Davel Sihombing
Indonesia

"Online learning gives us flexibility and mostly is offered at affordable fees compared to classroom programs. I can learn and finish it at my own pace."

Davel Sihombing is a Railway Signalling Engineer from Indonesia. He participated in the online professional certificate program Railway Engineering. Read about his experience.

What was your motivation for enrolling in this program?
After working on railway projects for several years I convinced myself that this railway engineering program would bring me additional value. I had gained most of my knowledge and skills from within the railway industry and I felt it would be better to add an academic perspective to this knowledge. That’s why I joined the program. I found some real insights from this program. For example, I know now the reasons why metro uses slab track and mainline uses ballasted track. Before that I just took it for granted.

How would you describe your online learning experience?
I like online learning. I had even taken some other online courses before this program. Online learning gives us flexibility and mostly is offered at affordable fees compared to classroom programs. I can learn and finish it at my own pace. I can even repeat many times any difficult parts of the course until I understand them fully. We can also interact with lecturers or other learners through a forum.

What did you think of the online learning environment?
The online learning environment offered by TU Delft is easy to adapt. The materials are easy to access anytime – before the deadline. There is a forum for interactions with lecturers and other students. The assignments are do-able if we follow the course seriously. We can also track our progress throughout the course. I feel that TU Delft online learning offers a great way to learn through the internet.

What is your advice to someone who would like to take a similar online course?
Learning will always be a good investment, keep developing yourself. If you find this railway engineering online program from TU Delft suitable for you do not hesitate to take it and complete it. You will gain valuable insights into railway (design, operations and performance) through this program.