“I would like to use my experience as an inspiration for current students as well as those contemplating enrolling for online classes. Studying while working is no easy task, but with the right counsel and advice from someone who has gone through the process, it can be a big drive for those experiencing the same.”
Mildred Nanono completed her Master of Engineering (Industrial Automation) through EIT, and we are proud to announce she is our Student Ambassador for 2020.
Studying online from Uganda while working full-time as an electrical engineer presented some challenges; however, Mildred says that EIT’s unique delivery model made it achievable even on her busiest days.
“The online studying experience was remarkable for very busy employees like myself. At the time of studying, I was engaged in big projects back home. The online classes allowed me to carry my class everywhere I went, even on days away from home, during factory acceptance tests in other countries.
“During my time, there were two study sessions for each lecture — this created flexibility for my busy schedule. Additionally, during the busiest of days, it allowed for submission of a summary report in the event I missed both sessions, making attendance score achievable in a busy world.”
In addition to the flexible study options, Mildred also commented on the support she received throughout the program, from the application process through to submitting her thesis.
“Applying for my course was very smooth. The learning support officers were readily available for support. Communication was timely and on point.
“My supervisor for the thesis was very constructive and instrumental during the entire process of my thesis development and completion.”
EIT is one of the only institutes in the world specializing in engineering. As a result, our lecturers have applied knowledge, which they impart to ensure our students graduate job-ready. Given the majority of our students are already employed in the engineering industry, our classes allow you to form global contacts and learn from each other.
“My class had experienced students who had worked with distributed control systems. Likewise, the lecturers not only had the theory but also loads of practical experience.
“Particularly, during my last year of study, I was reviewing the designs for the upgrade of our distributed control system, and my lecturers helped to come up with the best solution. Coincidentally, the modules I covered that semester related closely with my work. The online laboratories were exceptional. I never felt the need to travel to Australia.”
While Mildred tells us she did become somewhat scarce during her studies as her focus was on work, attending classes, completing coursework, and preparing for exams, she says the knowledge and skills she gained from the degree made it all worthwhile in the end. Since completing her degree, she has taken a job as a control and instrumentation engineer.
“My employer appreciated the study model, as I was never absent from duty, and I have grown tremendously in my career as the current control and instrumentation engineer. As such, my employer has agreed to sponsor my colleague for the same course.”
She tells us that the next career objective she hopes to achieve is a management role, and she will be undertaking the Engineering Leadership professional development course with EIT’s sister company, IDC Technologies, to help her gain further skills and knowledge in this area. We wish her all the best in her career.
If you would like to contact Mildred to learn more about the student experience at EIT, you can email her at nanonomildred@gmail.com. Alternatively, you can connect with her on LinkedIn.