How Bryant Jin gained hands-on experience in McMaster’s Learning Factory
Our new BTech Co-op Conversations series shines a spotlight on the students behind the placements, sharing how they found opportunities, prepared for interviews, developed new skills and applied their learning in professional settings.
Whether you’re considering McMaster Engineering’s Bachelor of Technology program, or preparing for your own co-op experience, these stories offer practical advice and a firsthand look at where a BTech education can take you.
Bryant Jin has called the Learning Factory home for the past seven months.
As the Learning Factory’s research assistant, Jin, a Level III Automation Engineering Technology student, has been responsible for maintaining industrial automation systems and supporting autonomous vehicle research projects.
And it all started with a keen interest in automation and a perfectly timed question to just the right person.
In this Q&A, Bryant shares how he secured his placement, the projects he worked on as a research assistant, the advice he has for students preparing to begin their own co-op journeys, and the lessons he learned along the way.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Bryant Jin, and I am a Level III Automation Systems Engineering Technology student in the BTech program at McMaster University.
Where did you complete your co-op placement and what was your role?
I completed my co-op as a Research Assistant in McMaster’s Learning Factory; a state-of-the-art simulated factory environment located in the basement of ETB. My role involved developing and maintaining industrial automation systems, developing research projects and ensuring laboratory equipment was operating safely and reliably for students and researchers.
Describe your co-op placement in three words
Learning, rewarding, and impactful.
How did you secure the position and prepare for your interview?
I learned about a potential co-op opportunity at the McMaster Learning Factory during a BTech information session. After the session, I introduced myself to Tom Wanyama, the Learning Factory Director, expressed my interest in automation and the work being done in the lab and asked about available opportunities.
Afterward, I was invited to interview for the position. To prepare, I updated my resumé, reviewed my technical projects and automation fundamentals, and thought about how my previous experiences could contribute to the Learning Factory. The interview focused on my interest in automation, my hands-on experience, and my willingness to learn, and I was fortunate to be offered the position.
What were your main responsibilities during your placement, and what project or accomplishment are you most proud of?
My responsibilities included developing PLC-controlled automation systems, wiring electrical components, troubleshooting equipment, maintaining the Learning Factory’s automation stations, and supporting autonomous vehicle projects.
The accomplishment I am most proud of was independently leading most of the wiring, PLC programming, testing, and troubleshooting for several automation projects, including pick-and-place and bottling station systems. Seeing the systems operate successfully after solving multiple technical challenges was incredibly rewarding.
How did your BTech experience prepare you for your role?
The BTech program provided a strong foundation in automation, controls, electronics, and programming. The combination of classroom learning and laboratory experience helped me quickly apply theoretical knowledge to real engineering systems during my co-op.
Can you share a memorable moment, challenge or lesson from your placement that had a lasting impact on you?
One of the biggest lessons from my co-op was learning how to solve problems independently. Since I was often working on my own in the Learning Factory, I had to troubleshoot issues, research unfamiliar topics and find solutions before asking for help. While it was challenging at first, it helped me become more confident in my problem-solving abilities and taught me that persistence and continuous learning are essential skills for an engineer.
How has this co-op experience influenced your career goals and what advice would you give to students preparing for their first co-op?
This co-op was my first real experience working in industrial automation, and it really opened my eyes to what it’s like to apply what I learned in class to real engineering projects. Working on automation systems, troubleshooting problems, and seeing projects come to life confirmed that this is the field I want to pursue. It strengthened my passion for automation engineering and motivated me to continue building my technical skills.
My biggest piece of advice for students preparing for co-op is to step outside of your comfort zone and be proactive. Opportunities rarely come to you—you have to go after them. Attend information sessions, connect with professors, join alumni events, and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself or ask questions. You never know where a conversation or connection might lead, so always be prepared and keep an open mind.
If you’re studying BTech at McMaster and you’re interested in learning more about co-op opportunities, visit McMaster Engineering’s official Co-op and career experience webpage for more information.