Curiosity, determination, and perseverance can take you far

Several times every year, DTU celebrates all new engineers at Graduation Ceremonies and always invite an alum to come and talk and inspire the new graduates. This is to both provide insights into how a career can shape and give a few good tips to get a good start.

In June 2024, two alumni spoke to the new Bachelors of Engineering and Masters of Science in Engineering. Here is their advice as well as photos from the Graduation Ceremonies:

Hjalti Pall Thorvardarson – BSc of Engineering, Electrical Engineering (2011) – CEO, Rovsing A/S

Advice from Hjalti:

• Curiosity, determination, and perseverance are three keywords that can take you far: Curiosity to take on the next steps and challenges; determination to find solutions; and perseverance to complete tasks.
• There are many paths in life, both in education and the job market, and none of these paths are inherently right or wrong. It’s essential to remember that clarity now doesn’t necessarily mean it will remain that way. We must be prepared to adapt and discover new routes.
• Engineering has equipped you to tackle challenges, approach tasks systematically, analyze, experiment, innovate, and find new solutions. You’ll continue to learn and develop in your workplaces, from colleagues, through your own initiative, and further education. When opportunities arise, seize them.

Photos from the Graduation Ceremony for Bachelors of Engineering on 10 June 2024

Martin Stampe Segerberg – MSc in Electrical Engineering (2017) – Principal, Boston Consulting Group

Advice from Martin:

• Always bring a perspective: Your perspective is valuable. You are problem solvers, and if you don’t know the answer to a question you can outline the options or the process to find out what the options are. Make problems yours and solve them.
• What got you here will not get you there: Build on what other people say and use the words “yes and” much more than the word “but”. “But” will make you focus on the wrong things; Find common ground and make 1 + 1 equal 3.
• Never stop learning: It is the learning curve that matters and you need to re-learn to succeed in whatever environment you land. Value the challenges and growth opportunities you get and seek leaders and mentors who invest in your growth and enlarge your horizon.

Photos from the Graduation Ceremony for Master of Science in Engineering on 11 June 2024

Congratulations to all new graduates!