Donika Xhani (trainee EngD BIT)
Source: https://www.utwente.nl/en/education/tgs/interested-in/engd/experiences/donika-xhani/ Parent: https://www.utwente.nl/en/education/tgs/interested-in/engd/programmes/
I am an EngD BIT trainee in the Department of Computer Science, SCS group, at the University of Twente. I hold a master's degree in Business Information Technology from the University of Twente and a bachelor's degree in Business Informatics. My current design is focused on designing an ontology in the tyre domain, which will also enhance Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI). My host company is Apollo Tyres R&D.
Why an EngD degree?
After obtaining a master’s degree in BIT, I still wanted to enlarge my knowledge in academia. The EngD degree was very suitable for me as this is a two-year programme where one year is spent at university and one year on the design project in the host company. Currently, I am in my 2nd year, and so far, I have enjoyed the journey as an EngD trainee. I have followed diverse courses (e.g., tailored-made courses, (post) master’s courses and professional development courses). For example, I followed ‘Linked Data and Semantic Web’, ‘Ontology-driven conceptual modelling’, ‘FAIR principles and the FAIRificiation’ as elective courses, and together with my supervisor we also created two capita selecta courses that were tailored made (i.e., these courses were specifically structured with materials and tutorials that were very suitable and useful for me). Next, I am going to transfer this knowledge to my design project, specifically in designing the operational ontology.
“The EngD taught me to approach complex problems with a practical, industry-oriented mindset.”
Working with industry
Doing a design project in a company is very intriguing and challenging. You will get to experience solving problems by having a practical-oriented mind, which is something that we do not learn in academia, where the main focus is research. In addition, you will have the opportunity to work with experts in the field, get working experience and learn how to communicate with colleagues and set up deadlines for your activities. As my design project is in a tyre manufacturing company, the main challenge for me was to understand the tyre structure and to have a basic understanding of the processes. Luckily, the supervisors from the company are very enthusiastic about my project and they are helping me a lot.
Post EngD
An EngD degree enables many opportunities. After graduation, many people start working in the industry. There are many cases in which the host company may offer an employment contract to the trainee. On the other hand, if you want to focus on research, then there are also possibilities to start a PhD.