We Made a Difference. We Made it Together. WEMADEIT.

englife

Student Life in Engineering

by

Ever wondered what being a university engineering student is like? We interviewed real eng students, getting them to answer all the questions we think you’re dying to know the answers to!

What’s the “can’t miss” Engineering event of the year?

Heather Aitkin, Toronto Metropolitan University: My favourite engineering event is the “Go Eng Girl” event, hosted by the Women in Engineering group. We organize different engineering-related building activities for attendees from grade 6-10… Those kids build the most amazing roller coasters and almost always beat the parent-built roller coasters!

Chandler Button, Western: The annual Western Engineering Competition! There are Participants complete a variety of tasks, including designing a car that goes through a course with hills, grass, mud, and water. It is a 5 hour challenge with a limited amount of supplies (Dollar store items like motors). It’s pretty cool to see what people come up with. Everyone is really creative so the results are unpredictable.

Engineers Without Borders Run

Sharon Flaherty, Western: For me, the “can’t miss” Engineering event of the year would have to be the Engineering Formal, which is held in March. It is the best event of the year where everyone sees everyone!

Dany Awad, Ontario Tech University: ENGSOC’s Annual Reverse Career Fair. It’s basically a career fair where students get to showcase their projects, achievements and professional portfolio to visiting employers. Normally it’s the other way around hence “Reverse”. It’s a great event where you get to speak with a variety of employers and show case your hard work.

Engineering Student Fair Participants

Sabrina Gomez Vila, Toronto Metropolitan University: We celebrates the National Engineering month in March with numerous events. One of them is the Bug Push, a fundraising event for sick kids foundation that consists of pushing a Volkswagen bug around the Quad in our campus for 24 Hrs.

Jordan Hill, Toronto Metropolitan University: There are also a lot of pub nights – engineering students generally don’t need an excuse to have a good time.  If you like to get dressed up, we has an event in April called the “Billy Ball” where the dress code is semi-formal and there is dancing, a meal, and an open bar.

How was frosh week?

Engineering Frosh Week
Lucy Davidson, Toronto Metropolitan University: Frosh week is an amazing way to get to know your fellow classmates who you will work with for the next four years. We hold an exiting and jam-packed frosh week that makes you feel part of the community as soon as you step on campus the first day. Engineering has some cool traditions as well. Purpling happens during frosh week as well as lots of other fun actives all over the city. I made some really good friends during frosh week and I’m still very close with them now.

Elizabeth Morrow, Waterloo: Frosh week was the best! It really makes you feel like a part of something crazy and awesome. During frosh week I met some of my best friends, and also my boyfriend. My frosh leaders ended up being an amazing resource for me throughout the year and some of my closest friends, helping me with preparing for co-op and dealing with engineering life.

Eng Purple in Front of CN tower

Tell us about your extra-curricular activities… Why are you a part of it?

Lucy, Toronto Metropolitan University: I love being apart of the Women In Engineering society as I am really passionate about promoting engineering to younger women and showing them what it’s really like and how much fun it is.

Engineering Formula 1 TeamElizabeth, Waterloo: During my first term, I joined Formula SAE. It was a lot of fun, for a few hours a week we learned 3D modeling and machining, real skills that I could use to get a coop job. I’m also in change of organizing fun events for all the engineers in my year through the Engineering Society.

Carmen Che, Waterloo: Dragon boating… it’s a fun, dynamic community that helps me meet people from across all grades. Finding my place in this community was truly an unforgettable experience.

Chandler, Western: I’m a part of BIG SISTER LITTLE SISTER; this is when first year women get paired with an upper student to make a connection. Your ‘big sister’ helps you with classes and the transition from high school to university… sometimes you even eat lunch with them. In my first year, I was in BIG SISTER LITTLE SISTER. My “big sister” was like my real sister and a good friend. She kept me in the loop and made first year better. Then I wanted to get more involved and become a “big sister” myself, so I decided to run for positions on executive.

