Joshua Wong, BENGM '06 (Computer Engineering):
"Ironically, despite social distancing, a sense of community is more important than ever. While there maybe engineers who could literally be smart enough to be rocket [applied] scientists, no rocket leaves the earth without an enormous team of people. It may feel lonely right now, but this is the perfect time to reach out and reconnect with friends or former colleagues/classmates who you haven’t seen in a while. Or even reach out to someone new. Potential mentors are likely WFH and are probably more likely to respond to requests for introductions or answer questions about careers. Stay safe!"
Jesika Briones, MEEI '08:
"Our present reflects our future. Access to clean air, clean water, food, shelter, and healthcare will always be needed. Can we find a way to do it better? Entrepreneurs, doers, makers, this is your time to shine. "
Alvin Pilobello, BEBSC '09:
"As both MacEng alum and professional EQ coach, one of my top advice for both my clients and fellow Mac grads / current students is: Be kind to yourself, and be kind to others. This is unprecedented, we are learning how to figure out a new way of working / living / learning together, and it's going to feel messy and imperfect. It's OK! Let's remember to be empathetic to each other's unique needs and perspectives, and ... it bears repeating: Be kind! :) "
Osama Ragheb, MSCAP '01:
"My Advise is to never put a limit for your creativity. Follow your passion but also be yourself. Do not follow others , do not follow the path to the top if you did not find your passion there. Money can only make wealthy people, but can not make successful ones. Believe in yourself and define yourself. When the work meets the passion you will reveal the best of you. In your trip of life, remember your loved ones as they are the most precious gift of life."
Brendan Kenalty, BENG '92 (Mechanical Engineering):
"Well this might sound a bit folksy....but take a long term view...this too shall come to pass. Be flexible in short term...keep learning & preparing for opportunities in the future! One of the benefits of experience is ability to understand and plan for the natural cycle of economic growth & contraction. Having graduated as Engineer in heart of 1992 recession, there were NO engineering jobs so I pivoted to leverage my analytical skills for business (FYI businesses LOVE people with math skills). Later as an entrepreneur with our own businesses through Dot.com crash, 9/11 and 2008 financial crisis...there were many times the present looked really bad...and the future was uncertain. Try to stay positive and know that eventually everything will go back to normal...and we'll re-start our march toward progress in all aspects of our lives. Out of every situation comes opportunity....so what are opportunities for the next 18-24 months while the economy and job market recover? Can you start a business? Can you do a Masters? Now that you've competed your formal degree...take opportunity to spread wings and learn some new PRACTICAL skills that are, and will be in HUGE demand in new economy. For example Data Scientist or the technology and applications which leverage the wealth of data being collected in the world today. How can you USE data to help companies? Consumers?
If you are looking for job...target the industries / companies of the next economy not the last one. Canadians have always been innovators...Nortel / Blackberry and now Shopify. As Canada comes off our oil and natural resource economy....what will be next? We need to identify new industries we can lead and create value globally. Amazon & Telsa aren't just hot stocks...the way they think and operate is changing the world. Eco-friendly products and manufacturing, businesses that help save the planet, modern agriculture, bio-tech / genetics and health services for our aging population.
Stay Safe. Stay positive...this is all temporary...I promise!
Brendan
PS : You need a GREAT LinkedIN profile and network...feel free to connect with me to get ball rolling https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendankenalty/ "
Mitchell Minniti BENGM '13 (Civ Eng-Structure/Geotech):
"We are living in unprecedented times and the world will be very different moving forward. You are in a unique position where you are able to connect how the world is changing with core concepts you are learning in your programs. Some industries/roles will change drastically as a result of the pandemic and you have the opportunity to be at the forefront of change and innovation!"
Harsh Shah, MENG '19 (Manufacturing Engineering):
"I would advice students that are looking for either summer co-op's or new graduate jobs - The quarantine time is a time to Excel . This is the perfect time to build your skill sets by reaching out to the pioneers in your intended field of jobs that can guide you what skills you need to work on or get certified which will be helpful in the near future to get your dream jobs!"
Alex Figueroa, BENG '14 (Elec & Biomed Eng):
"You may feel pressured to be working on yourself or developing new skills during these times but please understand that there is no pressure to do this. It is a privilege to be bored and have the time to do these things but not everyone is as fortunate so don't be so hard on yourself if you spent time with family and doing things you enjoy instead. Your mental health is very important and not taking care of it will lead to burning out.
However, if you are fortunate to have time to develop new skills I recommend working on improving your technical writing. In most fields, your ability to write in order to communicate ideas and maintain visibility into your work becomes paramount to growing as a leader. In Software Engineering, as you become more senior you'll find you spend more time writing than coding over time."
