Hey! I’m Shruti Ghoniya, a BTech student from the Electrical Engineering department and an NCC cadet currently pursuing my C certificate. Beyond academics and NCC, I love putting my thoughts into words, so here I am, sharing a bit about my research internship experience at the University of Murcia in Spain, which became the highlight of my summer in 2024.
Securing the research opportunity was a journey on its own. While response rates were… let’s just say, “humbling,” persistence paid off. Friends’ tips on professors who had replied helped refine my approach. If I heard of a professor who responded to others, I made sure to send an application there too. Eventually, things lined up! In retrospect, I wish I had tackled the visa early on. Visa processes, in particular, can feel like a headache! Getting these things sorted in advance would have given me more headspace at that time.
My role involved the hands-on task of optimizing the runtime performance for transformer models. My host professor and colleagues were incredibly supportive and always open to discussing ideas and troubleshooting alongside me. The learning curve was steep. Adjusting to an unfamiliar research environment, I discovered the importance of independent problem-solving.
One of the most unforgettable parts of the internship was the weekend trips around Europe! Every corner of Europe has a story, and I made sure to dive into its rich landscapes and culture. Exploring historical sites, wandering through vibrant streets and meeting people from all over the world made the experience incredibly fulfilling.
Finding my way around daily meals turned into a surprise skill-building exercise. Who knew cooking would be part of the internship package? Sorting out daily food was like a mini adventure each day, and by the end, I’d picked up a decent set of cooking skills.
To anyone eyeing a research internship abroad, here’s my take: be relentless with your applications and build connections. Rejections and no-responses can be tough, but keep going. And once you’ve secured that position, tackle those logistics early. After all, it’s not just about the research—it’s the journey of discovery, both inside and outside the lab.
