Charged with purpose: reflections of an Electrical Engineering co-op student

Narayanan (Nana) Ramakrishnan is a Master of a Engineering Co-op (MEng Co-op) student in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE). He started the program in fall 2022 and is specializing in Sustainable Energy. As part of his degree, he completed a four-month co-op as an electrical engineering intern at Shell Canada in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta.

Q&A with Narayanan

Could you narrate your experience leading up to the work term?

“Being part of the first batch of ECE graduate students to participate in the co-op program, I didn’t have anyone to seek advice from, as we were the forerunners. My job search began in my first term, focusing on understanding the job descriptions and requirements that employers seek from graduate students and starting to develop those skills in addition to my regular academics.”

“During the recruitment term, Zac Mercer, my co-op advisor, was particularly helpful, providing one-on-one résumé and cover letter consultations. Finding a job in electrical (power) engineering through WaterlooWorks was particularly challenging, as the number of listings was limited and often did not meet the search criteria. I had a keen eye and diligently filtered through various positions to find the desired opportunities.”

“I secured a few interviews and went through multiple rounds to land an internship with my dream company in the first cycle.”

What was your biggest accomplishment during your co-op term?

“It might sound a bit silly, but getting to work on my first day was my biggest accomplishment. During my summer 2023 vacation, my passport was stolen in a foreign country, leading to a series of unfortunate events. Navigating through this crisis and managing to save myself, my studies and my co-op placement, all without knowing when I would be able to return to Canada, was incredibly challenging. Therefore, simply dressing up and making it to my first day of work felt like a significant achievement in itself.”

What were some challenges you faced?

“Hands down, the weather. I experienced a mild winter in Ontario in 2023 then spent the fall of 2023 in India. I faced a drastic temperature shift from +40°C to -40°C within a month of arriving in Fort Saskatchewan. Initially, it was difficult to pull myself out of bed in those freezing temperatures. However, over time, I began to enjoy going out to the sites, bundled up like a yeti with all the necessary gear. Despite the cold, I found it rewarding to learn from and apply my knowledge to the engineering marvels I encountered.”

How has co-op changed your career aspirations?

“Instead of changing my career aspirations, the co-op experience has strengthened them. I have always dreamed of working for Shell and having it as my first professional experience has been truly eye-opening. The experience has provided me with invaluable insights into the energy industry and solidified my commitment to contributing to a sustainable future.”

“With the world needing cleaner energy more than ever, my co-op experience has prepared me well to pursue a role as an electrical engineer in the energy industry. I am now more determined to make a significant contribution toward the net zero goals that many companies and countries are striving for.”

What did you learn about yourself through your co-op position?

“My co-op experience taught me the importance of seeking help when facing challenges. Initially, I felt pressure to know everything as a graduate student. However, I quickly learned that it's okay not to have all the answers.”

“Through asking for assistance, I discovered that there are always supportive individuals ready to lend a helping hand at every stage of my career journey. This experience taught me to overcome my inhibitions and reach out to the right people for guidance and support when needed.”