Dream big and build a value-creative world

Daydreaming as a kid about building the future of our world led Mohamed Sufyan, a year four senior from NTU’s School of Civil and Environmental Engineering figured that civil engineering is the best way to fulfil this dream.

“NTU’s Civil Engineering curriculum is always updated with the latest industrial trends, such as software application and computational skills. My Second Major in Society and Urban System provides me with the “big picture” that encompasses social, political, and economic issues in the built environment. It has broadened my worldview and interdisciplinary perspectives, which I believe will serve me well in my career.

Without expecting anything in return, my experience after a first outreach event as a student ambassador gave me a surprising joy which motivated me to continue. For instance, my team and I organised an escape room to introduce students to the concept of transportation planning at the College of Engineering’s annual festival called Techignite. 

I enjoy talking to prospective students and organising events I believe will be meaningful for them. At the end of the day, the sweetness of being an ambassador which added flavour to my student life is when freshmen randomly approach me, claiming that they recognise me from outreach events when they were still deciding on which university or which course to join. That’s when I know I have played a part, no matter how small, in their decision-making process. Of course, my job as an ambassador becomes much easier when I genuinely believe in what I’m sharing with prospective students. 

NTU is where you will find interesting and generous professors. I remember in my first year, in Fluid Mechanics class, a professor started talking about the Illuminati and how they secretly run the world. Honestly, I cannot remember the exact context, but it was hilarious looking back at how we managed to digress from the topic of fluid mechanics to Illuminati. In the same year, I had another Professor, who out of his own pocket, planned a site visit to an incineration plant so that we can better link what we learnt in theory to practice. 

I received warm support from the school’s academic and administrative staff as they ensure that NTU students’ wellbeing are well taken care of. I recall facing some personal issues when I was in my second year of undergraduate studies and the school invited me for a chat and provided me with a support system to take part of the burden off my shoulders. For that, I am deeply appreciative.

Dig deep as to what genuinely interests you because passion for what you’re learning goes a long way in university (and in your career). Capabilities can be worked on, but passion is hard to come by.”