Gayathry Umesh

Choosing Surrey

Before enrolling at Surrey, I was an assistant geotechnical engineer at engineering consultancy firm WSP, India. I felt the urge to improve my knowledge of the field during my time there. As I already hold a masters degree in geotechnical engineering, I wanted to enrol on an advanced course that would fill my skills gap and keep me updated on recent advancements in the field. I thought the MSc Advanced Geotechnical Engineering at Surrey was the best option for me. 

I was impressed by the University's reputation as a top academic institution in the UK, its ranking in graduate employability and Guildford's status as one of the most desirable places to live in the country.

My course

Geotechnical engineering is a broad topic and geotechnical engineers serve multiple sectors. The potential to influence the world is limitless. 

The main advantage of the course is that you acquire knowledge relevant to industry. It gives you the opportunity to apply the technical knowledge you’ve gained to real field problems in the form of coursework.  

The teaching facilities are excellent and align with international standards and expertise. One of my best moments here so far was getting excellent marks on some coursework; it boosted my confidence. 

My life here

I am a part of the Civil Engineering Society (CivSoc), the Photography Society (Photosoc) and the Malayali Society (Mallusoc). CivSoc gave me the chance to interact with other civil engineering students and gain insight into the professional world through networking opportunities. Through Photosoc and Mallusoc I got involved in activities outside of my course which was a good way to relax and allowed me to develop other skills. 

The lovely setting of the campus and serene ambience are Surrey's best features. As an international student, I was enthralled by its beauty and the welcoming people. It’s also close to London and has great amenities such as Surrey Sports Park. The Students’ Union is the best place on campus for socialising. 

Support I've received

I receive a lot of academic support from my tutors. They are open to discussions in person or online whenever I need it. I've also used MySurrey Hive many times.  

I attended one of the careers fairs organised by the University, which introduced me to a few top companies in my field. I have also enrolled onto an English language career support course, which is helping me understand how to write my CV and prepare for interviews. 

Looking forward

Surrey has given me the opportunity to meet new people, create new experiences and learn new skills. I've started to socialise more and have become more goal-oriented.  

For any students who have chosen Surrey for their masters, I’d advise you to use all the resources that the University offers you. There are lots of ways you can build your skill set and there are also many societies to join and volunteering opportunities you can be part of. 

Find out more about our masters degrees in civil and environmental engineering and our MSc Advanced Geotechnical Engineering.