Dany, Ontario Tech University: I’m the founder and president of the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers, UOIT Chapter. It all started when I realized that there is more to the actual profession than what we learn in class. Math, science and design are all necessary tools in order to become an engineer but team work, communication skills and time management are just as valuable and you get to learn many of those skills by being involved on campus.

A gang of orange engineers
Natasha Phidd, Waterloo: I’m a big reader and often read mystery novels to relax and give myself a break from my studies. I’m also really into dance, so I like to that as well to relax. Also you can’t ignore some good retail therapy, my friends joke that I have a shopping addiction, but the truth is that I just really enjoy fashion. Everyone can always tell when I’m walking around in the engineering buildings because I’m one of very few that actually wears heels and makeup, but it’s just who I am and my major doesn’t have to change that.

What’s the best thing about being an engineering student?

Stephanie Irving, Ontario Tech University: The best thing about being in engineering is that you make friends for life. We go through so much together in 4 years that the bonds we make are almost unbreakable.

Lucy Davidson, Toronto Metropolitan University: To be a successful engineering student you have to be dedicated and that’s something that’s recognized by people. Studying engineering is extremely rewarding.

Taylor Stanbury, Western: Engineering covers a wide range of topics, so what you’re really learning is how to be a good problem solver, and you can apply that to anything throughout the rest of your life. It may seem intimidating – it is a lot of hard work – but if you put the effort in, it’s worth it.

Gang of Engineering Friends
Jordan Hill, Toronto Metropolitan University: The best thing about being an engineering student is how much cool stuff you learn.  First year can be a bit of a drag because you’re really learning the basics that will allow you to learn all the cool stuff. But when you get into third and fourth year and realize that you can design something yourself, it makes you feel very proud of yourself.

What’s a typical day in your life look like?

Heather Aitkin, Toronto Metropolitan University: A typical day in the life involves attending class from 8AM to between noon and 6pm, depending on the day. After classes and labs have finished, I either work on group projects or go to the library to study for the evening. The majority of the semester has involved long working days, but I make sure to see to my friends and take some time for myself as well. I try to never work after classes finish on Friday. Taking Friday afternoon/evening off every week has been an excellent way to see friends from outside of school and relax a bit. It’s good to recharge mentally and do something other than homework.

Elizabeth Morrow, Waterloo: Last school term I would wake up around 8, get to class for 8:30 for 3 hours of lectures until lunch. The top floor of EIT has a little cafe with grilled cheese sandwiches that a few people from my class would get lunch and finish off our assignments due that afternoon. My afternoon consisted of labs and tutorials. After class I would get something to eat, do some work, and then head over to the student shop for a few hours. After that, I might go get ice cream with some friends and catch up with how their programs are going.

Stephanie Irving, Ontario Tech University: A typical day in my life usually involves waking up late, around 11 or 12, then going to class. If I have more than one class that day, I’ll typically stay at school to try and get some work done. After I come home, I’ll make dinner, finish any work I didn’t do and then watch TV. My day usually lasts until 2 to 4am. (Others prefer to get up earlier and go to bed earlier, I like to be a night owl)

What should all high school students know about engineering school? Looking back, what do you wish you knew?

Heather Aitkin, Toronto Metropolitan University: Thinking back to why I didn’t like any of my classes in High School, I think it was largely because I didn’t see how any of it was applicable to what I would end up doing. I now realize that I missed an opportunity to recognize my strengths in design and creative thinking, and I missed the opportunity to see how much I enjoy calculating out answers to problems that I understand. Engineering is SO APPLICABLE to everyday things, but I had never thought of it that way when I was in High School.

Engineering student on a unicycleTim Carroll, Toronto Metropolitan University: I wish I knew that engineering is basically a program devoted to leaning how to problem solve, independently use critical thinking and being able to communicate your ideas.

Elizabeth Morrow, Waterloo: High school students should know that engineering is hard but not impossible. Don’t be scared off. Also the rumors about having no social life aren’t true at all. I’ve met some of my best friends in engineering, and being stressed out sometimes during the week results in some pretty funny adventures on the weekends.

Sharon Flaherty, Western: All high school students should know that if you’re interested and passionate about engineering, it’s very doable. The community is very inviting.

