Lepakshi Venkatraman studied the MRes in Telecommunications at UCL Electronic and Electrical Engineering, choosing a research-focused route designed to prepare her for doctoral study.
Having started a PhD in Germany through a programme managed by the University of Cambridge, Lepakshi reflects on what drew her to UCL’s research-led engineering culture, what she learned from working at the interface of academia and industry, and her advice for students considering research-focused study in telecommunications.
What motivated you to choose the MRes in Telecommunications at UCL, and what stood out to you about studying research-led engineering in the department?
I was quite clear about my long-term goal early on: I wanted to pursue a PhD. Because of that, I knew a traditional taught MSc would probably not be the best fit for me. A one-year master’s in the UK already compresses a lot of material compared to the two-year programmes in many other countries, and I didn’t want to spend that year mostly doing coursework again.
When I explored the top universities in the UK, University College London stood out as the only one offering an MRes specifically in Telecommunications. Even universities like Oxford and Cambridge did not offer a comparable research-focused master’s in this area. That made UCL a very clear first choice for me.
Your research involved close collaboration with industry through VIAVI Solutions. How did working at the interface of academia and industry shape your experience at UCL?
Working with VIAVI Solutions was a real transition point for me. It was my first direct exposure to industry, and it helped me understand how what I was learning during the MRes is applied in practice. had two supervisors, one from industry and one from UCL. That balance taught me how to take responsibility for my own work while also learning how to operate within a team. Since this was my first paid role, understanding day-to-day industry life was just as important as the technical work itself. Things like meetings, timelines, collaboration, and even informal moments such as having lunch or a barbecue with the team helped me see the human side of working in industry.
Can you tell us more about the research you carried out during your MRes, particularly your work on Ambient IoT and ultra-low-power communications?
My MRes research began earlier than usual, allowing me to work across multiple projects in parallel. I completed two academic research projects in collaboration with Northeastern University, including work that led to a conference paper, focusing on large-scale analysis of consumer IoT behaviour and privacy profiling in smart speakers. Alongside this, I carried out an industry research project with VIAVI Solutions on Ambient IoT, examining ultra-low-power physical-layer communication through simulation-based analysis of modulation schemes and reliability. Together, these projects gave me experience across theory, simulation and real-world communications challenges, and a strong foundation for doctoral research.
Alongside your studies, you took on several roles within the department, including Postgraduate Teaching Assistant and Student Ambassador. What did those experiences add to your time at UCL?
Teaching was an important part of my research training, as I knew it would be central to PhD life. Working as a Postgraduate Teaching Assistant in an international classroom helped me become more precise and adaptable in how I explained technical concepts. Alongside this, I took on Student Ambassador roles to give back, particularly to students from India. As a female student from South India studying EEE, I was aware there were few visible role models from similar backgrounds, and speaking with prospective students and families showed me how reassuring it was to see someone who had taken a similar path. Knowing that my experience at UCL helped build confidence for Indian students considering electronics and communications made these roles especially meaningful.
You’ve been heavily involved in student representation and outreach. How did these leadership roles complement your academic work and research training?
Being an academic representative strengthened how I communicate and structure ideas by requiring me to listen to student concerns, identify common themes and present them clearly to staff. This carried into my research work, where I became more confident asking focused questions and explaining my ideas. Outreach further developed my ability to communicate my work to wider audiences, from departmental events like the EEE Festival of Research to international presentations, and helped me better understand how research training differs across academic systems.
Looking back, what skills or experiences from UCL EEE do you think best prepared you for the next stage of your academic journey?
Looking back, UCL EEE prepared me by teaching me how to work independently while contributing effectively within collaborative environments. Through the MRes, I learned to manage open-ended research problems, balance multiple projects, and stay organised without constant direction. Working across academic and industry projects helped me move confidently between theory, simulation and practical constraints, while teaching, student representation and outreach strengthened my communication skills and confidence.
You’re about to begin a PhD in Germany through a programme managed by the University of Cambridge. How did your time at UCL help you take that next step with confidence?
Applying for PhD positions early was initially daunting, as I began before receiving my first-term results and wasn’t sure I was ready. With encouragement from mentors at UCL, I learned not to limit myself and to apply broadly, which helped me understand that rejection is often about timing or fit rather than ability. Over time, I became more strategic, seeking honest conversations with researchers and applying to roles aligned with my profile. UCL’s environment, strong supervision, recommendation letters and industry experience gave me the confidence to navigate uncertainty and move directly from my master’s into a PhD.
You’ve studied and worked across different countries and academic cultures. How did studying in London at UCL influence your perspective and professional network?
Studying in London completely changed my perspective, starting with very basic survival skills. I arrived alone in a new city for the first time in my life and genuinely did not know how to cross a road. London welcomed me quickly. Smiling at strangers on the train, on campus, or in the department almost always led to a smile back, and that warmth made the city feel less intimidating very fast.
Being at University College London amplified that experience. Through social events, guest lectures, and seminars, I started interacting with people from very different academic and industrial backgrounds. I found myself having conversations with researchers and engineers from places like Nokia Bell Labs, Digital Catapult, and Information Commissioner’s Office. Their questions, feedback, and even casual advice added a lot of perspective and credibility to my work.
What advice would you give to prospective students considering a research degree in telecommunications, particularly those interested in combining theory, simulation, and real-world applications?
If you’re considering a research degree in telecommunications, accept early on that research rarely follows a straight line. Moving between theory, simulation and real-world constraints can feel confusing at times, but that uncertainty is part of the training. Focus on learning the fundamentals well, be open to asking for help, and listen as much as you speak. At the same time, remember that the year will pass quickly, so balance your work with living your life. Trust the process, stay consistent, and keep showing up and the rest will follow.
Finally, what would you say to students who are deciding whether UCL EEE is the right place to start a research-focused career in communications and beyond?
There is no single right or wrong place to start a research-focused career. What really matters is what you make of the opportunity. Being at a centrally located university like UCL means you are surrounded by driven peers, seminars, events, and opportunities every single day. No matter the weather or how difficult things feel, you are constantly exposed to people who are working hard and moving forward. That energy matters more than people realise. It keeps you accountable, motivated, and engaged.
If you are someone who wants to grow, be challenged, and stay connected to the wider research and industry world, UCL EEE is a very strong place to begin that journey.
