in person, but they follow a hybrid model. Due to COVID-19, some lectures were moved online, and now there are both live streams and recorded sessions available for students who cannot attend in person. However, attending the lectures is still encouraged to foster a strong social life and good academic performance.

How do professors or mentors influence students during their academic journey?

Initially, professors have little personal impact due to large class sizes, but assistants play a significant role, especially during practical courses. Over time, as students progress, professors, especially those supervising theses, have a more direct influence, shaping students' approaches to problem-solving and guiding their academic paths.

What role do student clubs play at the university?

Student clubs are an essential part of the university experience, offering a chance to meet like-minded, ambitious peers. These clubs cover a wide range of topics, from technical fields like rocketry to economics and philosophy. Participation in clubs helps students build practical skills, network, and work on projects, often under stressful conditions, fostering teamwork and problem-solving.

What is the role of supervisors in student clubs?

While most student clubs have official supervisors, their level of involvement can vary depending on the club's size and focus. In some cases, especially for technical clubs like the rocketry club, clubs conduct research in collaboration with university chairs, requiring substantial mentoring from faculty or research staff.

Does the university provide any career services or alumni networks?

Yes, the university offers career services, including career fairs where various companies, such as Google and Argo AI, participate. These fairs allow students to connect with companies, learn about job opportunities, and receive guidance on their career paths. Additionally, the university has a good track record of its students securing jobs after graduation.

What are some challenges students face during their academic journey?

Some of the main challenges include balancing work and academic life and finding suitable housing, especially in cities like Munich. The high demand for student housing and the general difficulty of finding a flat make it hard for students to secure accommodations. Additionally, navigating the cost of living in expensive cities can also be a significant challenge.

What advice would you give to students considering applying for a computer science program?

For students interested in computer science, applying to universities in Europe and Germany, particularly Munich, is a great choice. It’s recommended to apply to multiple universities to find the best fit. Students should also prepare by gaining some foundational knowledge in computer science beforehand, which will make the transition to university easier. Additionally, learning German and being consistent in studies are crucial for success.

What skills or qualities are needed to succeed in the university’s computer science program?

The program is well-suited for ambitious individuals who are driven to realize their goals and contribute to society or the tech industry. A strong interest in technology and entrepreneurship is important, as the program fosters a mindset of innovation and starting new ventures. Students should be able to balance academic rigor with hands-on projects and collaborative work.