Jordan Hill, Toronto Metropolitan University: Creativity is far more important than a high IQ. Yes, being very intelligent is useful when it comes to acing that calculus test – but after second year, a lot of your courses will have a design project component which requires a little more independent, thinking-outside-the-box and a lot less number crunching.

Maxine McCurdy, Toronto Metropolitan University: That it’s an option! There are so many engineering jobs out there that this degree can really lead you anywhere. Engineering didn’t even cross my mind in high school. It was not the direction I was headed when I finished school. Never was suggested, or thought of at all. I also wish I had known that taking grade 11/12 Science classes are important in keeping your options open!

How is being an engineering student different from any other student experience?

Sabrina Gomez Vila, Toronto Metropolitan University: As an engineer, I have the power to use my ingeniousness to create something radically new and revolutionize the world.

Chandler Button, Western: My fellow classmates are friendly and not very competitive. Even though the course load is heavy, having classes with the same people and working with teams makes me feel like I’m never alone

Ryerson Women in Engineering team

Elizabeth Morrow, Waterloo: Being an engineering student is very different from any other program because the community feels so small. Your profs know you by name and check up on how you’re doing, the upper years are your friends and mentors, and every single student’s experience is vastly different because of coop.

Emma Helmers, Western: My friends from other faculties were always super jealous about the closeness I had with my peers. Part of the reason that my classmates and I shared such a good relationship was because we received many projects that were time-consuming and challenging, therefore we had to spend time with each other. I think it breeds a good community, good friendships and good teamwork. Even at work now (I just graduated) there’s the same sense of teamwork, especially in field work as we get it done as a team.

5 Things To Do Before Going Back To School This Fall

by

It’s August, which can only mean one thing … either a new season of your favourite Netflix show is coming out or it’s the fact that school is right around the corner! Here are some helpful tips on 5 things to do before your vacation is over:

  1. Squeeze in plenty of ZZZ’s!

Your summer vacation most likely consisted of various cycles of staying up late and sleeping in. Take care of yourself and get as much rest as possible to freshen up and prepare for long nights of studying during the school year!

  1. Go on a road trip!

You know that road trip you keep putting off because you never had time during the school year to plan it? Now’s your chance – grab your closest friends and go on an adventure! There’s nothing like going into the outdoors to hit your inner ‘reset button’ and feel refreshed.

  1. Pick up a hobby you haven’t touched on in a while!

This may be as simple as reading a book, cooking, dancing, learning a new language or binge-watching your favourite TV show, it’s all about spending quality time on something you enjoy doing.

  1. Organize your room or apartment!

Take some time to organize all of your clothes and belongings. This will alleviate the last minute “where did I put that again?” rush so you can just relax and not have to worry about looking for those pair of shoes you threw out last month.

  1. Last but not least, spend time with your friends and family!

Make sure to spend some quality time with your friends and family, because you never know – it might be Thanksgiving or Christmas the next time you see them.

FAQ’s

by

So you’ve been reading about engineering and it sounds waaaaay cooler than you originally thought, but you still have a bazillion questions buzzing around in your brain. We’ve asked real girls what THEIR questions about engineering are – read on to find out all the engineering deets you never knew you needed!

Q: What does an engineer’s normal day look like? Some jobs seem all great and dandy but I want to know more specifics about a career I’m considering!

There is no “normal” for engineers – each job is as different as you and I! Your typical day will depend on the type of engineering you major in (i.e. Mechanical, Aerospace, Civil), as well as the company you apply to work for.

Some engineers work in office buildings, while others work in labs or industrial plants. Others go into sales or management jobs. Some work outdoors or in production and construction sites. Certain jobs also allow engineers to travel all over the world.

This being said, there are some common themes to engineering jobs:

  • They usually run on a 40-hour workweek (workin’ 9 to 5)
  • They often involve lots of teamwork and problem solving
  • Engineers are always working to improve current systems
  • Beginner engineers usually work under the supervision of more experienced engineers – so don’t worry, you’re not immediately expected to know everything!
  • Once you gain more experience and knowledge, you’ll be assigned to more complicated, interesting projects where you’ll work to design, solve problems and make decisions.

