Kee to Success: Student Careers Guide Mon, 06 Apr 2026 12:20:41 -0400 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1397629 en-ca © 2026 Kee to Success: Student Careers Guide yes 44c9ae3a-31a8-56a4-807d-d26b1e31dab2 Vernon Kee episodic false Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Careers, Career Guidance, Engineering, Jobs, Career Education Vernon Kee https://storage.buzzsprout.com/6m6mr2nnp3i4bpvxfc1hspddyau0?.jpg Kee to Success: Student Careers Guide #62 Kee To Success Grad - Waterloo Comp Eng / Meta - Matthew So - Part 2 #62 Kee To Success Grad - Waterloo Comp Eng / Meta - Matthew So - Part 2 How does a kid immigrate to Canada from the Philippines, get his dream job at Meta and has over $1,000,000 in investments in under 10 years?  Matthew So breaks it down in Part 2 of his interview.  He listened to every Kee to Success episode, took notes and applied the knowledge he gained.  He was inspired by Eric in Episode 20 to start investing and he breaks down how he invests as well as what makes him so successful in his career.

]]> How does a kid immigrate to Canada from the Philippines, get his dream job at Meta and has over $1,000,000 in investments in under 10 years?  Matthew So breaks it down in Part 2 of his interview.  He listened to every Kee to Success episode, took notes and applied the knowledge he gained.  He was inspired by Eric in Episode 20 to start investing and he breaks down how he invests as well as what makes him so successful in his career.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-18969825 Mon, 06 Apr 2026 12:00:00 -0400 1874 2 62 full false #61 Kee To Success Grad - Waterloo Comp Eng / Meta - Matthew So - Part 1 #61 Kee To Success Grad - Waterloo Comp Eng / Meta - Matthew So - Part 1 He's another original Kee to Success "grad" - one of the students I made this podcast for when I was teaching online during the pandemic.  I have never met him but he arrived in Canada from the Philippines less than 10 years ago, got with the wrong crowd and had a 60% average in Grade 10.  He listened to the podcast, took notes, applied that knowledge and now works at Meta in his last co-op term and is about to graduate from the University of Waterloo with a Computer Engineering degree.  On top of that, the podcast inspired him to start investing and he has a 7 figure portfolio after only 4 years!  In this Part 1, we get into what happened in high school and how he he turned it around to become successful.  Part 2 we will discuss how he used the podcast to start investing and more!

]]> He's another original Kee to Success "grad" - one of the students I made this podcast for when I was teaching online during the pandemic.  I have never met him but he arrived in Canada from the Philippines less than 10 years ago, got with the wrong crowd and had a 60% average in Grade 10.  He listened to the podcast, took notes, applied that knowledge and now works at Meta in his last co-op term and is about to graduate from the University of Waterloo with a Computer Engineering degree.  On top of that, the podcast inspired him to start investing and he has a 7 figure portfolio after only 4 years!  In this Part 1, we get into what happened in high school and how he he turned it around to become successful.  Part 2 we will discuss how he used the podcast to start investing and more!

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-18928061 Mon, 30 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0400 2032 full false #60 UBC CompSci/IBM Manager - Kyle Sava - Part 2 #60 UBC CompSci/IBM Manager - Kyle Sava - Part 2 Part 2 of Kyle Sava's interview.
This is where he tells you how he climbed to be a manager at IBM in a few short years. He gives tips on how the interview process works, what hiring managers are thinking and what it's like working for one of the biggest tech companies in the world.  There's a lot of gold in this one.

]]> Part 2 of Kyle Sava's interview.
This is where he tells you how he climbed to be a manager at IBM in a few short years. He gives tips on how the interview process works, what hiring managers are thinking and what it's like working for one of the biggest tech companies in the world.  There's a lot of gold in this one.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-18889676 Mon, 23 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0400 2396 2 60 full false #59 UBC CompSci/IBM Manager - Kyle Sava - Part 1 #59 UBC CompSci/IBM Manager - Kyle Sava - Part 1 I keep in touch with my grads on LinkedIn and one day I see Kyle Sava post some job opportunities.  "Didn't he just graduate?" was my thought, but apparently he had become a manager at IBM in an incredibly short amount of time.  In this episode we cover Kyle's experiences at UBC's Computer Science program, what he did to stand out to land internships, and how he created opportunities for himself.

