Student Spotlight: Javid Mammadov

Name: Cavid Məmmədov

Course: BEng Electronic & Electrical Engineering

Department: Electronic & Electrical Engineering

Can you tell us a bit about yourself

I’m Javid, 17 years old. I study Electronic and Electrical Engineering (EEE). I grew up in a time when the internet was becoming a thing in Azerbaijan. I had multiple interests, but I could only see engineering as my professional future. Other subjects, such as history, were more of a hobby for me. Through a lot of blood, sweat, and tears I graduated from IBDP and won the state scholarship to study in UCL.

What first sparked your interest in this subject, and why did you choose to pursue it at UCL? 

I was really interested in physics lessons in middle school, and traditionally, we have a great physics education. Azerbaijan also has a strong oil industry, but I chose electrical engineering to innovate and work on interesting new projects. 

I chose UCL specifically because as it is among the universities that one can say “it is the best”, not to mention it is in the world’s greatest city.

How would you describe your experience on the programme so far, both academically and as part of the UCL community? 

First term felt like a breeze. It allowed me to explore the city and meet new people. It also meant I could adapt to a new place more easily. Second term, on the other hand, is definitely among the most demanding things you will face in your life. Despite the challenges, we have amazing faculty and resources to help you learn the material.

I met interesting cultures here and my vision expanded greatly. I’m not the Javid I was in September, in a good way.

What has been the highlight of your time in your degree? 

I would say spending nights in student centre studying with course mates, as nothing comes from ease.

Have you taken part in any projects, societies, or extracurricular activities that have shaped your experience? 

We are participating in a competition with friends across the faculty, to build a mechanical mouse. It is an interesting experience as it is the first time I’m developing something independently. I have also participated in Azerbaijani society events, such as watching UEFA Champions League matches of Qarabagh together.

What is the student community like at UCL, especially for international students? 

However unique your mindset, interests, ideas, and views might be, UCL has a great deal of different societies. There will be plenty of people who will share the same interests as you.

What are some of your favourite things about living in London? 

It never gets boring, as much as we hear London is expensive, you can still budget and manage your money and all supermarkets have fresh products for reasonable prices. Socially, it is never boring and there are tons of different places and parks you can explore both around and away from Bloomsbury.

What career goals are you working towards, and how is your degree helping you get there? 

I’m still deciding which area of my degree I want to focus on and am currently leaning towards electronics. We have a lot of different classes that teach a little bit of everything, and we get to specialise in our third year and in our minor choice. I’m open to anything currently, and I believe UCL will open a lot of doors when it is time to apply for internships.

What’s one thing you wish more applicants knew about this programme or your department? 

Classes will make up only 20% of your understating!!! Some lecturers prefer a flipped learning approach so you definitely need to work on your own!

What are your plans after you graduate?

I am planning to further my studies wherever appropriate; I definitely think I will be studying a master’s degree, though I’m still unsure about a doctorate. As I previously mentioned, I’m planning to improve my knowledge and skills on my chosen specialty of EEE.