2015 Graduates

Aaron Li

Education

  • Western University, Software Engineering and Business Administration Dual

Experience

  • Evercore - Investment Banking Intern
  • Esplanade Ventures - Venture Capital Intern
  • PSP Investments - Private Equity Intern
  • OTPP - Private Equity Intern

Advice

Make time for relaxation and hobbies.

Alison Wu

Education

  • University of British Columbia, Bachelor of Science (Computer Science major)

Experience

  • Tasktop Technologies (coop dev role)
  • Microsoft

Advice

It never hurts to try out new opportunities, even if just mildly interesting, and it’s through those trials that you can find what you truly love to do.

Angus Lin

Education

  • University of Toronto, Computer Engineering

Experience

  • University of British Columbia - Hardware Research Intern
  • DataProphet - Machine Learning Intern
  • Intel Corporation- Software Engineer Intern
  • TripAdvisor - Software Engineer Intern
  • Bloomberg LP - Software Engineer Intern

Advice

Leverage internships to meet new people, explore new things, determine your interests, and have fun!

Benjamin Hwang

Education

  • University of British Columbia, Combined Major in Business and Computer Science

Experience

  • SAP - Software Engineer
  • Creative Labs - Software Engineer

Advice

Never too late to switch careers

Brendon Chiang

Education

  • University of British Columbia, Business and Computer Science

Experience

  • SAP-Agile Developer
  • Factors Group-Applications Developer

Advice

Take the time to network. It will be one of the most valuable things when looking for jobs.

Daniela Lopez

Education

  • University of British Columbia, Chemical Engineering
  • Master’s Degree in Applied Sciences at UBC in partnership with the National Research Council

Advice

If you have a gut feeling about something, go for it. If you think you like something, make an effort and pursue it. You never know where that little change in your life might lead you to

David Liu

Education

  • University of British columbia, Combined major in business and computer science

Experience

  • Amazon Software developer

Advice

Leverage internships to meet new people, explore new things, determine your interests, and have fun!

Eric Tsai

Education

  • Western University, Business

Experience

  • Deloitte - Risk Advisory
  • Kirchner Private Capital Group - Investment Banking Analyst
  • Microsoft - Product Management
  • Bell - Customer Experience Consulting

Advice

Be curious and explore different opportunities whether that’s university outside of BC, exchange abroad, or different job types/industries. As well, stay humble and don’t be afraid to reach out to ask questions. It’s fine if you don’t know, better to ask now then later!

Esteban Lee

Education

  • Western University, Honors Business Administration

Experience

  • Supported research and analysis at a remote video monitoring business owned by a private equity fund
  • Worked on equity / debt financings and mergers and acquisitions in the healthcare space at an Investment bank
  • Microsoft - Product Management
  • Bell - Customer Experience Consulting

Advice

I don't have any super insightful advice to share or witty one-liners of wisdom....but a few quick things off the top of my head: maintain good relationships with people that matter to you, be kind to others and try not to be quick to judge, work hard at the things that you can control (on the flip side, appreciate how much luck and randomness can dictate outcomes), don't take yourself too seriously, and finally, try to have some fun along the way!

Jacky Tian

Education

  • UC Berkeley, Computer Science

Experience

  • Google - Business Analyst Intern
  • Visa - Product Management Intern
  • Amazon - Software Engineer Intern

Advice

As rigorous as the course load in Science Academy is, definitely make time to learn/pursue other interests you may have during your time. This would include other courses, clubs, extracurriculars, etc that exist outside of the typical box of Science Academy, and aren’t just for looking good on a university application. I realized it’s so much harder to explore during post-secondary when you have a major, and I regret not taking every opportunity I could have to expand my breadth of experience.

Kevin Ma

Education

  • University of Alberta, Doctor of Medicine

Experience

  • Arthritis Foundation - Public Health and Advocacy Intern
  • TeamUP Science - President
  • Interdepartmental Science Students' Society - Vice President Programming
  • Canadian Federation of Medical Students - Rapid Response Task Force Member

Advice

Volunteer, but not for your resume. Volunteer to learn and become a better person.

Lucy Wei

Education

  • Brown University, Computer Science

Experience

  • Google - Software Engineering Intern

Advice

Don't be afraid to fail and make mistakes.

Maggie Zhang

Education

  • University of Toronto, Rotman Commerce

Experience

  • KPMG Toronto - Summer Intern

Advice

Networking is crucial for landing a good job so start networking early!

Matthew Li

Education

  • Harvard University, Electrical Engineering S.B.

Experience

  • General Fusion (Vancouver, BC): Co-Op Student
  • Microsoft (Redmond, WA): Program Manager Intern

Advice

Above all else, take care of yourself and each other.

Perry Ni

Education

  • University of Toronto, Mechanical Engineering
  • MSc candidate at York University researching renewable solar energy

Experience

  • SNC-Lavalin: Mech Eng Intern
  • Scotiabank: Trade Floor Tech Consultant

Advice

Don't stress too hard about school and be sure to take time to do the things you like!

Ruvini Amarasekera

Education

  • Simon Fraser University, Biomedical Physiology (Minor in Counselling/Human Development)
  • Studied Abroad in University of Glasgow, (Classes in anatomy, Celtic history, and psychology)
  • University of British Columbia, Doctor of Medicine

Experience

  • Options Community Services - Frontline shelter staff
  • Fraser Health Crisis Line - call taker
  • BC Cancer Research Centre - student researcher
  • Centre for Hip Health and Mobility - student researcher
  • Friends of Simon - Tutor
  • Surrey Memorial Hospital- paediatrics ward volunteer

Advice

High school is a great time to reflect on what sort of journey you want to embark on in life. Seek out mentors in the fields you are considering, put yourself out of your comfort zone often, and enjoy the ride!

Ryan Picardo

Education

  • University of British Columbia, BA - Cognitive Systems

Advice

Make sure you are actively challenging yourself with your studies in high school. It's vital to develop a solid work ethic because it's much harder to drift through university without trying hard.

Sachi Premathilaka

Education

  • University of Victoria, Mechanical Engineering
  • Studied Abroad in University of Glasgow, (Classes in anatomy, Celtic history, and psychology)
  • University of British Columbia, Doctor of Medicine

Experience

  • BC Hydro - Control Engineering Co-op
  • Dynamic Attractions - Mechanical engineering co-op

Advice

Try out a lot of different clubs and activities to find what you're passionate about. No one ever regrets things that they've tried or learned, only the things they miss out on.

Zhe Hao Dong

Education

  • University of Toronto - Graduate, Engineering Science, Infrastructure + PEY

Experience

  • China Design Group Co.
  • Ltd. (中设设计集团股份有限公司) - Nanjing
  • Jiangsu, China - Structural Engineering Intern (PEY)

Advice

Call me at 604 583 5637 if you ever feel down or need help. You now have an extra friend.