BS (Electronics Science)
During his B.Tech in Computer Science, Md Akmal Raza realized that his interest in technology extended far beyond software alone. He became increasingly fascinated by the way hardware and software work together to power real-world systems. That interest led him to take a bold step: joining the IIT Madras BS in Electronic Systems alongside his primary degree. It wasn’t the easiest choice, but it felt like the right one. The flexibility of the program allowed him to explore Electronics without stepping away from Computer Science.
Over time, the way he approached learning began to change. Concepts were no longer just part of lectures – they started connecting across domains. Programming concepts from CS and fundamentals from Electronics gradually began to connect, helping him see the bigger picture. “I always wanted to understand how software and hardware work together”, he reflects, “and this combination finally made that possible.”
This shift didn’t stay limited to academics. It started showing up in real experiences when Akmal stepped into his first internship at ‘ConveGenius.Ai’ as Product Intern. Entering a professional environment for the first time brought both excitement and learning. Working on electronics and robotics allowed him to see how ideas move beyond theory and become part of actual products.
Balancing two demanding degrees was never easy. There were days when assignments overlapped, deadlines approached together, and every responsibility felt urgent. Instead of becoming overwhelmed, he adapted by planning ahead, organizing tasks carefully, and staying consistent. Over time, the workload stopped feeling like pressure alone – it became a process that strengthened his discipline and focus.
One of the most memorable parts of his journey came during his visits to the IIT Madras campus for Lab Sessions. Working with advanced equipment, exploring components, and performing hands-on experiments created a sense of excitement that no online session could replace. These experiences made learning feel alive.
These lab sessions made him believe he can build something real.
Alongside academics, there were moments of leisure that brought balance to his journey. Paradox, meeting peers from different cities, and interacting beyond screens made those visits special. These experiences brought a sense of connection and belonging.
The path, however, was not without its challenges. Financial constraints occasionally meant taking fewer courses or reworking plans along the way. Yet, timely support from IIT Madras helped him stay on track, easing the burden and allowing him to continue with focus and determination.
Looking ahead, Akmal’s aspirations are firmly rooted at the intersection of electronics and computing, particularly in areas like embedded systems and robotics.
Building systems where software intelligence interacts with hardware is not just a goal anymore; it feels like a natural extension of everything he has learned so far.
Reflecting on his experience, Akmal believes consistency is what matters most in an undertaking like this. In his view, students should avoid both burnout and complacency. Instead, maintaining a steady rhythm, attending lectures regularly, and staying consistently engaged makes the experience not only manageable, but deeply rewarding.
In the end, his story is about far more than balancing two degrees. It is about stepping beyond comfort zones, persevering through challenges, and steadily shaping a future where passion.
~written by Pushpanjali
