"My name is Ananthu MN. I am studying for a Master's degree in Electrical and Microsystems Engineering at OTH Regensburg. I began a 12-month internship as a Technical Student at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, near Geneva. This opportunity was made possible with the kind financial support of the Verein der Freunde der OTH Regensburg e.V. in cooperation with the Josef-Stanglmeier-Stiftung, which covered essential travel and relocation costs.
A Dream Internship at the Frontier of Science
CERN is one of the world's most prestigious research centres. Being selected for a Technical Studentship was a dream come true. I work on the CMS tracker (Compact Muon Solenoid), one of the two large general-purpose particle detectors at the Large Hadron Collider. My work is embedded in an international team of engineers and physicists, where I contribute to real-world challenges that go far beyond textbooks. Every day, I apply what I learned at OTH Regensburg to problems that are at the forefront of particle physics.
The internship is not only technical but also deeply cross-cultural. My colleagues come from dozens of countries – Switzerland, France, Italy, Spain, India, the United States, and many more. We communicate in English, but I hear fragments of French, German, and Italian in the hallways. This diversity has taught me how to collaborate across time zones, cultures, and technical disciplines.
Living in Geneva
I live in Geneva, Switzerland, a vibrant and international city at the heart of Europe. The quality of life here is excellent, with reliable public transport, stunning views of the lake and the Alps, and a rich cultural scene. The initial costs of relocating were much higher that I expected. The travel grant from the Verein der Freunde der OTH Regensburg e.V. allowed me to focus on my work rather than worrying about how to pay for the move.
Personal Impressions and Cultural Learning
Living in Geneva has been an immersion in Swiss and international culture. I have experienced Swiss punctuality, efficiency, and a breathtaking natural landscape. I have also enjoyed the city's many museums, parks, and lakeside promenades. One of my most memorable moments was entering the CMS detector cavern and seeing the tracker I help maintain, deep underground. Standing there, I realised that my small contribution is part of something much larger: humanity's quest to understand the universe. That feeling is humbling and motivating at the same time. I also discovered that living in a new country requires patience and resilience. Opening a Swiss bank account, registering with the local authorities, and navigating a new healthcare system were challenges. But these obstacles taught me to be persistent and to ask for help when needed – skills that will serve me well in any future career.
Conclusion and Outlook
The CERN Technical Studentship has already exceeded my expectations. I am gaining hands-on experience that no classroom can provide, building a network of contacts across Europe, and developing confidence in my own abilities. After the internship, I plan to return to OTH Regensburg to complete my Master's thesis – possibly on a topic inspired by my work on the CMS tracker. I am deeply grateful to the Verein der Freunde der OTH Regensburg e.V. and the Josef-Stanglmeier-Stiftung for their financial support. The travel grant removed a significant barrier, allowing me to take this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Thank you for believing in me."
Author: Ananthu MN, student Master`s degree in Electrical and Microsystems Engineering
