Interview with Ing. S. M. Shar-Atul Hasan BSc

Ing. S. M. Shar-Atul Hasan BSc graduated this year from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, his specialization is Electrical Power Engineering. Originally, he comes from Bangladesh. After his studies, he stayed in Ostrava and started to work for the company VAE Controls s. r. o. as the Design Engineer. How was his study? Why did he decide to stay in the Czech Republic? What are his plans for his future career? Shar-Atul answered in the interview below.

Mr. Hasan, if you don’t mind, we will start with your name. It is S. M. Shar-Atul, surname is Hasan. Can you explain us, what the abbreviation S. M. stands for? Do you use Shar-Atul as your first name?

Thanks for the invitation to share my experience with VSB-TUO. Yes, my name is S. M. Shar-Atul, and my surname is Hasan. The abbreviation for S. M. stands for Sheikh Mohammad.

Concerning your studies at VSB – Technical university of Ostrava, why did you decide for Ostrava?

Well, it’s a long story. I would like to share the scenario of my country, Bangladesh. The decision to study abroad is driven by a combination of factors, including the pursuit of quality education, global recognition, research opportunities, cultural exposure, and the promise of better career prospects and personal development. These factors have all played a significant role in motivating me to pursue my studies abroad.

Moreover, the choice of the Czech Republic might seem unconventional, as it does not have an embassy in Dhaka. However, I embarked on a thorough search for a reputable European university that aligns with my field of interest and offers promising prospects for future research opportunities. The main reason behind leaving Bangladesh stems from the limited research opportunities, unstable job market, and negligence of the talent.

In essence, my decision to study abroad reflects my aspiration for access to research facilities, experienced faculty members, and diverse academic programmes, which, I believe, is best facilitated by studying in an international environment.

I have decided to study at VSB – Technical university of Ostrava because of the highly qualified faculty members, research opportunity, innovative study plans, and the outstanding accommodation facilities.

Did you consider other universities in the Czech Republic, or even in other countries?

I tried to apply to foreign universities from 2019. Yes, I applied to the Czech Technical University in Prague and the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen for the academic year 2020/21 and I got admission but due to COVID-19, it was difficult to get the visa. So I changed my mind and applied to VSB-TUO for next academic year and considered the complexity, especially the living cost and tuition fees.

Where did you study for your bachelor’s degree?

I have completed my bachelor’s studies in Electrical & Electronic Engineering at the University of Asia Pacific, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

How did you get to Ostrava?

When I decided to study abroad, I searched on Google to find the universities for a specific country. So, I got the list of universities in the Czech Republic and found Ostrava.

How were your studies?

I really enjoyed my studies, but the period of online classes during the COVID-19 pandemic was undoubtedly challenging. I obtained my visa in February 2022 and arrived in Ostrava by the end of March. As a result, I had to simultaneously prepare for exams covering both the winter and summer semesters during my first academic year. I am pleased to say that I successfully managed this demanding endeavour, achieving favourable results.

In addition, during my study, I was equipped not only with a strong academic foundation but also with a global perspective that I had gained from interacting with a diverse community of faculty members. This perspective served as an asset as I embarked on the next phase of my educational journey and career.

Were lectures and exams demanding for you?

The lectures were efficiently structured, fostering a strong desire for knowledge excellence, and the exams with the practical critical project solving significantly contributed to the enhancement of knowledge and instilled confidence for future career prospects. However, I would recommend increased emphasis on research facilities during the master’s programme. This enhancement would contribute to VSB-TUO’s ascent in global university rankings and concurrently attract a greater number of international students.

Did you have a job or internship during your studies?

Yes, I did have a job during my studies. I was lucky enough to find the job within a month after coming to Ostrava. While pursuing my degree, I started my career as a warranty engineer for A123 Systems, Ostrava. Then I joined as an automation project engineer, at ABB till May.

 Overall, my experiences balancing work with my studies have enhanced my time management, problem-solving, and teamwork abilities. They have also reinforced my commitment to both my education and gaining practical work experience in my chosen field.

Can you compare your studies at VSB-TUO to your previous studies?

As I mentioned earlier, studying abroad is a significant consideration. Czech universities, including VSB-TUO, are well-regarded for providing high-quality education. The Czech Republic has a strong tradition in the fields of science and research, making it an outstanding opportunity for me to pursue my studies at VSB-TUO.

VSB-TUO boasts modern and well-equipped facilities, libraries, and laboratories that greatly support academic learning. In contrast, the educational approach in Bangladesh tends to be more conventional. While I received a comprehensive academic education during my bachelor’s studies, I found that it was not sufficient to prepare me for a professional career. Moreover, the limited collaboration with companies in Bangladesh often frustrates fresh graduates.