Swasti Krishnamoorthy, B1 '19 (Engineering Design):
"This lockdown gives you the opportunity to spend quality time with your families, learn new skills and test your creativity. Creativity and learning to empathize are essential for generating innovative solutions for today’s complex problems regardless the field. It is really hard for many working professionals to take the time off and do so. So now is the time. Stay safe. Be Positive."
Mohammed Abedin, BENG '10 (Chemical Engineering), MENGD '11:
"My advice during this lockdown is to spend quality time with your family and also to reflect on your goals and aspirations. Where do you see yourself in 5, 10, 25 years? Expand your LinkedIn network. Research various companies that interests you and reach out directly to their Managers, VPs, Directors and CEOs via LinkedIn and ask them all your burning questions. Most people will answer your questions, you just gotta ask. All the best!"
Brook Gordon, MSCAP '03:
"I have the privilege of teaching the Capstone course for the McMaster University Engineering & Management program. 2020 will be my 11th year! I am witness to their creativity, ability to work under very tight deadlines, multitask, communicate effectively in writing and verbally > all the characteristics I look for when hiring. I know course work is changing as all classes move to online formats. There are concerns about how to fill the void of lab work, how to manage a co-op if the company is on shut down, access to technology to support online learning. So many moving pieces! My advise is two fold - first and foremost is to stay focussed on what needs to get done. Deadlines, assignments, etc. These are important because it’s all that professors have to assess learning and ability. Second is to take this time to figure out what your passion is and what you truly want out of life. There are resources like What Colour is my Parachute, Strengths Finders, etc. There are also low cost online programs that can help you answer these questions, like the one I created as a fundraiser for the #Soroptimist Live Your Dream scholarship, supporting single mom’s. You are resourceful! Use this time to plan what’s next."
Carlos Escalante, BENG '98 (Civil Engineering), MBA '14:
"My advice during this lock down is to stay strong, stay safe and look out for one another. As with everything, this too will pass ... so hang in there. If you’re fortunate to be able to work from home take this opportunity to spend time with family and explore new ways to connect. McMaster University is hosting some great online content in many different subjects. Explore some new interests and take a few online courses in a subject matter that might be new to you. Be safe and take care!"
Martin Scherer, BENGS '06
"Go outside. It's all right to be scared but look after yourself. The anxiety feeds on itself. Limit what you news you read, and limit how often you read.
Go outside. Be alright with you. There is a lot of people talking about taking advantage of this time to self-improve. Learning new skills. Finding your side hustle to focus on. Some people can do this. Others don't have the time to focus on learning new skills for various reasons. Not everyone is in the position to do this. If you are not, that's all right. Look after yourself.
Go outside. Find a schedule, and try to keep to it. Eat regularly (and try to eat healthy), schedule time to read, to review things. Exercise. Go outside. And call your mom. She probably misses you."
Melanie Englert, BENGM '16:
"Engineering teaches you to think outside the box and to be creative. Apply these skills to this difficult and uncertain time to make the best of it. Find joy in small things and take time away from the news to recharge."
Andy Morrisey, BENG '12 (Civil Engineering):
What we are currently living through is like nothing we have lived through before. It is like nothing our parents have lived through before. In many cases, it is like nothing our grand-parents have lived through before. We are all learning how to live in this new and temporary reality together and on the fly. This includes politicians, scientists, your professors and your peers. There is no standard, and everyone is adapting differently. If you haven't mastered a new skill, learned to cook, or found some other benefit that social media pressures you to find - you are not alone. Many people are struggling through this, whether it is financially, in their school work, or with their mental health. If you need help, ask for it - people now more than ever are willing to help."
Aleah Henry, BEBSC '13:
Stay in touch with each other - especially friends and classmates away from home! Use this time to catch up on rest from overdoing it during the regular school year, but don't let all the knowledge you have been accumulating trickle away. Think about what you have been doing, what you wish you were doing and how you can make the two match up moving forwards.
This is such a strange and tragic experience for many, but try to find some silver linings. Focus on that and make this time as positive for you as you possibly can."
Fred Niemeyer, BTECH '02 (Manufacturing Engineering):
"Unlike the students who wet before you; you have tools to your disposal that previous classes only dreamed off. Yes, I am talking about social media; you are not alone and you have the ability to keep connected. Don't be discouraged, you have done the work, completed your studies; you have succeeded. The Kipling ceremony was postponed, your graduation will be postponed; but you have succeeded. You are entering a world changed, you have your concerns, and you are anxious, but you have succeeded. Use your success, use you social networks, look at your struggles, and look at what you have learned, and use this opportunity to prepare for our next opportunity. As engineers you have learned to investigate, analyze, and problem solve. Use these skills to direct you to your dreams. Mac gave you the tools, your profs, and alumni know where you came from. Now go forth and set your path."