Shambu Jayakumar took a master's degree in Industrial Asset Management. He highlights the programme's close ties with the industry, its practical and interdisciplinary approach, and its emphasis on both technical and managerial aspects of asset management.
Name: Shambu Jayakumar (Jay)
Study programme: Industrial Asset Management
Occupation and employer: Asset manager at Vattenfall, and a PhD researcher at UiS
Why did you choose the Industrial Asset Management programme at UiS and how well did the programme meet your expectations?
Coming from a mechanical engineering background with three years of experience in the oil and gas industry, I developed a strong interest in the lifecycle performance and reliability of industrial assets. I realized that to contribute more strategically to long-term operational efficiency, I needed to broaden my knowledge beyond traditional engineering into areas like asset integrity, condition-based maintenance.
The Industrial Asset Management programme at the University of Stavanger stood out due to its close ties with industry, its practical and interdisciplinary approach, and its emphasis on both technical and managerial aspects of asset management. The opportunity to learn from professors with industry experience and to engage in research aligned with real-world challenges was a key factor in my decision.
The programme has exceeded my expectations by providing a solid foundation in asset management principles while also exposing me to tools and methodologies used in modern industry. It helped bridge the gap between engineering operations and strategic decision-making, and I feel much better equipped to take on roles that require both technical insight and asset-focused thinking.
What did you appreciate most about your study time at UiS?
What I appreciated most about my time at UiS was how practical and industry-relevant the learning experience was. Coming from an engineering background, I really liked how the programme connected theory with real-world challenges, especially in the context of oil and gas. The professors were not only knowledgeable but also very approachable and supportive, which made a big difference.
I also enjoyed the collaborative environment – we got to work on a lot of group projects, often with people from different countries and professional backgrounds, which really broadened my perspective. On top of that, UiS has great facilities, and living in Stavanger gave me the chance to be close to the energy industry while enjoying a high quality of life. Overall, it was a great balance of academic learning and personal growth.
Do you think your background in Industrial Asset Management was important for your job offer and, if so, why?
Yes, I truly believe my background in Industrial Asset Management played a significant role in helping me land my current position as an Asset Manager. The programme equipped me with a strong understanding of how to approach asset performance from both a technical and strategic perspective, which is exactly what’s needed in a large energy company.
While my prior engineering experience gave me a solid foundation, the studies at UiS really helped me connect the dots – understanding how reliability, risk, and lifecycle thinking influence big-picture decisions. I think that combination of practical industry knowledge and academic insight helped me a lot, and I’m grateful for how well it prepared me for the challenges of the role.