Luckily, a degree in engineering leads to a TON of different pathways, meaning that you have lots of opportunities to choose a “day in the life” that fits you.
For more info, check out our interviews with University Students and Professional Engineers

Q: How long does it take to become an engineer?

It takes only four years to graduate from a Bachelor of Applied Science or Engineering degree, which allows you to start doing engineering work right away as an “Engineering Graduate”! After you complete your degree, you apply to work under a licensed professional engineer, usually between 2 – 4 years – this helps you to continue improving your skills while still making a salary. After that, you take a test that allows you to officially call yourself a Professional Engineer for life!

Q: Can I quickly and easily get a job in engineering immediately after graduating university?

You’ve probably heard people talking about the recession and how it’s harder for young people to get jobs nowadays. Luckily, job prospects in engineering are MUCH better than most, particularly if you’re open to moving within Canada!

Q: What is an engineer’s favourite thing is about their job?

To find out what engineers love about their jobs, check out our interviews with Professional Engineers!

Q: How does Co-op work? What companies can I work for and what kind of job I can get after university using the co-op experience?”

A few schools have Co-ops (cooperative education) and Internship programs, including Ryerson, Waterloo, UOIT and Western. During Co-op, your school matches you up with a company that lets you use what you’re learning in school in a real-world situation.

Students often credit co-op with giving them hands-on work experience and allowing them to network with professionals, which can sometimes allow them to find a job more easily after they finish their degree. Remember – even if your school doesn’t offer co-op, you can still apply to be a Summer Intern at many different companies!

Q: Is the engineering business very straight edged or is there room to get creative and innovative when on the job?

Depends on which company you’re working for! The beautiful thing about an engineering degree is that it can lead you down many different paths. If creativity is your strong suit, you can specifically search for a company that is known for its innovation, or you could even become your own boss! While some companies offer jobs that are more “straight-edged,” engineering always involves thinking outside the box and solving problems, which always keep the job interesting.

Q: Is most of your time spent answering and solving formulas and equations or actually building things?”

While there are some technical fields of engineering that involve hands-on building, it’s actually a common misconception that engineers build things. The majority of engineers are thinkers – they use their understanding of math and science to design things before they get built.

Q: What kind of things will I be studying in generally in engineering?

While each stream of engineering focuses on different areas, there are a few skills that you learn in engineering school in any major:

  • Problem solving
  • Sciences (areas of focus depend on your major!)
  • Basic business skills
  • Communication skills (public speaking, resume building, presentation skills etc.)
  • Maths
  • Computer skills
Q: I would like to know what specific duties an engineer has, because I actually don’t really know what an engineer is.

Every engineering job is different, but many have common themes:

  • Researching current systems to figuring out how to make them better
  • Applying science skills to design new solutions
  • Communicating ideas and solutions to others
  • Using computers and technology to help execute your ideas

Job descriptions usually sound SUUUPER overwhelming, but remember: you’ll learn all of these skills (and more!) when you’re in university. If you like problem solving, are creative and are good at math/science, you’ll be a great fit!

For more detailed descriptions of a engineer’s job, check out our interviews with Professional Engineers

Q: How much does the average engineer get paid per month compared to the cost of the schooling to get there?”

Seven out of ten of the top-paid 2013 Bachelor’s degree majors were in engineering (i.e. get money, get paid). In fact, the average starting salary for an engineering graduate is over $60,000! In some areas of engineering, recent graduates make more than $90,000… wild!

Yearly university tuition for an undergraduate engineering student is around $12,000, making your full degree $48,000 – less than one year’s pay as an engineer!

Q: Is engineering a career where you can have fun while working or is it just hard work all the time?

Like most jobs, engineering can be hard work, but most engineers will tell you that they love their job because it’s super interesting! If you want a job that exercises your brain and lets you keep learning, engineering is an amazing option. If you want to know more about how fun jobs in engineering can be, check out our interviews with Professional Engineers.