"Everything that is currently hot in research is also used in our teaching"

Sharany Sivasothy is enthusiastically pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering at RPTU. She recommends that prospective students complete an internship beforehand, as this allows them to gain “first impressions and insights into the degree program.” She also says that if you have any questions, you shouldn’t be afraid to reach out to the professors and staff—because “they’re just people, after all, and they were students themselves at one point.”

Her older brother gave her the idea to study mechanical engineering, Sharany Sivasothy explains—not without a certain amount of pride and enthusiasm: “Because while he was studying mechanical engineering, he kept telling me all about it. It all sounded very exciting and interesting.” So exciting, in fact, that in 2018 she completed a high school internship at what was then the Technical University of Kaiserslautern—at the Chair of Measurement Technology and Sensor Science. As an intern there, she gained her first insights into engineering research: “I programmed for the first time and was also able to gain experience with a 3D printer. And I realized even back then that the atmosphere at the university in Kaiserslautern is very welcoming. You don’t get lost in the crowd. You can ask questions anytime.” For the high school student at the time, the internship was a complete success—“so it was only natural that I would pursue a career in mechanical engineering.”

At the cutting edge: Current research questions are addressed as early as the undergraduate program

A few years later, the native of the Saarland moved to Kaiserslautern to study there herself. She is now in her sixth semester—completing the diploma degree program, which is still being phased out. “What I like most about studying mechanical engineering is the diversity,” says the 21-year-old. “You deal with technical and mechanical problems. At the same time, you gain valuable insight into new and modern technologies. Everything that’s currently trending in research also finds its way into our curriculum.” What would that be, for example? “Additive manufacturing”—commonly known as 3D printing. In other words, manufacturing processes that differ from conventional methods—"and are becoming increasingly important for industry." What makes it special: In additive manufacturing, a workpiece is created by applying material layer by layer. Even complex structures can be produced relatively easily this way.

Her advice: Be organized and able to handle stress

But let’s get back to the mechanical engineering program: What does Sharany Sivasothy think are the biggest difficulties? What are the hurdles and challenges? She laughs: “Of course, you have to be able to handle stress if you’re studying mechanical engineering.” The diversity of the program simply entails a wealth of information. “You have to approach it with a clear head; otherwise, it won’t work.” She tackled each aspect of the curriculum step by step. “You should be organized—that’s something I had to learn early on.”

Her focus in her studies is on the field of production engineering. “Simply put, the courses are about how to improve production—including in terms of sustainability, for example.” These are questions that are right on the cutting edge, especially here in Germany, “because a great deal is produced in Germany.”

The curriculum of the now-discontinued Diplom degree program has since been incorporated into the bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in the “Mechanical and Process Engineering” department. Starting in the fifth semester, bachelor’s students can choose their own area of specialization—options include product development, automotive engineering, materials science and engineering, production engineering, computational engineering, applied Computer Science, as well as mechatronics and automation engineering. In the master’s program, students can delve deeper into these fields.

Working as a student assistant in research and development

Sharany Sivasothy doesn’t yet know what the topic of her thesis will be. “I still have exams and a 16-week internship ahead of me.” Either way, she’s expanding the theoretical knowledge she’s gained so far in her studies with plenty of practical know-how as a student research assistant: “I’m a student assistant at the Chair of Machine Elements, Gearboxes, and Tribology.” She spends six hours a week there: “I work on test setups and designs. I also conduct research on theoretical questions and work on programming and simulations.” Being a student assistant—an experience she highly recommends to everyone: “I’m learning an incredible amount through this.”

In the future, she could definitely see herself pursuing a career in research and development. “The basic principles I’m learning in my degree program—for example, how to approach a problem or how to research it—can be applied in many fields. From a TÜV test engineer to a design engineer in the automotive industry, our degree program opens up many possibilities. Engineers are needed everywhere.” She recommends that prospective students complete an internship beforehand to gain initial insights into mechanical engineering: “An internship would also be possible here at our university, for example, at one of the departments—that’s no problem.” And furthermore: “I also recommend talking to people who are studying or have studied mechanical engineering beforehand. That’s another way to get an initial sense of what it’s like.” You can also take a look at the examination regulations in advance, for example: “That way, you’ll find out which subjects and courses are offered.”

Don’t be afraid to ask questions

She advises first-year students to participate in the orientation weeks at the start of their studies: “That’s where I met a lot of people back then who are still my friends today.” And you need friends in college—not just as study partners. “As a freshman, you also shouldn’t be afraid to approach professors and university staff with questions. They’re just people, too. At some point, they were students themselves.”

By the way: Just like her older brother, Sharany Sivasothy can also imagine pursuing a doctoral dissertation after graduation. “But maybe I’ll be drawn straight into the industry—we’ll see.” The possibilities are simply very diverse. Her brother has since earned his doctorate—and now works as a management consultant.