What is your impression on Electrical and Computer Engineering? For me, I’ve always had the impression that you need to sacrifice a part of your soul to study this program. While this might not entirely be wrong, I had the pleasure of interviewing Kirsten Alado to gain a deeper insight into what studying ECE at Constructor University feels like.
When people hear the words “Electrical and Computer Engineering,” they usually imagine endless equations, complicated wires, sleep deprivation, and students staring blankly at MATLAB code at 3 AM wondering where life went wrong. And honestly? They would not be entirely incorrect.
To get a deeper insight into what studying ECE at Constructor University is actually like, I spoke with Kirsten, a third-year Electrical and Computer Engineering student from Vietnam and the Philippines. From culture shock and difficult modules to internships and future aspirations, she shared her honest experiences in studying one of the university’s most challenging programs.
What is your name and where are you from? What are you studying at Constructor university?
My name is Kirsten. I am a third year electrical and computer engineering student from Vietnam and the Philippines.
What first sparked your interest in Electrical and Computer Engineering, and when did you decide this was the field you wanted to study?
I always had an affinity to technology while growing up. I was the go to person in my family when there were any problems related to tech. My computer Science teachers also encouraged me to code, and work on some advanced projects when I was growing up. However, my decision to study ECE was not the result of a single defining moment. Rather, it was a gradual accumulation of experiences and interests that converged over time. I struggled for a while to decide on a university major because I had diverse interests, including biology, which I was also good at. Eventually, I decided to major in engineering. I liked innovating, designing, and building things, which steered me toward the hardware side of electrical engineering rather than purely Computer Science.
How did you first discover Constructor University, and what made you decide to apply here instead of other universities?
I had just started my search for universities at the time, when a student ambassador came to our school. She held a presentation on the university and I really liked the idea of attending here.
What was it like moving to Germany as an international student? Were there any challenges adjusting to life here?
There were many challenges and culture shock, especially since I have never lived outside of Asia before. One of the hardest things to get used to was how shops close really early, and especially on Sundays, almost everything is closed. Back home, convenience stores and pharmacies are open 24/7, so not having that here felt really inconvenient. Also, understanding the healthcare system was confusing at first as I wasn’t familiar with the idea of having a “house doctor” and how that works. Another adjustment was learning to navigate public transport, which was something totally new for me since I had never lived in a place with such an accessible system.
Before starting university, what did you think studying Electrical and Computer Engineering would be like? How did the reality compare?
Before starting university, I definitely had a certain idea of what Electrical Engineering would be like, mostly focused on the hardware side. I was really passionate about things like PCB design, RF design, and actually building electronic devices. But once I started my courses here, especially in the second year, I realized the program is a lot more theoretical than I expected. There’s a strong emphasis on wireless communication and information theory, which involves a lot of programming and really difficult math. While I appreciate those subjects, they aren’t exactly what I originally pictured since I’m more interested in hands-on hardware work. So, my initial idea shifted a bit as I understood the program’s focus.
Which ECE modules or courses did you enjoy the most, and what made them interesting or challenging?
The courses I enjoyed the most were definitely the ones related to electronics and hardware. For example, Radio Frequency Design was really interesting because it involved designing hardware that operates at very high frequencies, which felt very hands-on and tangible compared to some of the more theoretical subjects. I also liked the PCB design course because it gave me practical insights into how to actually build circuits, which connected well with my passion for creating and innovating physical devices. On the other hand, some courses were quite challenging, especially the more theoretical ones like Signals and Systems and Information Theory. These modules required a lot of conceptual understanding and involved really tough math, which many students, including myself, found difficult to grasp at first. It felt like there was always a “monolith” of a course each year that tested everyone’s limits. Despite the challenge, working through them was rewarding because they deepened my understanding of the field, even if they were not my favorite.
What has been the most rewarding academic experience during your time studying ECE at Constructor University?
One of the most rewarding academic experiences during my time studying Electrical and Computer Engineering at Constructor University was definitely landing my internship with Siemens Energy. It was such a valuable opportunity because I got to work in a big company and be involved in tasks that were very hands-on, especially in the electronics division. This experience really helped me connect what I had learned in theory with real-world applications, and it solidified my passion for the hardware side of electrical engineering. It gave me a clearer idea of what I want to focus on in the future and confirmed that I’m on the right path. Beyond the internship, I also look forward to graduating because, after working so hard for the past three years, having that degree will be a huge achievement and proof that I’ve mastered difficult concepts and skills.
What do you like to do during your free time?
During my free time, I’ve really enjoyed playing volleyball, especially since I was part of the women’s volleyball team until the start of this spring semester. Volleyball has been a great way for me to stay active and exercise because otherwise, I probably wouldn’t go to the gym or work out regularly. I also enjoy that volleyball is a no-contact sport, which suits me better since I had an injury playing basketball before. Besides sports, I’m really into video games, particularly action-adventure single-player games.
Looking back at your university journey, what is one experience or moment that really defines your time at Constructor University?
One experience that really defines my time at Constructor University is definitely the Marshmallow Night during my second year. That whole day was intense because I was a peer mentor and was responsible for organizing the event. Earlier that day, I even had to go out alone to get firewood and carry it back to campus, which was exhausting but rewarding. The event itself went smoothly, and after finishing my duties, I was able to relax and hang out with friends, which felt great after a long day of work. Later that night, I also helped a new student who arrived late, which was a bit annoying but also kind of funny in hindsight.
What advice would you give to students who are thinking about studying Electrical and Computer Engineering?
If you’re thinking about studying Electrical and Computer Engineering, my advice would be to not be too hard on yourself at the beginning. When I started, I thought being strong in math and tech would make it easy, but the first exams really humbled me. The learning curve is steep because you’re not just dealing with challenging courses like signals and systems or information theory, but also adjusting to living independently like managing your own food, laundry, and social life. It’s a lot all at once, especially if you’re far from home. So, don’t stress about performing like you did in high school because it’s normal to struggle at first.
You are about to graduate, how are you feeling about this next chapter, and what are your plans after graduation?
As I’m about to graduate, I have mixed feelings about this next chapter. On one hand, I’m really looking forward to finally finishing my degree because I’ve worked incredibly hard over the past three years, sacrificing a lot of social time and fun moments just to stay focused. It feels like a huge achievement to be so close to getting that piece of paper that proves I’ve mastered some pretty tough subjects and can handle challenging math and engineering concepts. On the other hand, there’s definitely a bit of fear and uncertainty about what comes next. Like many others, I’m not entirely sure what my exact path will be after graduation. I’m planning to apply for a master’s degree because I want to deepen my knowledge, especially in the hardware side of electrical engineering, which I’m really passionate about. However, I’m also considering whether to jump straight into a master’s program or take a break to work for a while first. It’s a bit daunting to think about leaving university life behind and possibly moving somewhere new, which means I might lose daily contact with friends and a familiar environment.
Listening to Kirsten’s journey made me realize that studying Electrical and Computer Engineering is about far more than simply solving equations or passing exams. What stood out to me the most was how honest her perspective was. University is often romanticized as the “best years of your life,” but in reality, it can also be stressful, uncertain, and overwhelming. Yet despite all the struggles, there are still rewarding moments hidden between the deadlines, whether it is landing an internship, discovering your passion, or simply surviving another difficult semester with your friends.
