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Integra Youth

Webinar Recap: Canadian Engineering University Panel

Recently, IntegraYouth organized an insightful webinar that was conducted by two engineering students, Xulong Lin, from the University of Waterloo, pursuing Computer engineering and Ariel Syal also from the University of Ottawa pursuing software engineering. They also gave good tips and recommendations about the practical application of engineering for high school students who want to enter into engineering college and many more including applications and co-op and other study information.


Meet the Panelists:


Introduction to Engineering Profession

Xulong’s fascination with engineering began in high school with his computer project. He pointed out that students who would wish to practice engineering should consider practicing using mini Arduino kits. Ariel also mentioned that she got interested in one of her class, Computer Science, and she urged the students to try to desolder the old computers or learn how to code in Arduino.


Success Strategies for College Applications

Employment experience prospects present an opportunity to demonstrate creativity in solving problems; Ariel asked people to submit whatever they were working on during the application. Xulong continued to explain that it is to know this is what each university respects or cares for due to the fact that, different universities have different concerns, some of them like the waterloo are looking forward to applicants who are well round in other areas not necessarily STEM.


Choosing a University

It may be seen that Xulong selected Waterloo because the university has a natural beautiful student campus and also the academic standard of the

university is comparatively good. He also wants the students to look at the social issues, for example where the institution is located, how to get there and if they will be able to secure an accommodation within the compound. Ariel, on the other hand, wanted to get a downtown environment for studying and liked Ottawa for its tech offer and co-op option.


Other topics that could be developed include: Surprises and favorite courses.

Both these learners complained that programs they were undertaking were fast pace and required formation of groups. Ariel most enjoyed a startup-building something project that after which a pitch competition ensued The group favourite is a design course where we solve real problems as in hackathon but we are paired.

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Diving Deeper: Career Opportunities, Study Tips, and Navigating Challenges


Job Opportunities in Engineering:

Xulong also made some points on the life and job nature of the computer engineering field mentioned that one can do both hardware and software. On this Ariel said that with an engineering degree one can get a job in medicine by saying that Software and Computer engineering degrees provide fundamental understanding of both the software and the hardware.


Study Tips for Engineering Students:

Ariel uses practice problems for Mathematics, Physics, and Computing classes, which was helpful in understanding difficult theories. Some of the major points highlighted by Xulong are the need to establish relationships with classmates / TAs / professors, keeping up with the course work, and to take advantage of office hours to get additional help.


First-Year Course Load:

Engineering students are always exposed to a line of mathematics courses including physics, calculus among others digital related systems. Both recommend that one attempt and figure out first-year course sequencing before applying because it might be helpful in the PS and in planning.


Balancing Academics with Other Commitments:

Having their academic goals set, Xulong says that engineering is tiring especially in the first two years and hence he has no numerous concerns with co curricular activities. He also focuses the point of sleep, time organization through the weekly timetable and suggested that joining clubs should be postponed until one gets familiar with the amount of the load. Ariel also believes in this proverb that one requires sometime to sort himself/ herself out, to nurture or recover the body and the mind, but also said do not take so many things.


Practical Advice on Career Preparation


Maximizing Co-Op Experiences:

Both the panelists recommend searching companies for co-op placements. To which Xulong added that experiences can be really different, and it is possible to find good employers among upper-year students. All of them argued that many employers care about employee flexibility and diligence, rather than grades.


Key Takeaways for New Students:

Adjusting to Workload: Prioritize academics early on, and gradually incorporate extracurriculars once you’re comfortable with your schedule.


Building Friendships: Connect with peers in your program for both academic and emotional support.


Self-Care and Focus: Focus on personal growth, practice self-care, and manage imposter syndrome by setting personal goals.


Researching Co-Op Employers: Seek feedback from other students about companies to ensure a positive experience.


Experience Over Grades: Skills, experience, and networking play a larger role than grades in securing job opportunities.


Written By:

Vibhas Tallaplli

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