NTU EEE WHAT I WISH I KNEW | Everything You NEED To Know Before Enrolling *Important Advice* 南洋理工大学

Summary

In this candid video, the speaker reflects on their challenging journey through the Triple-E program at NTU, sharing the struggles of studying a subject they didn't initially enjoy. Despite facing emotional and academic hardships, they emphasize the importance of perseverance, discipline, and support from peers and mentors. The speaker highlights how the degree, though difficult, eventually led to valuable career opportunities beyond engineering. The video offers insights into the realities of university life, urging prospective students to carefully consider their path while being mentally prepared for the challenges ahead.

Takeaways

• 😀 The journey through Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Triple E) at NTU is tough, but perseverance pays off in the end.
• 😀 Struggling with physics and math in the first year is common, but it is part of the process to adapt and improve.
• 😀 The program is highly competitive, with a strong international cohort, which can add pressure to perform well.
• 😀 Second-year courses like Signals and Systems, Digital Electronics, and Engineering Mathematics are especially challenging and require dedication.
• 😀 It's normal to feel disinterested or frustrated with the course, especially when it doesn’t align with your passions, but discipline is key.
• 😀 Even when the content feels torturous, completing the degree can open doors to various career opportunities outside of engineering.
• 😀 Perseverance through difficult periods—often motivated by the future benefits of the degree—can help students power through tough times.
• 😀 Despite the difficulties, friendships and support networks with fellow students can help make the experience more manageable.
• 😀 Encouragement from mentors or family members can make a significant difference in staying motivated and pushing through challenges.
• 😀 In hindsight, even though the degree wasn’t initially enjoyable, graduating with it can lead to a fulfilling career, proving that hard work pays off.
• 😀 The experience teaches important life skills like discipline, determination, and resilience, which are valuable in both academic and professional settings.

Q & A

Why did the speaker initially choose Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) at NTU?

The speaker chose EEE because they felt it was a flexible degree that could lead to various career paths. They didn't have a clear career direction and believed the degree would open doors, even though it wasn't something they particularly enjoyed.

What was the speaker’s attitude towards the difficulty of the EEE curriculum?

The speaker found the curriculum to be extremely challenging, especially in the first two years, where they struggled with subjects like physics, mathematics, and digital electronics. Despite not enjoying the subjects, they persevered due to their commitment to completing the degree.

How did the speaker manage the pressure and challenges of the course?

The speaker managed the challenges by maintaining a clear goal to graduate with the degree, despite the difficulties. They also drew strength from the support of their friends, peers, and mentor, who encouraged them throughout the journey.

What role did mentorship play in the speaker's university experience?

Mentorship was crucial for the speaker. Their mentor provided guidance and reassurance during tough times, reminding them of the long-term value of the degree. The speaker also appreciated the peer support from their fellow students.

What advice did the speaker give regarding choosing a final year project (FYP)?

The speaker emphasized the importance of choosing a good professor for the FYP, as it greatly impacts the experience and outcome of the project. A supportive supervisor can make a significant difference in the quality of the final year project.

Did the speaker ever consider changing their course during their time at NTU?

Yes, the speaker considered changing their course during their studies. They even appealed to change their course after their A-levels and again during their university years, but their appeals were rejected.

How did the speaker feel about the difficulty of the courses and their ability to cope?

The speaker often felt overwhelmed by the difficulty of the courses, especially since many subjects were not of personal interest to them. However, they persevered by maintaining a strong determination to complete the degree, despite the challenges.

What were the benefits of persevering through a challenging course, according to the speaker?

Persevering through a challenging course helped the speaker secure their current career and provided them with opportunities they might not have otherwise had. They describe the degree as a 'ticket to the world' that opened up new possibilities.

How did the speaker feel about their choice of EEE in hindsight?

In hindsight, the speaker was glad they completed the degree, even though they initially disliked the subject. They felt that the struggles and sacrifices were worth it because the degree led to a fulfilling career and personal growth.

What is the speaker’s key advice for prospective students choosing their course of study?

The speaker advises prospective students to carefully consider their course choice. They recommend ensuring that the course aligns with personal interests, but also mention that even if the course is challenging or not fully enjoyable, perseverance can lead to rewarding outcomes.