In June, Farha Haider graduated from McMaster’s Master of Engineering Systems and Technology program, achieving a lifelong dream that began with a teenager’s wonder at connecting to the internet for the first time. Driven by curiosity and a passion for understanding how technology works, Haider left her home in Chennai, India, to pursue graduate studies in Canada, a journey that has led to a full-time role at Nokia as an AI Machine Learning Developer. Read her story, in her own words.
I still remember the first time I connected to the internet, it felt like magic. A small USB-like device opened a portal to the world, and my teenage mind couldn’t help but wonder: How does this even work? That moment, as simple as it was, sparked a curiosity in me that would go on to shape my entire academic and professional journey.
I come from a bustling metropolitan city in India – Chennai. I was always academically driven but beyond numbers I was driven by wonder. As the world embraced rapid technological change, I wanted to be part of the engine powering that change.
This curiosity led me to pursue bachelor’s in computer science and engineering. Taking courses in Python, Data Structures, and AI felt like answers to the questions that began years ago. Eager to apply what I was learning, I took on a data analytics internship where I extracted insights from raw datasets using Python, an experience that revealed the incredible potential hidden in data.
Still, I wasn’t done learning. At Tiger Analytics, I transitioned from intern to a Software Engineer, working on everything from front-end development with React.js to backend data engineering. I was the only front-end developer on my team challenging, yes, but deeply rewarding. It was here that I truly grasped the role data and AI play in building smarter, scalable systems.
That realization sparked a deeper ambition in me, one that led me to McMaster University. The Master of Engineering Systems and Technology, with its focus on Automation & Smart Systems, offered everything I was seeking, Deep Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, and real-world applications through cyber-physical systems. But what truly set McMaster apart was its focus on research, and a community that champions innovation with purpose.
To me, McMaster wasn’t just a place of learning, it was a dream come true.
A dream that began long before I boarded a flight to Canada. I still remember the exact moment it all felt real. I was sitting on a couch in my home back in India, having just accepted my offer. My heart was racing, my eyes were full of wonder. I opened my laptop and searched: “McMaster University Campus.” As the images filled my screen, I sat there in awe. The red-brick buildings, the tree-lined walkways, the beautiful stillness of Cootes Paradise nearby, it felt like a scene from a storybook. I couldn’t believe this would soon be my home. It didn’t just look like a university, it looked like growth and it looked like hope. That moment still lives with me. And perhaps a part of me is still there, still wide-eyed, still dreaming.
To me, McMaster wasn’t just a place of learning, it was a dream come true.
McMaster turned out to be even more than I imagined. It wasn’t just the cutting-edge labs or brilliant professors. It was the way learning was approached with real-world problems at the centre and collaboration at the heart of every solution. It was the diversity in the classrooms, the kindness in the hallways, and the belief that we were here to not just earn degrees but to create a brighter world together.
Canada, too, was everything I hoped it would be, inclusive, progressive, warm in spirit even on the coldest days. I was looking for a place where education met empathy, where ideas flowed freely, and where people from every background could find belonging. I found that here and it’s hard to put into words what this journey has meant.
During my time at McMaster, I found more than academic rigor, I found community, leadership, and purpose. I had the privilege of serving as Vice President of the McMaster Graduate Student Association, working alongside a passionate team to support and uplift the voices of graduate students. It was a role that taught me empathy, accountability, and the strength of collective action.
Another milestone was my eight-month co-op at Nokia, where I stepped into the world of Machine Learning. What started as an internship evolved into a part-time role as I completed my degree, blending theory with real-world problem solving. I forecasted demand for 1,000+ supply chain line items using Machine Learning (ML) models and developed end-to-end ML pipelines using Azure ML and Data Factory. I saw firsthand how data, when thoughtfully used, could optimize operations, generate revenue and impact.
And now, I’m incredibly proud to share that I’ve accepted a full-time offer from Nokia as an AI/ML Developer. This moment feels surreal.
The girl who once marveled at a blinking USB stick is now stepping into a role where she gets to build what once felt like magic. Looking back, it was never just about learning code or mastering tools, it was about curiosity, courage, and the drive to keep moving forward.
To every student wondering if the leap is worth it: It is.
Not because it’s easy, but because it shapes you in ways you never imagined.
