Waterloo Engineering in one word:
Fulfilling
I chose Waterloo Engineering because:
Co-op was one of the biggest influencers in my choice to come to Waterloo with six co op terms to learn about different sectors and test-run a variety of career paths. I was also really attracted to the ‘learn to do by doing’ approach that Waterloo provides through co-op, design challenges, and the number of spaces/opportunities available for students to continue our learning outside the classroom.
The best thing about my program is:
I have a two part answer to this! When it comes to what we are learning, I have really appreciated the design aspect of all of my classes. Since Mechanical Engineers are seen in so many different industries ranging from renewable energy to automotives to optics to aerospace, it has been also really neat to have a class where everyone has such a range of interests. My other favourite part is the cohort system, I have really appreciated the support from all of my classmates, we are all taking the same classes and we all have each other's backs no matter how hard the term may be.
About my Co-op experience:
Co-op has been the perfect break between school terms to get some real experience and it has served as a major reminder for me as to why I am studying Mechanical Engineering and has pushed my professional development. I have completed 4 co-op terms so far and will be returning to NPX for my 5th work term. During the past few years I have worked for the Government of Canada helping with their electric vehicle infrastructure demonstration program, TC Energy where I supported the operation of natural gas power plants and even got to work at one of the most efficient combined cycle power plants in Canada, Daltec Fans where I was exposed to the world of automation and fan manufacturing, and NPX, a nuclear innovation company where I am focusing on supporting the development of a new program to improve the way we approach plant maintenance.
I wish I had known before I came:
Make time for the things you are passionate about and you have to learn to laugh off the things that won’t matter in the long run. I came into University with a mindset that I needed to live and breathe nothing but engineering. I realized that I couldn’t work that way and tried a couple different things until I found something that I really cared about and at Waterloo there really is something for everyone, you just have to look.
Outside the classroom, I’m involved with:
A whole range of things!
● The Waterloo Engineering Society: helping to make the eng undergraduate experience better
● Engineering Orientation: GET HYPE! O-week is one of my favourite weeks ever
● Engineering Ambassadors: meeting prospective students (like you?)
● Mech Mentorship Program: I helped start this program to improve cross year connections
● WiE: helping to form the future of the Women in Engineering group on campus
A fun project I’ve completed:
In first year, as part of my ME100 course, my project design team and I designed and built a prototype for a rideable kids toy firetruck that shot water! It was a really rewarding to turn an idea on a piece of paper into an actual prototype.
One more thing about me:
I LOVE dogs and the colour green!