Maria Rodriguez PeraltaMy name is Maria and I am from Spain. I studied Civil Engineering in my beautiful city Granada. When I finished my studies, I moved to London in order to improve my English skills and find challenging opportunities. I have been working for almost two years in a System Integrators Company in London, as a consultor, designer and programmer. I really enjoy watching science-fiction movies, playing piano and volleyball and having barbeques with friends when the English weather allows.

Why did you choose to do your MSc with us?

Because I was looking for a MSc in Coastal Engineering for a long time, with the aim to get involved in the world of Offshore Renewable Energies. When my partner, a PhD candidate at Imperial College, told me about this new MSc at Imperial, I had no doubt, I had to go for it. Another important reason to highlight is the fantastic reputation that Imperial College has, especially in the field of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

What are you hoping to do after your studies?

I would like to continue developing my career in Coastal Engineering and focusing in Offshore Renewable Energy Systems.

What have the highlights been so far? 

The main one is the opportunity to work with fantastic people from different backgrounds and nationalities. This dynamic environment gives me an idea of what I am going to find in the real world. If I compare the education that I received in Spain, Imperial is giving me a far better training for becoming a successful Coastal Engineer. Imperial has one of the best hydrodynamics labs I have ever seen and we, the MSc students, are allowed and encouraged to use those great facilities. Therefore, it is not just the theoretical background we receive, but the experimental one that makes the difference with any other university.

What does a typical week look like for you?

Normally, I spend 8-9 hours per day at Imperial, between classes and my own study. This does not really allow much free time, but luckily, we have no classes on Wednesday afternoons. At that time, I go out for dinner with my boyfriend or my friends and we even go to the cinema. I love watching movies not just as an entertainment but for improving my English skills too. During the weekends, when we are not very busy and the weather permits, we go hiking in fantastic places like Richmond Park, or we have barbecues or picnics.

What advice would you give to someone considering doing an MSc with us? 

If you would like to improve your knowledge in fluid mechanics and become a successful engineer, go for Imperial College, you won't regret it! It will not be easy, but challenging and worthy. You will need to do your best and slightly more, but you will never forget the experience.