]]> I keep in touch with my grads on LinkedIn and one day I see Kyle Sava post some job opportunities.  "Didn't he just graduate?" was my thought, but apparently he had become a manager at IBM in an incredibly short amount of time.  In this episode we cover Kyle's experiences at UBC's Computer Science program, what he did to stand out to land internships, and how he created opportunities for himself.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-18858894 Mon, 16 Mar 2026 21:00:00 -0400 1991 2 59 full false #58 Kee to Success Grad - UofT Architectural Engineering - Julia Song - Part 2 #58 Kee to Success Grad - UofT Architectural Engineering - Julia Song - Part 2 Julia Song continues sharing her experience in the University of Toronto’s Architectural Studies program, describing the intense workload, long studio hours, and hands-on design work with tools like laser cutters, 3D printers, and woodshops. She also talks about the skills needed to succeed in architecture, the current job outlook, and why many students pursue a master’s degree after graduation.

]]> Julia Song continues sharing her experience in the University of Toronto’s Architectural Studies program, describing the intense workload, long studio hours, and hands-on design work with tools like laser cutters, 3D printers, and woodshops. She also talks about the skills needed to succeed in architecture, the current job outlook, and why many students pursue a master’s degree after graduation.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-18812471 Mon, 09 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0400 1378 full false #57 Kee to Success Grad - UofT Architectural Engineering - Julia Song - Part 1 #57 Kee to Success Grad - UofT Architectural Engineering - Julia Song - Part 1 In this episode of Kee to Success, I sit down with Julia Song — one of the original students who helped launch this podcast — now a fourth-year Architectural Studies student at the University of Toronto.

We talk about fast-tracking Grade 12 English, applying to competitive programs like Waterloo Life Sci and McMaster Health Sci, and why she ultimately chose architecture over the traditional STEM pathway. Julia breaks down what architecture school is really like — studio courses, coding, art history, expensive laptops, and the long road to becoming a licensed architect.

If you're a high school student torn between medicine, engineering, or a creative STEAM path, this episode gives you a real look at what the journey actually involves.

]]> In this episode of Kee to Success, I sit down with Julia Song — one of the original students who helped launch this podcast — now a fourth-year Architectural Studies student at the University of Toronto.

We talk about fast-tracking Grade 12 English, applying to competitive programs like Waterloo Life Sci and McMaster Health Sci, and why she ultimately chose architecture over the traditional STEM pathway. Julia breaks down what architecture school is really like — studio courses, coding, art history, expensive laptops, and the long road to becoming a licensed architect.

If you're a high school student torn between medicine, engineering, or a creative STEAM path, this episode gives you a real look at what the journey actually involves.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-18772096 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0500 1820 2 57 full false #56 Western Engineering to Tesla to Meta - Michael Avrakh - Part 3 #56 Western Engineering to Tesla to Meta - Michael Avrakh - Part 3 What would you do if you woke up tomorrow… couldn’t log into your computer… and found out you were one of 18,000 people laid off overnight?

No warning.
No goodbye meeting.
Just an email at 4 a.m. saying your job no longer exists.

Today’s episode is about what happens after the dream job.

My guest spent two and a half years at Tesla — launching products, building his engineering career, riding the wave of one of the most exciting tech companies in the world. And then in 2024, 40% of his team was cut overnight.

But here’s where the story gets powerful.

Not only did he lose his job — as a Canadian working in the U.S., he had 60 days to find a new company willing to sponsor his visa… or he’d be deported.

That’s pressure.

