Arunabh Roy (CS5), Dinu Goyal (CS5), Maalav Mehta (MT1), Yash Bansal (CS5) Domain: Research
Interned at CISPA, Germany
Mode: Offline
Interviewed by: Vaibhav Srivastava, Yuv Verdia
Introduction
Maalav: Hi, I'm Maalav, a third-year student in Mathematics and Computing. We all interned at CISPA in South Germany. My research internship focused on graph theory and algorithms.
Arunabh: Hello, I'm Arunabh. I'm also in my third year in the CS5 department. My internship was centred on fuzzing.
Dinu: Hi, I'm Dinu, and I'm in the CS5 department as well. My internship revolved around distributed algorithms.
Yash: Hello, I'm Yash. I also interned at CISPA, where I worked on hyperproperties.
Motivation.
Yash: My main motive was to explore research and experiment with different topics.
Maalav: When I joined college, I was interested in something proof-based and mathematical. Quant was one option, but I also wanted to explore research.
Arunabh: Research is challenging to pursue at IIT, so I wanted to experience a proper research internship. Also, since Dinu, Yash, and I are in dual degree courses, we were in a unique position to do a research internship because we have an extra year.
Dinu: I knew I would do a corporate internship later, so I figured it would be a good idea to try research first.
What led you to choose the specific domain of your internship?
Arunabh: I was looking for a theoretical computer science research internship. When the CISPA application came up, my friends and I decided to apply to different projects to avoid overlap. I ended up applying for a project related to code testing (a technique called fuzz testing), which was something I had dabbled in before. In your second year, you might not know much and could have preconceived notions about liking or disliking a subject. But when you explore any topic in enough depth, there's something interesting for everyone. So, I’d advise keeping an open mind.
Maalav: I was interested in mathematical topics and coding, but finding an internship that matched my interests was challenging. The closest option was theoretical computer science. I applied through CISPA's online program and chose a project related to graph theory, which aligned well with my coursework in discrete maths.
Application Process
What was the application process like?
The application was online and started around October. After submitting the form, professors shortlisted a few candidates, who were then interviewed, typically with questions related to the field you applied for. Their process was slow, and the final acceptance emails came around February.
How should one approach the application procedure?
There are a few approaches:
Mass Mailing: It’s about sending out emails to professors, with the first paragraph specific to the professor and the rest highlighting your interest in research. This method is luck-based but can be effective in especially getting remote internships.
Using Resources: Websites like Chinmay Mittal’s GitHub page and Yash Aggarwal’s OneDrive PDF list opportunities. Applying where your seniors were selected and using platforms like CS Rankings can also help. Referrals from friends who may have received multiple offers can be beneficial.
Program Applications: Programs like EPFL ,CISPA and NUS are well-funded and organised for securing research internships.
OCS Notifications: The Office of Career Services (OCS) sometimes brings research internship notifications, but it’s better not to rely solely on them. Like Max Plancks Institute came through it , you can also apply through mail in it .
Yash: I used Chinmay Mittal’s GitHub site to find opportunities and applied to CISPA after learning about it from my mentor.
Maalav: I found out about CISPA through BSP’s 2nd Year Intern articles :3.
Preparation
Arunabh: Focus on maintaining a strong CGPA, as it’s crucial for your CV. Apart from CGPA, you might not have much to showcase initially. Olympiads can be helpful, too, as some professors have a preference for them.
Yash: I’ve heard that exams like NTSE and KVPY also help since they are well-regarded abroad, especially in academic circles.
Maalav: It’s important to demonstrate genuine passion in your application. You can do this by engaging in relevant projects on campus. For example, I enjoyed my economics course in the third semester, so I approached my professor for a project. This experience was valuable in my interview when I discussed it. Also, make sure to thoroughly read about the research of the professor you’re applying to before the interview.
Arunabh: Many people list COL assignments as projects, but it’s better to have something unique. For instance, I built a test-case generator for my COL106 assignment, which was a unique project I could showcase. Interestingly, it was related to fuzzing, my internship topic, so it really helped.
Dinu: One crucial piece of advice is to never fake anything in your cover letter. Whatever topic or paper you mention, the professor might ask detailed questions about it during the interview.
Internship Experience
Visa Application Advice
Dinu: Stay proactive and organised. If you face issues with appointments or document submissions, contact the visa office directly instead of relying solely on third parties. Regular follow-ups are essential, as delays can happen. Having a flexible flight ticket is crucial since visa processing can be unpredictable.
Maalav: Track your document submissions and follow up frequently. Apply for your visa appointment at least 20 days before departure to avoid last-minute issues. Be prepared for random rejections or delays and have a backup plan.
Yash: Flexible tickets can save you from stress and extra costs. Ensure all your documents are complete and correct to avoid delays. I had to adjust my travel plans due to document issues, so it's essential to be well-prepared.
