In this episode of Thrive, we meet Sikandar Matharu, an Acoustical and Audio Engineering student at the University of Salford, who shares his transformative experience of completing a placement year in Germany. From working on cutting-edge audio projects in the automotive industry to navigating life in a new country, Sikandar opens up about the professional, personal, and academic growth that came from stepping outside his comfort zone, and the impact of an ADHD diagnosis on university life and productivity.

Whether you're considering a placement year, thinking about studying abroad, or just curious about how to make the most of university life, this episode is packed with honest reflections and practical advice.

In this episode, you'll learn

• What it’s like to do a placement year abroad
• The real-world benefits of applying academic theory in industry
• How to adapt to a new culture, language, and working environment
• Tips for managing finances during a paid placement year
• How to build a social life and overcome loneliness abroad
• Why taking a gap year can help you find clarity and direction
• How to build confidence and make friends through shared interests
• The impact of an ADHD diagnosis on university life and productivity

Get in Touch

To provide feedback on what you’ve heard, recommend ideas you’d like to hear in future episodes, or if you’d like to be interviewed, contact us via the form at www.salford.ac.uk/skills/thrive .

Acknowledgements

This podcast was made with the assistance of Salford Business School.

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/seize-the-day

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