"Having completed an advanced degree in Applied Physics before studying at GTL, my primary goal was to specialize further on the practical side of optical engineering. My goal was to live, study, and work in France while achieving language fluency. The GTL program interested me because it enabled me to attend Supelec, and to do a 6-month internship, and to completely immerse myself in the French language except for a short period of the initial GTL classes.
I am Shahin Shadfar, founder and Chief Executive Officer of omNovia Technologies, a global provider of high quality web and video conferencing software based in Houston, TX (more info at www.omnovia.com).
Actually I was not looking for Georgia Tech’s European Campus in detail but I was looking for an American university with an excellent reputation that offers a master’s degree within an exchange program. Fortunately Georgia Tech has such an agreement with my former Alma Matter “Technische Universität München”. It has been part of the program to spent one semester at GTL. Although I did not originally consider another European country I did have a great time in France: Refreshing my French language knowledge, joining a local bicycle racing club or just hanging out and discover the area.
Working nowadays as an engineer is almost impossible without having any international experience. With this in mind, I chose Georgia Tech, as one of the most famous engineering universities in the world. Taking a double degree program at Georgia Tech broadens your mind and enhances your creativity in a way you couldn’t possibly imagine before doing it.
I chose the double-degree program because I thought it was important in today's professional environment to have an international education and an international point of view. It was also a way for me to come back to Europe and discover new opportunities, after 11 years spent in the United States .
The GTL experience taught me how to work and study in a different setting from the one I was used to in the United States. I was able to make lasting relations with people from diverse backgrounds that will help me build a global network.
When I graduated and went to my French engineering school, I would deeply want to have an international career path. Uncertain of the opportunities I could have got from international companies during my studies, I've decided to take all the chances on my side and study abroad. GTL, that's to say Georgia Tech, quickly became the best option: famous American university, good ranking, diversified programs... Can't say I regret my choice.
Studying in the USA was a long time objective for me and when it turned out that my engineering school had a partnership with one of the most reputed public college, I did not hesitate for long to apply to Georgia Tech.
I chose the double degree program for its unique challenges that provided me with more than the standard academic education, as well as the opportunity to travel and explore. As we converge upon globalization, it is critical to be able to communicate quickly and effectively.
“I decided to apply to the Master’s in Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Tech since it is ranked in the top 5 US programs and since it has a worldwide reputation in education and research. I had the opportunity to work on two very interesting theses: one on fuzzy logic applied to machining while at Arts et Métiers ParisTech, and another one on a fuel optimization strategy for hybrid vehicles at Georgia Tech.
Studying at Georgia Tech was a great opportunity to get a recognized American degree and to complement/enhance my French engineering degree while strengthening my English, discovering a new culture and meeting people from various horizons.
Following Georgia Tech, I spent close to 5 years in the US out of which 4 based in Atlanta that I chose for the network of people I had met while at GT.
The GT degree helped me greatly to first find a one year contract for a French company in the US, and to then get hired in the US by Celerant Consulting where I still am after 10 years.