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Global Graduate: Syed Ali Imran Quadri

Syed Ali Imran Quadri, Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Imran and I am a grad student in ECE department at NC State University.

How was your experience at NC State University?

It was amazing! From the first day I wanted to be as involved as possible and get complete college experience. First, I started by joining Rave Events! in catering. It was a great experience, I visited the kitchen in Talley Student Union and got to know about how events are organized and how catering takes place at NC State. I also volunteered for the Engineering Career Fair two times. Later, I became a Research Assistant at FREEDM Systems Center. I worked under Dr. Srdjan Lukic (Deputy Director), it was a mind-blowing experience. The kind of work being carried out by the team was really cool!
…….
Pandemic!!!
Lost my internship. Faced emotional breakdown!
……
I was very fortunate enough to have really good professors in ECE department specially Dr. Paul Franzon and Dr. Greg Byrd. They helped me out when I needed someone the most! I consider NC State as my 1st home!
In 3rd Semester, I got involved with multiple other clubs and became a Teaching Assistant under Professor Alexander Dean for ECE560. The experience was eye-opener, unique and spectacular. I was also working hard to get a COOP in December and I got a COOP. But, guess what? it got rescinded due to COVID!

In my last semester, I am working as a Teaching Assistant under Dr. James Tuck for ECE309. Dr. Tuck is really impressive person who I look up to for inspiration. This job will be my last at NC State before I graduate on 14th May 2021. I had to rethink (“Think And Do”) my strategy this semester and I was extremely careful this time given two prior lost attempts to get into the industry. Now, this was my last chance, as an international students we have limited time to get a job, this added more pressure on top. With hard-work, smart-work, passion and dedication I was able to get a full-time job recently at my dream company Apple!

All in all, it was like a rollercoaster ride. It was tough but enlightening and in the end it was worth it!

What would you say is your biggest accomplishment during your time at NC State?

My biggest and most accomplishment is my variety of experiences at NC State!

What are your plans post graduation?

I am moving to west-coast. I will be joining Apple in Cupertino, CA

Do you have any advice for current or incoming international students?

I want to advise them 3 things:

  1. Always ask: Never feel that you are alone and nobody will help you. There is always somebody who can help you, all you need to do is ask for help! NC State community is really helpful.
  2. Time is the most valuable asset: You should know that your time is limited here at NC State, so make use of your time wisely.
  3. Get Involved: NC State is huge, it is extremely difficult to know what’s happening or even to have a tour of the entire campus in 2years. Try to get involved as much as possible and get good college experience for the time and money you are spending to study here at NC State.