Meet our students

Why did you decide to pursue an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering?

When I was five years old, I used to love Bob the Builder. I'd spend all my time either watching the show or trying to build things myself - using K'NEX and LEGOs. As I got older, my passion for building and designing remained, but my role model(s) shifted to my grandfather and my uncle - both engineers. Throughout my grade school experience, their influence manifested as I started applying to engineering schools across the country. I chose computer engineering (CE) initially, because I liked circuits and calculus in high school more than any other topic, and felt that computer engineering would be a good way to learn more about the topic. After two years in CE, I had the opportunity to switch into electrical engineering (EE) without having to retake any classes, and I jumped for it because I felt that my interests were better suited.

Why did you decide to study at the University of Waterloo?

I chose Waterloo because of the co-op program. I've always loved working in short spurts, and I found the rapid alternation of work and study terms, despite being overwhelming at first, was a great way to learn new things and then see the practical value of the new knowledge I had just picked up. I've never regretted this decision, because I am always able to enter a new term (study or co-op), with a fresh, optimistic and passionate approach.

What was the best surprise about the University of Waterloo or life in Waterloo?

The best surprise I had in moving to Waterloo was how it redefined me. Being able to talk about scientific concepts that make you excited with like-minded people is an amazing way to ignite your curiosity and to meet new people, and the school provides you with both like-minded people and vast amounts of exciting knowledge. I've spent hours talking to my friends about how exciting transistors are and not once did I ever have to think to myself, "This is such a boring and nerdy conversation topic" because everyone finds so much passion in what they do that these conversations are a way to deepen your knowledge. 

What advice do you have for new undergraduate students?

Look at the person next to you in all your first-week lectures and say hi. So many of my closest friendships now started out by just looking at someone and making conversation by saying something like "Are you excited for chemistry class?" Everyone is in the same position as you and wants to make friends, but if you take the initiative and just break the ice first it'll make the process so much easier.

Why did you decide to pursue an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering?

I am pursuing a BASc in electrical engineering because it’s an incredibly diverse field that spans a wide variety of industries. I initially started out in the environmental engineering program with the intention of focusing on renewable energy and power. I transferred programs after realizing electrical engineering aligned more closely with my goals. This degree gives me the flexibility to go abroad, do research, get hands on experience, and meet like-minded people along the way.

Why did you decide to study at the University of Waterloo?

The University of Waterloo appealed to me with its strong industry connections and multitude of extracurriculars. Graduating with two years of work experience will give me an advantage in the job market while allowing me to try my hand at different positions at various companies. For instance, I spent a co-op term doing research in the Netherlands, then went and tried radio systems engineering, and switched it up again with data science at a startup in the United States. Moreover, Waterloo has such a wide array of design teams, clubs, and societies, that everyone can find something they’re interested in. This provides students with opportunities to take on leadership roles, develop technical prowess, and become part of a community.

What was the best surprise about the University of Waterloo or life in Waterloo?

The best surprise about living in Waterloo is the strong sense of community. Campus definitely feels like its own bubble and engineering is really tight knit as a whole. That being said, once I got off campus I found that the city of Waterloo is lovely too! Uptown has tons of awesome restaurants and local businesses, with community events happening all year round. There’s also lots of green space and hiking trails available, which is fantastic during the summer months. All in all, it’s really easy to feel at home in this place. 

What advice do you have for new undergraduate students?

Take care of your physical and mental health! This program can be overwhelming at first, but no classes or co-ops are worth sacrificing your wellbeing. Adding onto that, there are tons of resources and support available, but you have to take the initiative to ask for help and there’s no shame in doing so. After four years here, I’ve learned that your undergraduate experience won’t be defined by the marks or the co-ops you get, but rather by the people you meet and the impact you have on others.

Why did you decide to pursue an undergraduate degree in computer engineering?

My interest in computer programming was sparked in high school when I finally got a chance to take a programming course. Since then I have always been programming in my spare time, starting out with C++ and then graduating to other languages slowly. The problem solving aspect of programming was what truly attracted me to it, and it was only a matter of time before I chose to pursue computer engineering.

While I love the pure computer science aspect of computer engineering, I also really enjoy tinkering with hardware and electronics. At home I was always the one that was using my dad’s tools to pry open broken electronics to see what was inside, and so much so that my parents got me my own toolkit that I could use for the same. Computer engineering at Waterloo provides me a nice balance between the software side of my interests as well the part of me that wants to tinker with the coupled hardware.

Why did you decide to study at the University of Waterloo?

The main attraction to study at the University of Waterloo was definitely the co-op program that would allow me to get more experience by the time I graduated compared to other universities that had less rigorous summer internship programs.

What was the best surprise about the University of Waterloo or life in Waterloo?

In the past few years since I have been here I have found that life in Waterloo is so much more relaxed than if I were living in a bigger city. Having the choice to be able to go on long walks along the lake or zipping through the streets on my electric skateboard in the summer is a refreshing contrast from the busy 'day to day.'

Another thing I really dived head-first into during first year was getting involved with student design teams. Having the chance to work on real life projects and being able to learn so much from being part of a team with so many other students - some of whom have multiple co-op experiences under their belts and can offer very valuable advice - was a game changing surprise to my first-year self.

What advice do you have for new undergraduate students?

For new undergraduate students my advice would be to get involved as much as possible in things outside of the class, because that is where you are going to meet people from different programs doing different things and you’ll be able to meet more new people and broaden your horizons. Although current circumstances make that a bit difficult, I would definitely recommend getting involved with student design teams or joining one of the many clubs on campus.

Why did you decide to pursue an undergraduate degree in computer engineering?

In high school I really enjoyed math and science, so pursuing an engineering degree seemed like the most interesting option. I chose computer engineering specifically because I thought it would be the most broad and enjoyable program compared to the other engineering programs.

The two years of experience gained in the computer engineering co-op program is the main thing that specifically attracted me to my program. Other universities incorporate one 12-16 month internship into their program, but I wanted to get multiple shorter term experiences to have more opportunities to learn what I like to do and what environment I like to work in.

Why did you decide to study at the University of Waterloo?

I decided to study at the University of Waterloo because of how prestigious the engineering co-op programs are. The fact that Waterloo hosts the largest co-op program on the planet was a major influence in my decision between different universities.

What was the best surprise about the University of Waterloo or life in Waterloo?

Because of co-op, the program requires doing school terms in the summer. Even though I had never done it before and was worried about it, studying in the summer was extremely enjoyable. I was surprised to have the most fun during my summer study terms compared to fall and winter.

What advice do you have for new undergraduate students?

I would suggest being very open-minded in trying new things and making friends. The thing that has helped me the most through the rigorous program is having a solid group of friends to support me and make the university experience fun!