In this episode, we talk about:

  • The reality of tech layoffs — and the difference between being laid off and being fired
  • What severance really looks like at major companies
  • How he turned panic into a full-time job search strategy
  • Why networking on LinkedIn changed everything
  • How he went from being ghosted after university… to being flown across the country for interviews
  • And how he ultimately landed a role at Meta’s Reality Labs, working on future tech most people won’t see for years

We also break down:

  • How to prepare for interviews at companies like Tesla and Meta
  • Why GPA matters less than projects
  • How to cold message hiring managers properly
  • And what high school and university students should be doing right now if they want to work in leading-edge tech

If you’ve ever worried about job security…
 If you’ve ever been rejected…
 If you’ve ever wondered how to break into elite companies…

This episode is a masterclass in resilience, networking, and playing the long game.

]]> What would you do if you woke up tomorrow… couldn’t log into your computer… and found out you were one of 18,000 people laid off overnight?

No warning.
No goodbye meeting.
Just an email at 4 a.m. saying your job no longer exists.

Today’s episode is about what happens after the dream job.

My guest spent two and a half years at Tesla — launching products, building his engineering career, riding the wave of one of the most exciting tech companies in the world. And then in 2024, 40% of his team was cut overnight.

But here’s where the story gets powerful.

Not only did he lose his job — as a Canadian working in the U.S., he had 60 days to find a new company willing to sponsor his visa… or he’d be deported.

That’s pressure.

In this episode, we talk about:

  • The reality of tech layoffs — and the difference between being laid off and being fired
  • What severance really looks like at major companies
  • How he turned panic into a full-time job search strategy
  • Why networking on LinkedIn changed everything
  • How he went from being ghosted after university… to being flown across the country for interviews
  • And how he ultimately landed a role at Meta’s Reality Labs, working on future tech most people won’t see for years

We also break down:

  • How to prepare for interviews at companies like Tesla and Meta
  • Why GPA matters less than projects
  • How to cold message hiring managers properly
  • And what high school and university students should be doing right now if they want to work in leading-edge tech

If you’ve ever worried about job security…
 If you’ve ever been rejected…
 If you’ve ever wondered how to break into elite companies…

This episode is a masterclass in resilience, networking, and playing the long game.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-18728964 Mon, 23 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0500 1936 full false #55 Western Engineering to Tesla to Meta - Michael Avrakh - Part 2 #55 Western Engineering to Tesla to Meta - Michael Avrakh - Part 2 What does it really take to land a job at Tesla?

In this episode, I sit down with one of my former students who went from Canadian engineering undergrad to Mechanical Design Engineer at Tesla — working on the Model 3, flying to factories in China and Europe, and presenting work that would ultimately be reviewed at the executive level.

And here’s the twist: he almost didn’t apply.

We break down the entire process step by step:

  • How a random conversation at a bar led to a Tesla application
  • What the resume and portfolio actually needed to include
  • The 2–3 month interview process (including a 7-hour final round)
  • How to beat automated resume filters (ATS systems)
  • Why hands-on projects like Baja SAE mattered more than grades
  • What onboarding at Tesla is really like
  • The truth about 100-hour work weeks during product launch
  • What it feels like to represent Tesla at global suppliers
  • And what advice he’d give to any student who wants to compete at that level

We also talk about the culture inside Tesla — the intensity, the friendships, the pressure, the travel, and the reality behind the brand.

If you’re a high school or university student aiming for top-tier engineering roles — or if you’re curious what working at one of the world’s most talked-about companies is actually like — this episode gives you the unfiltered version.

]]> What does it really take to land a job at Tesla?

In this episode, I sit down with one of my former students who went from Canadian engineering undergrad to Mechanical Design Engineer at Tesla — working on the Model 3, flying to factories in China and Europe, and presenting work that would ultimately be reviewed at the executive level.

And here’s the twist: he almost didn’t apply.

We break down the entire process step by step:

  • How a random conversation at a bar led to a Tesla application
  • What the resume and portfolio actually needed to include
  • The 2–3 month interview process (including a 7-hour final round)
  • How to beat automated resume filters (ATS systems)
  • Why hands-on projects like Baja SAE mattered more than grades
  • What onboarding at Tesla is really like
  • The truth about 100-hour work weeks during product launch
  • What it feels like to represent Tesla at global suppliers
  • And what advice he’d give to any student who wants to compete at that level

We also talk about the culture inside Tesla — the intensity, the friendships, the pressure, the travel, and the reality behind the brand.

