Aditya Rudrakar
Adi studied Master of Engineering Studies in Mechanical Engineering and is now at Nilo, a startup aiming to repurpose plastic waste into new materials.
He was drawn to the University of Auckland due to its strong emphasis on research and sustainability, and the university's "strong culture of diversity and the various resources available to help international students settle in, such as the Buddy Programme and AUSA”.
Adi's degree helped him develop resilience and curiosity, which are fundamental qualities in the field of entrepreneurship and continues to be a part of his everyday work. "Not knowing things was fine as long as you found a way to get things done," he reflects. Another valuable aspect for him was “the chance to contribute to solving a real-world problem while working with industry partners”, which was offered in one of his papers.
His degree has led him to a role as a Mechanical Engineer at a startup called Nilo, which aims to repurpose plastic waste into binder for making wood fibre boards. “The chance to contribute to solving a major problem like plastic waste is my daily motivation. I work with fellow engineers and chemists contributing to research & development, product and process development”.
The technology and study resources were amazing. We had access to quality labs, literature databases, and relevant software.
As an international student, he credits the supportive lecturers and other staff, including teaching assistants, international student coordinators, and organisations like the Auckland University Students' Association (AUSA) and Career Development and Employability Services (CDES), who were approachable and helpful.
“While you’re still at the University, take the opportunities to learn about Māori culture, try new foods, enjoy festivals, be a part of clubs at uni. Being part of a club is a fantastic way to meet new people, make friends, and try new sports or hobbies. Try and immerse yourself in the entire experience”.