Rimjhim Chakraborty
Rimjhim (Artificial Intelligence and Adaptive Systems 2023) is a System Engineer at TATA Consultancy Services.
Rimjhim's story
Rimjhim started her career by studying for a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Engineering in her home country of India. After graduating she gained valuable industry experience by working as C/Unix developer in Mumbai, however, she knew that she wanted to pursue a Masters degree to deepen her skills and knowledge.
Rimjhim had already dreamed of studying and living abroad so decided to take a sabbatical from her role and pursue a MSc in Artificial and Adaptive Systems at Sussex. She describes her first ever experience studying abroad in the UK as being “eye-opening in many ways, personally and professionally”.
After graduating in 2024, Rimjhim returned to Mumbai and is now working on a new project within her company.
What led you to study at Sussex?
Artificial Intelligence has always fascinated me, and with all the recent advancements in this field, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. With a background in Computer Science, I already had some knowledge of AI, but I wanted to specialise further. I had offers from other universities, but I found Sussex's course more thorough.
What elements of your Sussex course have helped you in your career to date?
My goal during my studies was to gain practical experience that would help me transition smoothly into the field of AI. The course in Sussex covered core concepts of AI and more, which were up-to-date and relevant for someone who wants to explore this field. I also loved how the course was structured in a way that it focused on both theory and practical application. This was important for me as someone who needs both, theory and hands-on knowledge, to advance in the field of AI.
Beyond academics, Sussex has a diverse student community. I learned so much about people and the world in general and it gave me a new perspective and understanding towards others. Right now, I am seeking better opportunities in AI, and I am confident that the skills I gained at Sussex, both social and academic, will help me achieve my goals soon.
Can you tell us more about your current role and your responsibilities?
I've recently been assigned to a new project at the National Stock Exchange in Mumbai. Our goal is to modernise and optimise the systems of the Stock Market segments. These systems are being redeveloped using modern, efficient tools and technologies. I've been working on this project for the past three months and it's been an exciting opportunity to apply insights from both my previous work experience and my recent academic background. The work is challenging, but it's also deeply rewarding.
What did you enjoy the most about your course?
Artificial Intelligence is an umbrella term that includes fields such as natural language processing, machine learning and computer vision. What I loved about the course at Sussex was that it not only covered these subjects but also introduced me to topics I hadn’t explored before.
The course in Sussex covered core concepts of AI and more, which were up-to-date and very relevant for someone who wants to explore this field.” RIMJHIM CHAKRABORTY
Artificial Intelligence and Adaptive Systems
How did you benefit from the support and opportunities available at Sussex?
Campus provides a lot of resources and spaces for students to live and study comfortably, at any time of the day. Our professors were kind and considerate and always open to help when needed. The Peer Assisted Learning (PAL programme) was helpful whenever I needed study assistance. There were also resources for people who needed help with their written and spoken English. The Student Hub and library helped me a lot in my final dissertation research.
There were events on AI that were quite helpful in giving me an insight into current research work in AI. The societies in Sussex were also a great way to meet and socialise with people from different backgrounds and similar interests. I was part of the Consciousness Society Sussex which held some interesting discussions and events on new research and ideas.
Favourite place in Brighton?
Brighton has grown to hold a special place in my heart and it's hard to choose just one favourite spot. But if I had to, I'd probably pick Stanmer Park. When I first arrived in the UK, I was all on my own in a new place and I naturally felt anxious. I decided to explore the campus and ended up in Stanmer Park. I felt so calm and peaceful there that I ended up staying long enough to see the pink sunset sky and the stars at nighttime. I just laid there staring at the changing colours of the sky. Being so close to campus, I visited there anytime I wanted to feel peaceful.
Brighton Beach was also special to me. I'm an Island girl myself and being close to sea always felt like home.
What are you currently reading?
I'm huge fan of detective stories, mystery and thrillers. The Hercule Poirot series is my all-time favourite. Recently, I'm in the middle of reading Freida McFadden's book Never Lie. I love the creepy, eerie feeling of the author's writing.
What would you say to someone considering studying your course?
If you’re considering studying Artificial Intelligence and Adaptive Systems at Sussex, I’d definitely recommend it! The course offered a great balance between theory and practical application, covered key areas like Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Image Processing and Intelligent Systems. The coursework projects and interactive modules really help in building a strong foundation, especially if you want to apply AI concepts in real-world scenarios. Sussex provided a supportive learning environment, with helpful professors, career support, and plenty of resources during my time in the University. This course is definitely a good choice.
What advice would you give to students and recent graduates who want to pursue a career in AI?
So far, I've discovered that succeeding in the field of AI requires building projects with real-world impact. It's not just about understanding the theory, it's also about knowing where and how to apply it effectively. One of the most valued skills is the ability to analyse the problems and design practical solutions using AI tools and techniques. I believe this is something everyone in the field should focus on. Equally important is to experiment, stay curious, and have patience. Any meaningful progress in AI takes a lot of time and practice.