Michael Kruger is an alumnus of the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology who is employed as an aerodynamics engineer at the multinational aerospace company, Boeing, in Everett, just north of Seattle in Washington, USA. After graduating from the Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, he enrolled for his PhD at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, USA. He has some valuable words of advice for prospective students, as well as those who are wondering about the value of a postgraduate qualification in engineering.

Ever since he can remember, he has been interested in the world around him and how things work. “As a kid, I would take apart any mechanical item around the house that had stopped working – and sometimes I even put them back together again!” Mechanical engineering always seemed like the right choice for his inquisitive mind, and he hasn’t looked back.

His interest in airplanes and aviation started at a young age. “Some of my favourite memories growing up were attending airshows and flying with my dad in his Cessna.” The fact that UP’s mechanical engineering programme has a focus on aeronautics was definitely a strong attraction for him to choose to study Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering at the University of Pretoria (UP). He was also attracted to the institution’s long and rich heritage, and its engineering programmes’ international accreditation.

He believes that UP’s programme successfully equipped him with the necessary skills to pursue various career paths after graduation, including enrolling for postgraduate studies overseas. “When I started my PhD studies at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles, USA, I was uncertain about what to expect and whether my education at UP would have adequately prepared me to study internationally.” However, his concerns quickly dissipated once the programme began. “I can confidently say that UP’s programme in Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering does an excellent job of preparing students for careers in industry or postgraduate programmes worldwide.” He particularly valued the programme’s strong focus on fundamental scientific principles.

Michael recently started working as an aerodynamics engineer in Boeing’s Aerodynamic Performance - Product Development Group. “The role of our group ranges from the continuous performance assessment of the company’s existing fleet of aircraft, supporting certification efforts of in-development aircraft, to collaborating with other groups within the company to help design future aircraft.”

He admits that working abroad was not necessarily part of his future plans, but while pursuing his master’s degree at UP, he spent a month in Bristol in the UK as part of a study-abroad programme. This whet his appetite for travel. “I would like to acknowledge my study leader for my final-year research and design projects at UP in 2012, Prof Lelanie Smith.” She was also one of his advisors for his master’s research, and encouraged him to apply for the study-abroad scholarship. She also put him in contact with his PhD advisor at USC. “It’s because of faculty members like her that I know that UP’s engineering programmes will remain world class.”

While finalising his master’s dissertation, an opportunity presented itself to pursue doctoral studies in the USA. “It was not an easy decision to leave behind everything I knew and to move to the other side of the world, but I was up for the adventure, and I am happy to say that it was worth it.” He explains that he was very fortunate to have a family who supported him and encouraged him to spread his wings. “I will always be a proud South African, and I visit my home country every chance I get. However, for now, my next chapter will be written here at Boeing in the USA.” He met his wife, Zhamilya, during his time in Los Angeles, so is comfortably settling into his new life abroad.

Contemplating the value of postgraduate studies, he says that he would definitely recommend pursuing a master’s degree in engineering. “In the bigger picture, it is not that big a commitment in terms of time, although the level of the classes is significantly higher than in the undergraduate programme.” He deems the question of whether to obtain a PhD to be more nuanced, and should be considered more carefully. “If you want to enrol for a PhD, but think it will take too long and will hold back your career, don’t worry about that too much. You still have a lot of time ahead of you, and you will enter the workforce at a higher level.”

In most countries, a full-time PhD can take around three years to complete, so deciding where to pursue one’s studies is also something to consider. “In the USA, a PhD typically takes five to six years, as you essentially complete a master’s degree as part of your studies since a master’s is not a prerequisite for a PhD at most universities in the USA. You can enrol for doctoral studies straight after obtaining your bachelor’s degree. I was not aware of this until I entered the US university system.” With regard to financing one’s studies abroad, Michael explains that, in the USA, most PhD programmes do not require students to pay for the programme out of pocket. “PhD students are seen as university employees, and get paid a stipend while pursuing their studies in exchange for working as teaching assistants. This typically requires one to do things like assisting lecturers in setting and marking exams, and presenting tutorial classes.”

Looking back at his time at UP, and how it prepared him for his future career path, Michael says that he would strongly recommend UP to any prospective student. “The level of education at UP is world-class, and upon graduation you will be equipped with a very strong technical foundation on which to build the skills that are relevant to your specific field.” An engineering degree obtained at UP will prepare you to be highly competitive on the global stage.

To any prospective student, he would like to pass on the advice his father gave him before he came to UP: Approach university with a mindset of learning as much as possible, which is subtly different from merely aiming for good grades. The former involves absorbing knowledge and allowing your mind to explore topics that interest you, even if they diverge from the curriculum at times. Focusing solely on good marks can often be achieved through strategies like memorising old exam papers or last-minute cramming. However, by adopting a mindset of learning, you will gain a deeper understanding and find university more fulfilling overall.

He also has advice for female students who may feel apprehensive about studying mechanical and aeronautical engineering since some consider it to be a male-dominated discipline: “Go for it!” He is of the opinion that the world has changed significantly from a generation ago. Today’s challenges require diverse perspectives across gender and race to achieve a solution. “Unfortunately, mechanical and aeronautical engineering, like many other disciplines in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), faces under-representation, and I hope to see a more diverse group of graduates entering engineering offices and lecture halls across the world in the future.”

Michael welcomes anyone who is interested in pursuing postgraduate studies abroad, or who has questions about aerospace engineering in general, to reach out to him via LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/michael-kruger-phd-619a2ab2.