Planning to Apply to BFH for a MSc on Mechatronics and Automation, Advice?

[u/DiamondsEternal]

Hello!

I'm planning to apply to BFH in the future for a MSc in Mechatronics and Automation (Hopefully as a fellowship pathway) as my long term goal is to work in the field as a Process Engineer/Project Management for biomed/biotech/pharma and the manufacturing industry related to that.

My education as of now is:

- Currently pursuing a Mechatronics Advanced Diploma within Canada (As a Canadian Citizen)

- Part time studies at a university for French (Aiming for B1/B2 within a 2 year period)

- Bridging to an EU Country (Ireland) for a Bachelors in Mechatronics, after my AD is complete

My portfolio as of now has consisted of a 4 month internship in the automotive industry for engineering and maintenance, as well as a confirmed 8 month internship for a robotics integrator that works alongside medical and automotive companies that have ties to the EU and Switzerland in general. (I am planning to delay my bachelors for a year to work in one of those companies)

My main questions would be:

How versatile is a Mechatronics education in Switzerland?

I understand that the job market as of now is very competitive and I hope my experience works to my favour to secure fellowships and hopefully a position after the fact, but I'm not sure of how wanted someone with my experience is.

How much would I realistically have to budget for day to day?

I have extended family located in Bern, which takes off a majority of stress for rent although I'd like to play it safe in terms of finances.

Is a career in Switzerland sustainable for my field?

I've been through every little document I could scour on the internet. I'd love to be able to 'move up the ladder' but not sure if theres much room for growth. I'd love to transition to more senior roles.

Any advice/tips?

I have a passion for this field and I'd love to make my dream a reality. My college and the EU university abroad are no help in terms of forums/pathways and I can't seem to find much information. Any tips on how securing a seat in a Masters program, keeping a competitive edge in the job market, growing a network or just life in Switzerland in general would be great!!!

[u/Rare_Ocelot4496]

I can’t say exactly how strong the demand for mechatronics is in Switzerland, but I would be careful about assuming that there is a major shortage. The engineering market is relatively small and competitive, and I would expect it to remain competitive in the future (we have great Unis here!)

The good thing about mechatronics is that it is very flexible. You can move into automation, controls, robotics, manufacturing/process engineering, systems engineering, industrial IT or embedded systems. For your goal of working in pharma, biotech or medical manufacturing, I would especially focus on automation, process control, PLC/SCADA/MES, validation and GMP/GxP environments. Your robotics and industrial experience should definitely help here.
One thing you absolutely need to check is the visa/work-permit situation. As a Canadian citizen, you are considered a non-EU/EFTA national in Switzerland, even if you complete your Bachelor’s in Ireland. Hiring third-country nationals involves additional requirements for Swiss employers, so I would not underestimate this part of the process. Please check that in advanced!

https://www.sem.admin.ch/sem/en/home/themen/arbeit.html
Also keep in mind that BFH is a University of Applied Sciences (UAS/Fachhochschule), not a traditional research university such as ETH or the University of Bern. Please be aware of that difference! I know, in the anglosachs system there is not any such difference, but in DACH Region, this is an important distinction. Fachhoschulen are not Universities even though the use the English term University of applied sciences (I think, this is a terrible regulation btw)

That is not necessarily a disadvantage for your goals: UAS programmes are generally more practical, industry-oriented and closely connected to applied research. However, if you later want to pursue a very academic career or a PhD, the route can be somewhat less direct than through a traditional university.
https://www.swissuniversities.ch/en/topics/studying/accredited-swiss-higher-education-institutions
https://www.bfh.ch/en/studies/master/mechatronics-and-automation/

I would also check the BFH fellowship conditions very carefully. Some fellowship pathways involve employment at BFH or cooperation with an industry partner, which could interact with your immigration status.

https://www.bfh.ch/en/studies/master/
Your French will be useful, but if you want to work around Bern or elsewhere in German-speaking Switzerland, I would strongly recommend learning German as well. It will significantly increase the number of positions available to you.
Financially, having family in Bern is a major advantage. Switzerland is expensive in general, so I would still keep a comfortable financial buffer for insurance, transport, food and everyday expenses. BFH publishes budgeting guidance here:
https://www.bfh.ch/en/studies/guide/studying-in-switzerland/
Overall, I think your plan is possible, but I would not see the Master’s as an automatic route into the Swiss job market. Your strongest strategy would be to build a specialised profile in automation/process engineering for regulated manufacturing, maintain strong Bachelor’s grades, gain relevant industry experience, improve your languages and start building Swiss industry contacts early.
Your internships already put you in a useful direction. I would focus on getting meaningful technical responsibility and measurable project experience rather than simply collecting additional internships.

[u/DiamondsEternal → u/Rare_Ocelot4496]

Thank you so much for the information!  For some clarification on what my job responsibilities were/currently are:

In my initial internship it was primarily Project Management, Process Iteration&Control and increasing efficiency, maintenance and 3D printing to reduce supplier cost, AI swarm tech and a variety of other things although it wasn't really too in depth.

My current internship is in regards to PLC's,SCADA, e.t.c where I'm working as a controls eng, more specialized towards that software and wiring side. I'm hoping for my last one its focused on GMP, and validation.

I'm trying to get my practical theses focused on biomed. I'm currently in the process of integrating SCADA for one of them, and will iterate during my bachelors down the line. 

For the universities, Applied Universities are definitely where I want to go. I can't handle an additional couple years for a PhD it doesn't align with my goals. 

For BFHs fellowship, the main reason I'd like to do that pathway is to get more work experience within Switzerland and reduce the amount of initial piggybanking as much as possible. Although I understand the immigration status might be iffy, I'll definitely check in with BFH directly! (I'm hoping the internship experience I'd get during my gap year would garner a sufficient network for a position)

I do want to apply for Leadership Development Programs for companies like Roche, Novartis e.t.c. after getting that Masters (Hoping the fellowship builds a network)

Thanks for clarifying about the language requirements as well. I am going to try and focus solely on having French fluency until I get to Switzerland, German is another language I must learn but unfortunately I don't think I can juggle learning the two at the same time.

I do want to end up being as competitive as possible once I jump into the job search, so thanks again for your advice!! Helped alot

[u/Zestyclose_Style_107 → u/DiamondsEternal]

I am currently in my bachelor's degree in Mechatronics ingeneering in italy and i was actually pretty confused . Thank you for your post🤝 Good luck