Name

Porrya Hajian

School

Northwestern Polytechnic University

Degree Program

Graduate of Master of Science program in Computer Systems Engineering, 2011

Previous Degrees

Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering, 2010

Thesis Topic

Network security within systems engineering

Research Interests

Networks and network security

Hobbies

Radio programming

Graduate School – Application Process

How did you select your graduate school and program?

I chose to attend Northwestern Polytechnic University for my masters degree in computer systems engineering primarily because of the cost of tuition and the quality of the program’s faculty. I was admitted to 3 other good schools but I chose Northwestern because the tuition was most affordable. In addition, I knew Northwestern had a very good program and renowned faculty, such as the chief of engineering in our department, who is excellent.

What did you do to prepare yourself for graduate school?

After I had been accepted to graduate school, I prepared by thoroughly researching the practical aspects of the program at Northwestern. I estimated what my expenses would be for a year of study to see if I could afford to go there. When I looked at the numbers, it seemed to be a good idea.

I also prepared academically for graduate school to show my future professors that I am a serious worker. So I worked on a project that involved assigning unique identification numbers to documents and applications that people have downloaded off of the Internet so that users can easily find those items later.

Did your application requirements include standardized test scores?

No, Northwestern Polytechnic University did not require me to take any standardized tests for admission into my masters program for computer systems engineering.

What kind of information did you include in your personal statement?

In my personal statement, I wrote about my unique strengths and abilities, as well as my personal and professional experience. The point of a personal statement is to show the university what unique qualities you have that make you special. The administration wants to know what you can contribute to the school and to society in general. So I would advise you to evaluate your skills and highlight the kinds of contributions you want to make in your field to write an outstanding personal statement.

How did you choose faculty to approach for letters of recommendation?

I approached professors that I knew well, such as the professor I worked with as a teaching assistant. I also approached professors who I had been in more than 1 class with.

Do you have any other tips for a student who is considering applying to graduate school in computer engineering?

I recommend that prospective computer engineering graduate students begin their research early and invest time in getting to know the faculty at their undergraduate institution. Both of these tips will help you to gain admission into graduate school. It is very important to start your academic research beforehand so that the professors can see you are a serious student.

Additionally, if your undergraduate professors know you well, then they will write you a positive and truthful recommendation. And you should make sure to get their contact information so that you can tell other professors and the admissions committee how to e-mail or call your reference.

Graduate School – The Program

How long was your program and how was the curriculum distributed?

My program typically took student 2 years to complete. But I am a dedicated student and I came into my program with more than 4 years of relevant experience. That experience allowed me to finish my studies a little sooner than average.

Our curriculum had 4 stages and each stage had a unique focus. The first stage was foundational, which taught fundamentals of computer engineering. The next stage included core requirements, which were classes in advanced network design and structured programming. The third stage consisted of related electives. And the final stage was a capstone course in computer systems engineering.

What was the focus of your masters research?

My masters research focused on network security within computer systems engineering. I explored ways to implement and optimize computer network systems while examining different aspects of computer security as it relates to software, hardware, operating systems and more.

Did your masters program require comprehensive exams prior to graduation?

No, my program did not require comprehensive exams. Instead, all students were required to take a capstone course in computer systems engineering.

Graduate School – Paying for It

How much did your masters program cost?

My program cost more than $10,000 per year.

How did you fund your education?

I was able to offset the costs of my education at Northwestern Polytechnic University by taking a teaching assistant position in advanced computer networks and a lab instructor position in system analysis and simulation.

Graduate School – Living Life

What were the time commitments for a masters degree in computer engineering?

When I was in graduate school, I had to split my time between being a student, a lab instructor and a teaching assistant, so my schedule was incredibly busy. I was either studying or in class about 10 hours a day, including Saturdays. My only day of free time was Sunday, so I would always try to leave that day open for myself. Even though I was very dedicated to my program, it was necessary to spend some time engaged in activities other than work.

How has graduate school affected your personal life?

Graduate school definitely affected my personal life because I was so focused on finishing my masters degree as quickly as possible that I had very little time to hang out with friends and relax. When you have a goal like that, you have to forget about some parts of your life and put more energy into that objective.

Graduate School – After Graduation

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Within 5 years, I want to be the manager of my own company. In the past, I have worked as an engineer in many different arenas, including telecommunications, software engineering and banking in both the United States and Germany. My specialization within computer engineering is networks and network security and I hope that the job market will improve so that I can get another good job in this field.

Graduate School - Advice

What insights can you offer a student who is interested in pursuing a masters in computer engineering?

The best advice I can give to a prospective graduate student is to be persistent. You need to know that you will encounter many difficulties during your program and you will have to work very hard to overcome these obstacles. You should be resolute in your plans and do the tasks you must do as soon as possible, rather than leaving them until the last minute.