International Student Story - Aniket Jagtap

Aniket Jagtap has completed a Master of Engineering (Aerospace) at the University of Adelaide. Aniket tells us about his time after university, his future aspirations, and what he misses most from home.

Tell us a little bit about yourself. 

As an Aerospace Engineer I like to describe myself as inventive, adaptable, and capable of fitting into a multitude of situations.

I am from Nashik, which is known as the wine capital of India. After completing my Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering and working for 2 years on different projects with multinational firms in India, I decided to study my Masters. I always wanted to come to Adelaide as it resembles my home city in many ways and it always feels like home here.

After completing my Masters, I worked at the University as an Assistant Researcher.

In my current role as a Project Engineer, I am working on multiple projects for companies, which includes the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accreditation for ISO 17025, research and development of different remotely operated platforms for specific work requirements.

What is your goal now that you have completed your degree?

I have always been open to opportunities that have come my way, but my goal is to work in the space industry, specifically in the space mining sector. Australia has a huge scope considering its mining expertise. Moreover, Adelaide has become the hub of space activity in Australia since the establishment of the Australian Space Agency in Adelaide. This has opened new employment avenues for engineers like me in South Australia.

Have you picked up any new hobbies since spending more time at home during the COVID-19 pandemic?

I love flying my drone and capturing aerial photographs of places I visit. I like to spend more time learning new things about it, and this free time helped me to do that. I have also focused on my physical and emotional health during this pandemic, as it plays a vital role in these difficult times of isolation and social distancing.  

What do you miss about home?

This is one of the most challenging questions, as I do not know where to start! Firstly, I miss being with my family. India has festivals all year-round, and I miss that energetic and vibrant festive atmosphere. I also miss catching up with friends and playing cricket on weekends, which is like a ritual in India. Honestly, my list is big and has no end.

Speed round!

Zoom or in-person?

In-person.

What's your go-to study music?

A R Rehman or Hans Zimmer compositions.

Adelaide Hills or Adelaide's beaches?

I like both, since my hobby is to fly drones and photograph scenic landscapes. 

Home delivery or home-cooked?

Home-cooked.

Reading books or streaming TV/movies?

Streaming TV/movies.

3 things you won't miss about COVID-19 restrictions?

• Travel restrictions
• Unnecessary stockpiling/panic buying
• Not being able to play cricket or badminton

3 things you won't forget about COVID-19?

• Empty public places
• Uncertainty about employment and closure of businesses
• Lowest fuel prices in a decade