Karol Tomczyk studied at Lodz University of Technology in the years 2005-2010. He also graduated from Msc Automotive Engeneering at Coventry University in Great Britain under a double diploma agreement.
What do you do these days?
I have recently joined MT Aerospace AG in Germany as a systems engineer. The company deals with the design, development and production of Ariane launcher systems. We work on this programme directly with ArianeGroup and the European Space Agency. I am responsible for the development of new generation systems and the management of technical requirements.
Before I moved to Germany, I worked in England as a consultant engineer indirectly contracted to automotive companies, railroad companies, companies working on behalf of the British Ministry of National Defence and the London Police, or a piano manufacturer. Some of the projects were covered in the press and the carbon fibre piano was actually manufactured. I also worked for Aston Martin in the Construction and Safety Analysis department, where I was part of the group responsible for the approval of Aston Martin DBS, which is already on sale.
What kind of experiences gained during the studies were useful on the way to professional success?
The most useful were technical skills backed by the so-called soft skills, such as: communicativeness, ability to work in a group, ability to cope with stress and organization and motivation to work. Student exchanges and opportunities to go abroad have definitely helped in acquiring them.
Which exceptional memories from your studies could you share?
It is the middle of the week. Together with other students, we are waiting for the professor who taught Wave Optics and Modern Physics. The meeting was organized by the professor after the exam results had been announced and was supposed to give the students a chance to check what and how the professor evaluated and to discuss the grades or explain what the authors of the answers meant. In other words, a possible negotiation. I guess that's what attracted me to this meeting, because frankly speaking, I got a strong ( in my opinion) 4. I was satisfied with this result and had no intention to use this "opportunity".
We entered the room in groups, and I was quite uncertain about the goal. When it was my turn, I thought that maybe it was not worth discussing if I was satisfied with the result. After less than 5 minutes of reading the answer sheet, I noticed the professor’s comment saying that I hadn’t referred to a certain physical phenomenon which was crucial for this question. However, after reading my answer, I found out that I had written everything! So I showed the professor the sheet, and he said, apologizing, that I was right. After summing up the points, it turned out that I have a 5.
It is worth choosing Lodz University of Technology, because...
... it offers opportunities to develop different types of skills, among people who most likely have the same interests and motivations. Another advantage is the technical education, which identifies engineering graduates - something that I wanted to be and that I am proud of.