Albert Mathasseril Saju's journey with EPlane: Unveiling the future of transportation

In a rapidly globalizing world, experiential learning has emerged as a crucial educational tool, empowering students to transcend traditional classroom boundaries and immerse themselves in real-world experiences. At the forefront of this transformative approach is Next Step Connections , an organization dedicated to providing students with tailored overseas experiential learning opportunities that foster cross-cultural understanding and personal growth.

Founded by Jér?me Le Carrou , Next Step Connections has a clear mission: to prepare future leaders to navigate the complexities of the global landscape. "Our DNA is all about personal development, gaining new skills, and understanding the world through immersive experiences," explains Jerome.?

"We believe that for students to be truly prepared for their future careers, they need to experience diverse cultures and industries at a young age."

It is within this context that Albert M. , a student from Western Sydney University, embarked on an extraordinary journey to India, working at The ePlane Company , a pioneering aerospace company at the forefront of drone technology. This online as well as in-person learning experience offered Albert a unique window into the future of transportation and logistics, a sector poised for revolutionary changes driven by advancements in drone technology.

The team at Next Step Connections recently spoke with Albert about his experience at ePlane. He talked about his hands-on exposure to cutting-edge drone technology, shared his excitement about its potential to revolutionize the future of transportation and discussed his key takeaways from the program.?

Albert's journey: Embracing innovation at EPlane

As one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, India is making significant contributions to the global technology sector, including the burgeoning drone industry. The growth of the drone industry in India mirrors the nation's broader technological and economic expansion.? The Indian government's policies and initiatives, such as the “Make in India” campaign, have further bolstered the growth of this sector, positioning India as a key player in the international arena.?

Specifically, the drone industry in India has been on an upward trajectory, with projections indicating that the market “is projected to stand at $13 Bn by 2030, up from $2.71 Bn in 2022, positioning India as a key player in Asia Pacific (APAC) for driving this growth.” This growth is fueled by a combination of factors, including advancements in technology, increasing adoption in various sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and logistics and supportive government policies.

For Albert, immersion in EPlane's innovative landscape was transformative.?

"Participating in Next Step Connections' program with EPlane was an exceptional experience," he begins.?

"It provided me with valuable insights into the future of transportation and logistics. One of the most striking aspects of my experience was witnessing the rapid advancement of drone technology and its potential to revolutionize the way we think about transportation. The possibilities seemed endless, from delivery drones to aerial taxis, and I was truly inspired by the innovative spirit driving this field forward.”

"It is very important for Next Step Connections to have a presence in India,” explained Jerome. “For students to experience it at a young age, build connections, and just be immersed in that country will be very relevant for their future career and very important for their understanding of the world."

Cultural immersion and personal growth

Albert's journey was not just about technological exploration, however, but also about personal growth and cultural immersion. He gained a deeper understanding of the complexities of the space sector and the importance of sustainability and societal impact in India's space missions.?

"The program provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the Indian space industry and its significance on the global stage,” reflects Albert.

“One of the key learnings from the program was the impressive growth and development of the Indian space industry. I was fascinated by the ambitious projects being undertaken, such as the development of indigenous launch vehicles and satellites … Another key takeaway was the emphasis on sustainability and societal impact in India's space missions. I was inspired by the focus on using space technology for the greater good, such as improving disaster management and providing remote healthcare services. This reinforced my belief in the transformative power of technology and its potential to address some of the world's most pressing challenges.”

Emphasizing the importance of experiential learning, Jerome explained, "Prioritizing experiential learning over traditional memory-based approaches is pivotal. We actively engage participants in a practical, sensory-rich process, urging them to identify what genuinely resonates during their learning journey. This isn't just an intellectual exercise; it's about connecting on a physical and emotional level. Whether it's navigating a new job or a foreign country, these experiences leave a lasting impact.”

Specific to Albert’s experience, Jerome added, "Just having those ties and presence in India also goes back to our DNA, the desire to have students go through their own personal development, gain new skills, but also personal development that ties back to the spiritual nature of the country."

Takeaways and reflections?

As Albert looks ahead, he carries with him not only the technical knowledge and skills gained from his time with EPlane but also a broader perspective on the world and his place within it.?

His journey with EPlane in India serves as a testament to the power of experiential learning, highlighting the importance of embracing innovation and adapting to the rapidly evolving global landscape. Through partnerships like the one between Western Sydney University and Next Step Connections, students like Albert are equipped to become the visionary leaders and innovators of tomorrow.

"The program provided by Next Step Connections was instrumental in helping me gain valuable insights into the Indian space industry,” Albert shares.?

“Through visits to various organizations and interactions with industry experts, I was able to immerse myself in the nuances of India's space sector. One of the key takeaways from these experiences is the importance of staying ahead of the curve in terms of technology and innovation. By understanding the current landscape and emerging trends, I can better position myself for future career opportunities. Additionally, these experiences have equipped me with the knowledge and skills needed to bring new ideas and perspectives to the table.

Looking ahead, I am excited about the potential to apply what I have learned to future projects and endeavors. I believe that the experiences gained through Next Step Connections' programs will not only benefit me in my future career but will also allow me to contribute meaningfully to the industries I am passionate about.”

A big thank you to Krishan Prasad of Western Sydney University for being such a strong advocate of these programs for students. His dedication to providing transformative learning opportunities has been instrumental in shaping the experiences of participants like Albert.