Christian Ruf - Bachelor's in Sensor Technology
Were your expectations of the sensor technology course fulfilled?
I really was spot on. In addition to subjects relevant to engineers such as design and manufacturing, electrical engineering, software development and many more, the Sensor Technology program gave me a deep insight into the natural sciences such as chemistry, physics, medical technology and bionics. I particularly liked that the individual lectures often complemented each other in such a way that the content learned in one area allowed you to better understand the facts in the other. In the course of my studies, I noticed a clear difference in my ability to relate what I had learned to the general context compared to fellow students from other disciplines.
You spent a semester abroad. What is your opinion?
The opportunity to apply what I had learned immediately in practice through projects and internships was very exciting for me and contributed noticeably to consolidate the knowledge. Here, my 6-month internship semester at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Australia was a definite highlight. This stay abroad greatly advanced both my professional and personal development and opened many doors for me. The opportunity to work in a team of electronics engineers, mechanics, physicists, medical doctors and chemists clearly showed me that my degree enables me to bring the necessary knowledge in many disciplines to contribute effectively to the project there.
In which industry are you working now, and what position do you hold?
Due to the focus I placed on microfluidics during my internship semester, I decided to apply for my thesis project at Agilent Technologies in Waldbronn after graduation. There I worked on my bachelor thesis as well as my master thesis. During my master's studies, I was able to continue working at Agilent Technologies as a student trainee in the development department. After graduation, I was hired as a development engineer for mechanics and optics in the research and development department for high-performance liquid chromatographs. At the same time, I work as a lecturer at Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences in the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology in the sensor technology department, where I teach software development, among other things.
Your personal conclusion being...?
Looking back, I can say that the decision to study Sensor Technology at Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences was one of the best decisions I ever made. A large part of my success so far is based on my sound understanding of the natural sciences and engineering that I was taught during my studies. I can therefore advise any new student with similar aspirations to at least find out more about the program and shortlist it.