SCMS in Hindsight | Alumni | Scientific Computing, Modeling & Simulation

Scientific Computing, Modeling & Simulation

SCMS in Hindsight: Sameer Gogate /* 2022 Nov 11, 19:34:16 */

Sameer Gogate

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LinkedIn

Association with CMS
MTech Programme in Modeling and Simulation – PPPR

Epoch of Association
2018,2022

Pre-CMS Education, Occupation, Field
B.E Computers Working in software companies since 2006 , Currently working as Senior manager Engineering in Druva Data solutions. Prior to this I was working in Amdocs.

Post-CMS Education, Occupation, Field

Curricula and teaching programmes

I will specifically talk about PPPR programme , this programme looked to be an afterthought. If Department intended working individuals to participate and gain from programme, then design of the programme was not in sync with this idea. Expectation was working professionals will attend regular batch classes as far as possible, this expectation was not communicated clearly earlier. Though there was special effort made by some teachers ( and I am thankful to them ), this was systemic issue that could not be solved fully and we had to struggle. I would say this struggle was good opportunity to learn, however our energy was focussed more into getting through. Curiculum was well thought out and covered good foundation for modelling course. This is unique course that is taught and it encourages people to think. I feel some more emphasis can be given to engineering part ( application ), for e.g. both Machine learning courses focussed on algorithm development, one course can be algorithm and next can be applications in different fields with real world examples.

Teachers

Most of the teachers were genuine and wanted to teach and bring out a positive change in students. They did understand difference grasping power of students and made an effort to reach out and solve for each and every one.

Overall experience

Overall ambience of department was good, Teachers and office staff were patient and helped us when we approached them. The experience at the department will help me in many ways , first I was drawn back to learning again and understood that with effort and tenacity most of the goals can be achieved. It reinforced my belief in processes. It has also allowed me to go out of my comfort zone, get challenged , meet new people and get different perspectives. This is especially true for someone who had left academic environment 12-13 years back. Issues we faced were mainly related to scheduling of mid term tests and completion of assignments, we were given flexibility as we were working individuals. We conveyed to teachers, difficulty in case we faced with scheduling, It was understood and addressed mutually. My takeaway: you (students) should open about problem if any, explain it logically and solution will be found.

Impact on career and growth

In general, it has helped on personal and professional level both. Professionally, now I can understand people talking statistics / ML language and can relate to them. Personally it has been satisfying and learning experience.

Advice for current and future students

Join the course with open mind, be honest in your efforts. It is important to take something out from course rather than just completing. Try out different things and never be afraid of failure.

Which direction should CMS grow in?

I think this programme has potential to be one of the best programme in India. I believe there should be conscious and sincere effort for marketing / branding. This will probably help to attract right talent (in terms of students ) and in turn will make it even better programme. Additionally, there can be outreach to companies in Pune, I understand that PPPR was intended to be step in this direction but I think full commitment to this is missing. Pune has lot of start-ups, established companies - University / Department can write to them, explain some of the problems solved and start some collaboration. It can help to get funding as well.

Further thoughts

Overall I happy that I joined and completed the course.