The international View Beyond the Horizon – From ERASMUS to Academic Employment

In Germany, 25% of jobs are directly linked to exports. As a result, international experiences are not only valuable for personal and academic growth, but they also provide a significant advantage in future careers. This is particularly true for engineering students, who must operate and think in a global context, adapting to the dynamic demands of their profession.

Mr. Arber Caslli, an ERASMUS student from Italy, is part of this international network, bringing his perspective from the University of Padua to the research conducted at the Institute for Lightweight Engineering and Polymer Technology (ILK) at TU Dresden. The ERASMUS program not only offers students the opportunity to immerse themselves in new cultures and enhance their language skills but also promotes the exchange of scientific approaches and methodologies in an international research environment. This collaboration allows Mr. Caslli to apply his knowledge in a new academic context while gaining valuable insight into the research practices in engineering at TU Dresden.

Creativity as the Key to Innovation and Progress

© Saskia Trute

During his time at the Institute, Mr. Caslli has focused on expanding his academic expertise and gaining a deeper understanding of the principles of scientific methodology in preparation for his master’s thesis. Through this experience, he has learned that this process involves far more than simply acquiring knowledge. "It taught me the importance of a clear, effective communication within a collaborative environment. I also learned the importance of autonomous decision-making and how to engage challenges with a practical approach," he states. One of the key insights Mr. Caslli has gained is the vital role of creativity in research. He understands that scientific work entails not only gathering and analyzing information but also critically questioning existing knowledge and creatively building upon it to develop innovative solutions to future challenges. This understanding is particularly relevant in engineering, where creative and precise thinking often provides a competitive edge. Successful research requires not only technical excellence but also an awareness of responsibility, which extends to areas such as sustainability and societal impact.

Scientific Collaboration and Ethical Responsibility

© Saskia Trute

Mr. Caslli highly values the support he has received from his mentors at ILK, who have connected him with a network of experts. "My supervisors had a crucial role in guiding me through the development of my project […], who, without a doubt, had a key role in overcoming some of the main challenges.," he explains. The exchange with experienced researchers and the focused support from his professional network have proven invaluable in addressing the complex questions of his master’s thesis. Through his collaboration at the Institute, Mr. Caslli has come to recognize that scientific work is defined by more than just technical expertise. "The opportunities for more personal interactions with the people at the Institute have shown me that professional skills are inseparable from strong ethics, passion, and empathy," he adds. Successful research involves far more than just specialized knowledge. It also carries responsibility, which extends to various aspects, such as relevant topics like sustainability and social impact.

New Career Opportunities

The experiences Mr. Caslli has gained at ILK have opened new professional avenues. Upon completing his master’s thesis, he will continue his academic journey at the ILK as a research assistant (RA). He considers this to be a natural progression in his academic career and views the WHK position as an opportunity to further develop his research expertise in the field of composite materials. The ERASMUS program has, therefore, proven to be a significant advantage in the global job market. We look forward to witnessing Mr. Caslli's continued development and supporting his scientific progress in the future. We wish him every success in completing his Master's thesis and look forward to working with him in the future.

Interested in an ERASMUS stay at ILK?

If you would like to learn more about ERASMUS opportunities and international collaborations at ILK, we're happy to assist.

© Foto: freepik.com

International Affairs Advisor

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