In Västerås, a city marked by technical innovation and academic pursuit, we find Mälardalen University (MDU), home to ambitious students. One of these students is Ragnar Winblad von Walter who, together with his study partner, did his Computer Science thesis together with Westermo. Collaboration with a company for thesis work is a win-win situation; students gain hands-on experience and learn from knowledgeable supervisors with industry knowledge, and for companies like Westermo, it's an excellent opportunity for new perspectives, ideas, and research-based knowledge to be shared.

The last semester of the Computer Science program at MDU concludes with a thesis work where students can apply to companies offering thesis projects. Ragnar is one of the students who saw the opportunities in collaborating with a company. With the support of supervisor Fredrik Linder, Software Solutions Manager at Westermo, Ragnar got to partake in years of expertise while also gathering practical experience. In return, Westermo got to partake in fresh research-based knowledge, new perspectives, and interesting ideas from driven students. In his thesis work, Ragnar explored buffer sizes in routers and switches and their impact on real-time traffic in networks. The goal was to identify optimal thresholds that can meet the strict requirements imposed on real-time traffic.

“During the course of the work, we have encountered interesting considerations between using larger buffers to minimize packet loss, or using smaller buffers to reduce delays,” Ragnar explains.

There are many positive aspects of performing one’s thesis work together with a company like Westermo. Ragnar has spent a lot of time at Westermo’s office in Kopparlunden during his thesis work, which has given him the opportunity to experience the workplace and the company’s culture.

“I have gotten a very good impression of Westermo, there are many driven, knowledgeable, and nice people here,” says Ragnar and continues, “As I see it, Westermo offers an educational environment where we get to work on finding solutions to interesting problems. Solutions that actually contribute to the benefit of society.”

Fredrik Linder, supervisor to Ragnar, shares his thoughts on the importance of inviting students to Westermo for their thesis works. “We have many interesting areas with exciting problems that can be explored more deeply with the help of the students. They often contribute with new angles and the latest research-based knowledge. We sometimes compare the students’ thesis works to pre-studies that help us take the first step. They often contribute with new angles, solve problems, and develop the business,” he says, emphasizing that thesis works are not only an opportunity to explore theoretical concepts, but that they can also lead to practical applications that improve and strengthen industrial networks.

For future students facing their thesis work, both Ragnar and Fredrik offer valuable advice. They emphasize the importance of starting to write the report early and seeing it as a tool to structure thoughts and ideas.

“Do not see the report as just a necessary final submission, but as a tool where you continuously collect your thoughts and ideas. That way, you can come to new insights during the thesis work and more easily plan the next steps,” says Ragnar.

When it comes to supervisors, it is critical to know the project’s timelines and have an open dialogue with the students.

“To meet the expectations that exist, it is important to be clear about limitations and to have an ongoing dialogue, as the thesis work takes place over a specific period with a strict deadline,” says Fredrik.

Ragnar first met Westermo at MDU's job fair Högvarv, where students and employers meet and make contacts. “I first came across Westermo at Högvarv at MDU when I was in my second year. I listened to a presentation and talked with Westermo employees. When it later became time for the thesis work, I made sure to keep an eye on Westermo’s website.”

The job fair Högvarv, in collaboration with the Thesis and Degree Project days, is organized by MDU and Mälardalen Student Union. The event creates an arena with the opportunity for several different contact surfaces between employers and students. The next occasion is October 15 at MDU in Eskilstuna and October 17 at MDU in Västerås.

For more information about Högvarv and thesis work, you can find it here.