Ísabella Helga Harðardóttir is in her second year of energy engineering at the Department of Engineering at Reykjavík University. She describes the programme as dynamic and engaging, providing students with an excellent foundation for future careers. After completing her degree at RU, she plans to pursue graduate studies in energy engineering in Denmark.

I had been considering engineering for some time before applying to RU. It interested me how hands-on the programme is, and I had also heard that there is awide range of career opportunities within the fied. And since both my father and grandfather are engineers, perhaps it’s partly in my genes.

Ísabella says. She graduated from MR with an emphasis on physics, which she considers to have been very good preparation. She explains that the structure of the programme at RU is convenient and supportive—teachers are easy to approach, and students receive personal guidance and good academic support.

There are many assignments to be handed in throughout the semester, but that really helps when preparing for final exams. The programme is very practical and group projects are common. For example, I just started a three-week course where we immediately form groups and carry out various measurements, which we then write reports on. These kinds of projects are excellent preparation for both research and future employment.

Ísabella also worked as a teaching assistant in linear algebra this autumn. She says it was an enjoyable experience and a good refresher of what she had learned during her first year of study. Noting that linear algebra is connected to practically every course in energy engineering, it is therefore really useful to revisit it.

I am wanting to do so many things in the future. Last summer I worked as a regional representative at Veitur and gained valuable experience there. It was exciting to see just how many opportunities are available to energy engineers, and I look forward to being able to explore different paths in the future.

After finishing her degree, Ísabella aims to pursue graduate studies in Denmark. But first, in the new year, she will spend a semester abroad in Madrid. She concludes;

I highly recommend studying engineering at RU. The programme is fantastic preparation for future careers—you’re thrown into the deep end and learn quickly how to adapt and acquire new skills. The learning environment is lively, with great classmates and excellent instructors.