From a young girl in India fascinated by architecture to a Cost Estimator for Civil Hochbau projects in Germany’s prestigious Max Bögl Group, Padmasini Veerabadran has charted an unconventional and inspiring path.
Watch this exclusive conversation of Ms Padmasini with Siva sir here:
https://youtu.be/_2VFoFHI7FU?si=zyYr5c6NgjR7TDGH
Her journey began at SASTRA University, where she pursued Civil Engineering — a rare choice for women in India — driven purely by her passion. Despite securing a job after graduation, she chose to follow her cousin’s advice and study abroad.
After extensive research, Padma selected Germany — attracted by the zero tuition fees and English-medium programs. She enrolled at University of Weimar and dove into Structural Engineering, Risk-Based Engineering, and Natural Hazard Constructions.
Moving to Germany over a decade ago, she was one of only two Indians in her city. She recalls how the university’s International Office helped her settle in, and how staying connected with her family back in India meant spending heavily on internet access in those days.
Padma shares colourful experiences — from learning the German language to improve job prospects, to working part-time in a restaurant for six months just to earn enough for a driving license.
She highlights stark differences between Indian and German education systems — book & mark-based vs project & experience-based learning — and offers candid insights into life in Germany:
Germans are punctual, organised, and respectful of rules
High taxes but high-quality public services and benefits
Equal respect for all professions and minimal financial disparity
Strong emphasis on family life
Saving money can be challenging, but quality of life is excellent
Padma’s advice to students: Don’t come to Germany solely to save money — come to learn, live well, and grow.
📩 You can reach Padma at: padmasinivv@gmail.com
📞 For Study Abroad Guidance & IELTS Coaching:
Call 73058 69058 or visit www.trichyplus.com