If you’re a high school or university student aiming for top-tier engineering roles — or if you’re curious what working at one of the world’s most talked-about companies is actually like — this episode gives you the unfiltered version.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-18692608 Mon, 16 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0500 2002 2 55 full false #54 Western Engineering to Tesla to Meta - Michael Avrakh - Part 1 #54 Western Engineering to Tesla to Meta - Michael Avrakh - Part 1 In this episode of Kee to Success, I sit down with Michael Avrakh, a 2016 John Polanyi Collegiate Institute SMR (STEM) graduate who went on to study mechanical engineering at Western University and build a career at Tesla before moving to Meta as a product design engineer. Michael shares what high school was really like for him, how extracurriculars and hands-on engineering clubs shaped his path, and why finding real-world application mattered more than perfect grades. This episode offers honest insight into engineering, resilience, and the choices that shape long-term success. 

]]> In this episode of Kee to Success, I sit down with Michael Avrakh, a 2016 John Polanyi Collegiate Institute SMR (STEM) graduate who went on to study mechanical engineering at Western University and build a career at Tesla before moving to Meta as a product design engineer. Michael shares what high school was really like for him, how extracurriculars and hands-on engineering clubs shaped his path, and why finding real-world application mattered more than perfect grades. This episode offers honest insight into engineering, resilience, and the choices that shape long-term success. 

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-18646717 Mon, 09 Feb 2026 13:00:00 -0500 1662 2 54 full false #53 Marketing Major to PWC Manager - Nicholas Kriss - Part 3 #53 Marketing Major to PWC Manager - Nicholas Kriss - Part 3 What if the things you enjoy in high school—and the way you talk to people—matter more for your future career than you realize?

This episode wraps up my three-part conversation with a former student who is now a manager at a major professional firm. In this final part, we connect the dots between high school experiences and long-term career success, focusing on what actually helps people move into leadership roles.

We dig into practical advice students can use right now: setting meaningful goals, communicating with confidence, balancing work and life, and learning how to connect with people from different backgrounds. We also revisit how interests that began in high school, including Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, and card collecting, evolved into a real side business—and why those experiences mattered far beyond the hobby itself.

As the conclusion to this interview, this episode reflects on how small choices, genuine interests, and strong people skills can shape your future. It’s a student-focused, honest look at how careers are built over time.

]]> What if the things you enjoy in high school—and the way you talk to people—matter more for your future career than you realize?

This episode wraps up my three-part conversation with a former student who is now a manager at a major professional firm. In this final part, we connect the dots between high school experiences and long-term career success, focusing on what actually helps people move into leadership roles.

We dig into practical advice students can use right now: setting meaningful goals, communicating with confidence, balancing work and life, and learning how to connect with people from different backgrounds. We also revisit how interests that began in high school, including Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, and card collecting, evolved into a real side business—and why those experiences mattered far beyond the hobby itself.

As the conclusion to this interview, this episode reflects on how small choices, genuine interests, and strong people skills can shape your future. It’s a student-focused, honest look at how careers are built over time.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-18586617 Mon, 02 Feb 2026 19:00:00 -0500 1542 full false #52 Marketing Major to PWC Manager - Nicholas Kriss - Part 2 #52 Marketing Major to PWC Manager - Nicholas Kriss - Part 2 What actually moves a career forward?

In this episode, we sit down with a former student who turned a university internship into a fast-moving career inside a global professional services firm—by noticing opportunities early, asking for responsibility before it was offered, and setting clear goals long before most people do.

We talk about working full-time while still in school, navigating career uncertainty during COVID, recognizing when a role has limited growth, and using networking, communication, and risk-taking to pivot into more meaningful work. Along the way, he shares honest insights about long hours, rapid advancement, leadership without formal authority, and why rejection isn’t something to avoid—but something to learn from.

This isn’t a story about shortcuts or luck.
 It’s a conversation about mindset, initiative, and what happens when you stop waiting for permission and start paying attention.

