10 Questions with Khurram Shahzad
Published on November 18, 2022
CERN Alumnus: Khurram Shahzad
At CERN: 2016-2017, Technical Student in the former Accelerator and Beams Department
Now: Works at Danfoss Drives Vaasa, Finland
At CERN: 2016-2017, Technical Student in the former Accelerator and Beams Department
Now: Works at Danfoss Drives Vaasa, Finland
1) When did you work at CERN (including its Scientific Collaborations) and what did you work on?
"I worked as a Technical Student from August 2016 to March 2017. I worked in the Accelerator and Beams department where I designed a test bench to study the effect of Electrostatic deflectors on the beam."
2) What is your best memory of working at CERN?
"There are lots of them. Perhaps the best was to discuss and share ideas about my work with my colleague Jacob Aagard who was also a Technical student."
3) What is your current job and where is it located?
"Currently, I am working at Danfoss Drives Vaasa, Finland."
4) What skills did you develop during your CERN work experience which have been particularly useful in your subsequent career trajectory?
"I learned to question everything. Why something is working in particular way and that is it according to my understanding or why something is not working in particular way. I learnt to do retrospective of my work."
5) Which skills (if any) did you need to develop further when you left CERN to face your next professional challenges?
"It would have been nice to work in other departments too in areas such as Power Electronics."
6) What tips would you give to someone who is considering a career transition from academia to industry?
"In industry you might not always start with making something extra ordinary or something new. So, be patient and consider that part of work as learning."
7) What advice would you give your younger self?
"Have more fun!"
8) Do you still keep a close eye on what’s going on at CERN?
"Yes, sometimes."
9) In your opinion, what is the unique value of the CERN Alumni Network?
"To remain connected with a network of world class scientists and engineers."
10) Imagine you are stranded on a desert island. You can have one piece of music, one book and one luxury item. Which music, book and luxury item would you choose and why?
"Eye of the Tiger" (to keep me motivated)
"The Obstacle is the Way"(to keep my confidence high and stay me busy)
"A luxurious yacht (so I can travel home)"
"A luxurious yacht (so I can travel home)"