Interestingly, upon returning to the Czech Republic, I noticed that employers highly value graduates from VSB-TUO. This recognition significantly facilitated my job search.

When comparing the quality of education between VSB-TUO in the Czech Republic and educational institutions in Bangladesh, it is crucial to acknowledge that educational quality can vary significantly among specific universities and programmes in each country. The primary distinctions lie in research opportunities, modern learning resources, and faculty expertise.

Did you have enough time to enjoy the student life? How was it?

Frankly speaking, I thoroughly enjoyed my student life. However, as you may be aware, it was quite challenging to strike a balance between my studies and my job. After my final state exam, I felt a wave of emotion as I realized that I was going to miss the pressure of studying, especially those final nights before exams.

As a foreigner, it proved to be quite difficult to immerse myself in a new culture, given the language barrier. Nevertheless, I am content with the support and cooperation I received from the study office and faculty members.

Moreover, there were not many international students, and some students had already formed close-knit friend groups. Consequently, I had limited opportunities to interact with other Czech or international students. Managing my free time became a challenge as well due to the demands of both my studies and work. Beyond this, it is a great pleasure to make my parents proud, especially my mother who has sacrificed her entire life for me.

How did you find your job?

I actively utilised LinkedIn and regularly monitored the career portals of diverse companies to identify job openings that closely matched my qualifications. On some occasions, I received invitations from HR professionals who came across my LinkedIn profile and recognized me as a potential fit for their specific requirements.

I have consistently maintained a proactive and professional approach to communication, fostering both friendly and productive interactions. My natural curiosity and willingness to embrace new challenges have also played a pivotal role in my career journey. These strategies have not only facilitated my job search but have also significantly enhanced my ability to discover and secure meaningful employment opportunities.

Do you think you will use your knowledge gained at VSB-TUO at work for your next career?

Indeed, the knowledge I acquired at VSB-TUO will enable me to contribute effectively within the research and development sector of global industry-leading companies.

Why did you decide to stay in Ostrava after your graduation?

I am currently employed in Ostrava, and I find the idea of relocating quite challenging. Ostrava is a pleasant place to live, especially when considering the cost of living and other related factors. Furthermore, I have a plan to pursue a Ph.D. degree at VSB-TUO, but this depends on my ability to find a professor whose research aligns with my field of interest.

Are you in contact with other expats/foreigners in Ostrava?

Unfortunately, not.

What is your plan for your future career and life?

Planning for a future career with a Ph.D. degree is an exciting journey, particularly in the field of electrical engineering. I am confident that the Ph.D. programme will equip me with a diverse range of knowledge and skills, enabling me to make meaningful contributions toward creating a more sustainable world.

Life can be quite complex, especially when living away from one’s family in a different culture, which can present its own set of challenges. However, I believe I can view these experiences in the context of my career aspirations.

Would you like to return to Bangladesh?

Right now, I have no plan to return to Bangladesh because professional situation, such as job prospects, income, or career growth, lack of research opportunity, is uncertain or unpredictable in Bangladesh.

Do you like Ostrava, the Czech Republic, the Czech people?

I really like Ostrava considering its affordability, such as lower living cost, excellent public transport facilities, and safety.

Indeed, the Czech Republic consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in Europe. It offers a high quality of life with excellent healthcare, education, and public services. Additionally, the freedom of speech, historical charm, cultural diversity, and friendly atmosphere make me inclined to appreciate the Czech Republic.

I have meet amazing friendly few Czech people and they helped me a lot. But due to language barrier, it is sometimes difficult for a foreigner to communicate properly.

What was the main difference?

The primary distinctions lie in areas such as culture, environment, and cuisine, among others. Bangladesh is renowned for its warm and hospitable culture, where guests are consistently accorded profound respect and kindness, along with a penchant for engaging in lively conversations. In contrast, my observations indicate that Czech people tend to be more reserved in their interactions, often not engaging in extensive conversations without a specific reason or prompt.

What surprised you when you arrived?

One of the most striking aspects, in my perception, was the significantly lower population when compared to my city of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Dhaka is characterised by its substantial crowds and frequent traffic congestion, making the difference even more noteworthy.

What do you do in your free time, after work?

 In reality, I find myself relatively inactive here, as my circle of friends is limited, primarily comprising colleagues from my workplace. Understandably, they seem preoccupied with their individual pursuits. Consequently, opportunities for engaging in social activities are infrequent. However, on occasion, I do venture out for leisurely activities such as shopping and walks.

Thank you for the interview.

Text: Mgr. Jana Harvišová, Mgr. Karolina Slamová, Ph.D.

Photo: Ing. S. M. Shar-Atul Hasan BSc