Whether you’re a high-school student thinking about your first job, a university student unsure of your path, or an educator helping students imagine what’s possible after graduation, this episode offers a realistic, motivating look at how careers are actually built.

]]> What actually moves a career forward?

In this episode, we sit down with a former student who turned a university internship into a fast-moving career inside a global professional services firm—by noticing opportunities early, asking for responsibility before it was offered, and setting clear goals long before most people do.

We talk about working full-time while still in school, navigating career uncertainty during COVID, recognizing when a role has limited growth, and using networking, communication, and risk-taking to pivot into more meaningful work. Along the way, he shares honest insights about long hours, rapid advancement, leadership without formal authority, and why rejection isn’t something to avoid—but something to learn from.

This isn’t a story about shortcuts or luck.
 It’s a conversation about mindset, initiative, and what happens when you stop waiting for permission and start paying attention.

Whether you’re a high-school student thinking about your first job, a university student unsure of your path, or an educator helping students imagine what’s possible after graduation, this episode offers a realistic, motivating look at how careers are actually built.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-18574131 Mon, 26 Jan 2026 21:00:00 -0500 1394 2 2 full false #51 Marketing Major to PWC Manager - Nicholas Kriss - Part 1 #51 Marketing Major to PWC Manager - Nicholas Kriss - Part 1 A 2017 graduate from my SMR program at JPCI in Toronto, Nick went into Marketing at York U and climbed the corporate ladder fast, making manager in under 5 years.  Nick talks about Business majors at York U, setting goals in life, what he does at one of the largest accounting firms in Canada and how he climbed the corporate ladder so quickly.  He also runs a business selling trading cards for fun!  Part 1 of 3. (Warning - struggled with audio a bit here because of some technical difficulties)

]]> A 2017 graduate from my SMR program at JPCI in Toronto, Nick went into Marketing at York U and climbed the corporate ladder fast, making manager in under 5 years.  Nick talks about Business majors at York U, setting goals in life, what he does at one of the largest accounting firms in Canada and how he climbed the corporate ladder so quickly.  He also runs a business selling trading cards for fun!  Part 1 of 3. (Warning - struggled with audio a bit here because of some technical difficulties)

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-18537726 Mon, 19 Jan 2026 22:00:00 -0500 1647 2 1 full false Season 2 Intro Season 2 Intro Season 2 is here!  A preview to my first 3 guests, an apology for some technical recording difficulties and some new episodes on success tips for school and careers.

]]> Season 2 is here!  A preview to my first 3 guests, an apology for some technical recording difficulties and some new episodes on success tips for school and careers.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-18527657 Mon, 19 Jan 2026 22:00:00 -0500 168 2 1 bonus false #50 1st Year Tufts Med Student - Peter Tao - Part 2 #50 1st Year Tufts Med Student - Peter Tao - Part 2 Part 2 of 2 of Peter's interview where he talks about what it's like being in med school, exploring medical fields and gives advice to aspiring med school students and researchers.

]]> Part 2 of 2 of Peter's interview where he talks about what it's like being in med school, exploring medical fields and gives advice to aspiring med school students and researchers.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-10265078 Thu, 17 Mar 2022 06:00:00 -0400 2360 Tufts, med school, UofT science, MaST 2 50 full false #49 1st Year Tufts Med Student - Peter Tao - Part 1 #49 1st Year Tufts Med Student - Peter Tao - Part 1 Danforth MaST grad Peter Tao talks about his path from high school to UofT science to Tufts medical school in this 2 part interview for aspiring doctors.

]]> Danforth MaST grad Peter Tao talks about his path from high school to UofT science to Tufts medical school in this 2 part interview for aspiring doctors.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-10218496 Thu, 10 Mar 2022 06:00:00 -0500 2755 careers, Tufts, med school, UofT science, DCTI 2 48 full false #48 1st Year Engineering Science - Ayleen Farnood #48 1st Year Engineering Science - Ayleen Farnood One of the most common questions I get is "What is Engineering Science?".  So today's guest has just completed her first semester at the University of Toronto's Engineering Science program.  In this episode she will talk about what the program is, what kind of fields and jobs she can get into and how she achieved a 98% average going in.