Work experience
Maalav: The internship started with the professor giving me an hour-long crash course on distributed algorithms—it was overwhelming, to say the least. Thankfully, he gave me study materials and helped out when I was lost, although I wish I’d asked for more help when I got stuck. My project ended up focusing on set theory. The funny part? By the end, there was this one stubborn question we both couldn’t solve. My professor just said, “No worries, we’ll save it for the next intern!” So yeah, my output finally was passing on an unsolved problem to the next person :D.
Arunabh: My professor handed me his own book to study for the first two weeks, and then he left town. So, I spent those weeks deep in that book. My task was to read a research paper and implement its logic in a different way than the code they provided. Sounds simple? Nope. It was seriously tough. Some days, I got nothing. But, out of nowhere, something I had learned in an IITD course I thought I’d never use turned out to be key. So, here’s the lesson: study your courses! In the end, my code made it into the professor’s book, which was pretty awesome. It was a laid-back but very self-motivated experience. My advice? Go with friends and enjoy yourself.
Dinu: My experience was way different from Arunabh. I had zero clue about the problem my professor gave me—something about Byzantine reliable broadcasting. It took me a whole month just to wrap my head around it. It was completely unexplored territory. Thankfully, my professor was super patient and answered all my questions, even when I was completely lost. By the end, I managed to make progress, and it might even turn into a research paper. So, yeah, it was a slow grind, but it paid off in the end.
Yash: When I met my professor, he was super excited about publishing a research paper and getting tons of stuff done. The first 15 days were solid; he took updates from me every day. But then, he left for a conference and didn't come back for the rest of my internship. The real kicker? All my co-interns were German, and I didn’t know a word of German. Most of my time was spent reading research papers I didn’t fully understand or just hanging out. By the end, I managed to write 100 lines of code for an existing architecture, but here’s the funny part—my professor never even asked for the code back! So yeah, it’s still sitting with me, unused. Lmao!
Fun Experience
Arunabh: One of the highlights was the camaraderie among interns. We often spent long lunch breaks at the university canteen, enjoying affordable meals and exploring the campus and nearby parks. These moments made the experience enjoyable despite the rigorous work.
Dinu: The shared experiences with fellow interns were memorable. We spent a lot of time together, whether enjoying meals or exploring the area around the campus. These moments became more frequent and enjoyable as the internship progressed.
Yash: We made the most of our weekends by exploring Europe. The flexible work schedule allowed us to plan trips every other weekend, and honestly, those trips remain the highlights of the whole internship! :))
How did the research internship impact your perspective?
Maalav: I've realised research relies heavily on self-motivation, which is tricky for someone like me. We’re so used to studying only when quizzes or exams are right around the corner. But in research, progress is more flexible—every bit of logical work counts. That’s a plus, but maybe it’s just not for me. I still feel like corporate might be the way to go. Although, after getting back to campus with all the quizzes, I sometimes find myself thinking, "Maybe research isn't so bad after all."
Someone: The grass is always greener on the other side. (Everyone laughs and agrees:))
Arunabh: My outlook on research has been pretty positive. It was a good experience, and at the very least, I got better at writing Python!
Dinu: I went in really leaning toward theoretical computer science, but after the internship, I realised it requires a lot of patience. You need to have a deep well of knowledge, and right now, I’m not sure I’m cut out for it.
Yash: Funny enough, the theoretical side actually sparked my interest even more. But when it comes to the practical side of things... yeah, not my cup of tea. Yeah, that part didn’t really click for me.
How did the stipend and financial aspects play out during your internship?
Everyone: The stipend offered by CISPA is generous, covering essential expenses and allowing some savings if managed well. It's consistent whether you're from India or any other country. Though living expenses in Germany can vary, especially depending on your proximity to the institute, the stipend generally suffices. It's important to note that the stipend aligns with the minimum wage in Germany, so it's not extravagant but definitely manageable.
What are your final tips for juniors considering a research internship abroad?
Self-motivation is Key: Research is self-driven. Be prepared to work without clear guidelines, and push yourself to achieve as much as you can.
Don't Hesitate to Ask Questions: Whether it’s about the fundamentals or complex topics, don’t hesitate to ask your professors. They understand that you're still learning, especially if you're in the early years of your academic journey.
Learn to Balance Work and Life: An internship abroad will teach you how to manage your time effectively, balancing work with personal life. This experience is invaluable for your personal growth.
Financial Management: The stipend is enough if you budget wisely. Be prepared for varying living expenses, especially if you're in a high-cost area.
Internships Are Not Everything: Don’t stress if your internship doesn’t result in a PPO or if things don’t go as planned. Internships are just one step in your career, not the ultimate goal.
Broaden Your Horizons: Living in a different country will expose you to new cultures, people, and ways of thinking. Embrace the experience fully.
Don’t Overhype Internships: It’s easy to get caught up in the pressure, but remember, internships are just a part of your learning journey. Focus on what you can learn rather than just the outcome.
Stay Open-Minded: You might start with certain expectations, but be open to where the experience takes you. It’s all part of the learning process.
Final Thoughts: The experience of working in a foreign country, especially in a research-intensive environment, is enriching and offers growth both professionally and personally. While it comes with its challenges, the skills and insights you gain are invaluable. So, embrace the journey and make the most of it!
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