Voice of September 2011 - Vignan University

Ramya
from Siemens
Alumni
Hi folks! Can’t say how delighted
I am to be talking to all of you.
After my graduation from Vignan
in the summer of 2011, I got
shortlisted for an interview at
Siemens through a reference
posted by one of my cousin’s
friends. There is a programme
called ‘Connect-Employee
Referral Scheme’ in Siemens. If
there are any vacancies for a
position the information will be
circulated to all employees. If an
employee finds someone with all
the prerequisites s/he can refer the
candidate by posting the resume.
My entry happened so.
On 7 th May, I attended the
interview for the position of a
Systems Engineer at Siemens
Information Systems Limited,
Bengalur. It consisted of 4 phases
a) A one hour paper based test
(+1 for a right answer & -1 for a
wrong answer) b) Technical
Interview-1 c) Technical
Interview-2 d) HR interview.
The written test was based on
general aptitude (similar to TCS)
and programming languages C,
C++ and operating systems. The
News
same was tested in technical
interview with questions on the
B.Tech project. The results were
announced on the same day.
I joined the organization on 20th
June 2011. I was lucky to become
the 200th member of our
department.
The last four months at Siemens
have been immensely beneficial
to me. Initially I was a bit
apprehensive about my abilities.
But, as a fresher I was not expected
to come up with great innovations.
All I was expected to do was, be
proactive and show willingness to
learn. While learning, wherever I
stumbled, I was expected to seek a
quick clarification and move on.
Be it technical or general, coming
up with a quick response was
important.
In the initial training period, we
were treated to a lunch with all the
project managers and briefed on
Receiving words of commendation
Siemens’ organizational structure
and its policies. Next, we were
assigned a mini project of one and
a half month, on which we were
subsequently assessed.
Once assigned to the project, we
got acquainted with the work place
dynamics. I picked up some
valuable lessons in Soft Skills. I
learned to appreciate the value of
others’ time. At office, everyone
is busy. If I want to meet someone,
A presentation during the training
even if related to work, I am to
seek prior consent. Our individual
contribution determines the
team’s progress and the project
quality. So, we are always on the
learning curve. We need to equip
ourselves with sufficient
knowledge, see that we bring
value addition to the team.
Now, with two months into a real
time project, I find my work being
tracked on a regular basis. And it
is not always work; the numerous
clubs out here (sports, cultural
etc.) help us to pursue our
interests. We are encouraged to
take part in various activities and
demonstrate our potential.
So friends, life is a journey of
continuous learning, growth and
the ability to adapt. I look forward
to having a great career with
Siemens.
– By V. Ramya, Systems Engineer,
Siemens Information Systems Limited
VOICE September 2011 12
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Suraj back to
you from Dublin
Hello friends!
Without much ado we would like
to share our experiences with you.
But before that, one thing worth
remembering is that technology is
worth only when it is put to
practical use. Knowing what’s
happening in the world, i.e.,
gaining global exposure is
important. This has prompted me
to explore VU’s twinning
programme and join the National
college of Ireland.
Ireland ranks as one of the
friendliest countries of the
world. Breathtaking landscape
complemented with an amazing
climate is what the country
promises you. Coming here made
us realize, how simple life can
become once technology is
properly implemented. No more
standing in queues for buses, no
power cuts, and phenomenal day
to day services delivered through
effective governance. Here every
job is respected and all individuals
are treated with dignity no matter
what post s/he holds. That’s
something; I personally appreciate
about this country.
Coming to college life and the
course, I will sum it up in 5 points
* The course is 100% practical
based, that is PBL which is
problem based learning. We are
expected to learn by ourselves
with faculty acting as mere
facilitators. We are often made
to work in groups and advised
to develop applications which
are out of the box.
* The classrooms are truly
heterogeneous. Age of our
classmates vary from 20 to 70
years. We always hear that
learning has no age and time
limitations. We are constantly
made to appreciate that
learning is a process and we
are blessed to have such an
opportunity at an early age.
* However NCI is not only about
studies. The Student Services
Department is a hub of
activity. Recently we
organized a Diwali festival for
our college. A cricket match is
scheduled for next week. Also,
we have a party almost every
alternate week. And, guys
believe me the party is the
"REAL PARTY".
* The labs, library, gym are all,
undoubtedly state-of-the art.
* The International office team is
extremely friendly, they make
us feel at home and help us
whenever we need them.
What to do:
1) Learn cooking; does not mean
you have to be a professional
chef. Just enough to make
some normal dishes. Trust me
you will even love your halfcooked
meals.
2) Manage money: money
matters, you should have a
clear idea on your budget.
3) Proper documents; must have
all the original documents,
have to make sure that we
execute the procedure legally
and get our visa 15 days before
the commencement of the
coursework.
4) Retain focus; can’t forget that
Suraj with Arun Kumar, Yashwanth & Hemanth Som
we are here to study. It is so
easy to get dazzled by the life
style, pomp and show of
Europe. You must not deviate
from your aim but stick to your
purpose. Everything else
comes after.
Suraj Chawda
National College of Ireland, Dublin
"Victories that are eacy are cheap. Those only are worth having which come as the result of hard fighting" – Henry ward Beecher.