Aniket, MSc Mechanical Engineering, Class of 2018

Aniket M-ENG ACES class of 2018

What's your name and where do you come from?
"Hello my name is Aniket Ghosh Dastidar and I come from Kolkata in India."

Why did you decide to join the Master Programme in Advanced Composite Engineering and Science at Centrale Nantes?
"One of the key factors behind pursuing my Masters in France was the French dominance in the aeronautical industry as well as my interest in material science. The Master Programme in Advanced Composite Engineering and Science at Centrale Nantes seemed to provide the perfect response to both. It is one of the few Master Programs in France completely dedicated to Composite material science. Coupled with it is the fact that Nantes is situated at a very important industrial hub with many composite, aeronautic and naval companies located nearby."

What did you enjoy or find challenging about the programme?
"I remember I was quite excited to begin my Master courses at Centrale Nantes. The start however was quite challenging. The first year focuses on many conceptual subjects necessary for a better understanding of mechanical engineering as a whole. The way of teaching in France being very different from the Indian education meant a restructuring of my way of studying. However, once you start being accustomed to this you grasp the subjects much better, preparing you for the second year that focuses entirely on composite materials.
Once in the second year, things are much smoother. I loved the way of teaching where our professors rather focused on making you think towards a solution based approach on a real world problem. Be it for composite processing, simulations or material characterisation. A key highlight was the Industrial visit to STX Saint-Nazaire and Airbus Nantes where we saw the practical application of what we were learning on an industrial scale."

What is your current position?
"Currently I am working as a Computational Project Manager at CT-IPC (Centre Technique Industriel de la Plasturgie et des Composites). My work is mostly around conducting process simulations for production of plastic and composite parts. This involves both monitoring the material aspect (such as rheological, or mechanical properties) as well as the machine aspect (cooling system design, hydraulics etc) during the transformation from raw material to product."

How did this Master's programme help prepare you for your current position?
"Definitely the biggest contribution would be the problem-tackling mindset that I developed at Centrale Nantes. You are much more oriented towards understanding the underlying problems of the process and develop respective solutions. The rigorous courses helped me in adapting easily to a larger industry covering plastic products, all the while staying confident of my competencies. Finally, our professors helped a lot regarding our CVs, advice on interviews and searching for jobs, PhDs and internships."

Any advice for future applicants?
"An amazing opportunity awaits both in terms of educational quality as well as cultural life. Centrale Nantes offers a perfect stepping stone for someone looking to pursue higher education in France. The international office at Centrale Nantes provides immense help to students to find an accommodation and understand the administrative procedures of France. Finally, Nantes is a very green and diverse city with all amenities a student may need. Having a healthy social life outside of academics definitely ensures to have a positive mindset throughout the Masters."

Centrale Nantes in three words?
"International - welcoming - lively."