]]> One of the most common questions I get is "What is Engineering Science?".  So today's guest has just completed her first semester at the University of Toronto's Engineering Science program.  In this episode she will talk about what the program is, what kind of fields and jobs she can get into and how she achieved a 98% average going in.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-10088285 Thu, 17 Feb 2022 06:00:00 -0500 2642 careers, engsci, engineering science, UTS 2 47 full false #47 Track Athlete/Engineer - Ramzi Abdulahi - Part 3 #47 Track Athlete/Engineer - Ramzi Abdulahi - Part 3 In this last part of Ramzi's interview we talk about what he does at RBC as a software engineer and he gives tips for aspiring athletes who want to balance that with engineering.

]]> In this last part of Ramzi's interview we talk about what he does at RBC as a software engineer and he gives tips for aspiring athletes who want to balance that with engineering.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-10002648 Thu, 03 Feb 2022 06:00:00 -0500 1701 careers, athlete, Western, engineering, RBC software engineering 2 47 full false #46 Track Athlete/Engineer - Ramzi Abdulahi - Part 2 #46 Track Athlete/Engineer - Ramzi Abdulahi - Part 2 In this episode, Ramzi continues his interview and talks about what it was like balancing the demands of training track while in software engineering full time.  He discusses Western's co-op program, how he got his first job and the power of networking.

]]> In this episode, Ramzi continues his interview and talks about what it was like balancing the demands of training track while in software engineering full time.  He discusses Western's co-op program, how he got his first job and the power of networking.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-9953812 Thu, 27 Jan 2022 06:00:00 -0500 1971 careers, software engineering, Western, athletic scholarship 2 46 full false #45 Track Athlete/Engineer - Ramzi Abdulahi #45 Track Athlete/Engineer - Ramzi Abdulahi Today's guest is an elite high school track athlete who grew up in one of the roughest neighbourhoods in Toronto and recently graduated as software engineer.  In this 1st of 3 parts, Ramzi Abdulahi talks about what it was like growing up poor, the positive influence of his teachers at John Polanyi Collegiate Institute and how he chose Western for engineering.

]]> Today's guest is an elite high school track athlete who grew up in one of the roughest neighbourhoods in Toronto and recently graduated as software engineer.  In this 1st of 3 parts, Ramzi Abdulahi talks about what it was like growing up poor, the positive influence of his teachers at John Polanyi Collegiate Institute and how he chose Western for engineering.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-9918512 Thu, 20 Jan 2022 06:00:00 -0500 2498 careers, athlete, Western, engineering 2 45 full false #44 - Chiropractor - Sydney Massey - Part 2 #44 - Chiropractor - Sydney Massey - Part 2 Part 2 of my interview with Sydney Massey who talks about what a typical day is like as a chiropractor and gives tips on how to become one plus what to expect when you see one.

]]> Part 2 of my interview with Sydney Massey who talks about what a typical day is like as a chiropractor and gives tips on how to become one plus what to expect when you see one.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-9878965 Thu, 13 Jan 2022 06:00:00 -0500 1534 careers, chiropractor, kinesiology, Whitehorse 2 44 full false #43 - Chiropractor - Sydney Massey - Part 1 #43 - Chiropractor - Sydney Massey - Part 1 Sydney graduated from Danforth Tech and went to get her Kinesiology degree because she always had an interest in sports and rehab.  She got into Chiropractor college and now works in Whitehorse, Yukon!  In Part 1 she talks about the Kinesiology program at McMaster and what a chiropractor does.

]]> Sydney graduated from Danforth Tech and went to get her Kinesiology degree because she always had an interest in sports and rehab.  She got into Chiropractor college and now works in Whitehorse, Yukon!  In Part 1 she talks about the Kinesiology program at McMaster and what a chiropractor does.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-9838706 Thu, 06 Jan 2022 06:00:00 -0500 2093 careers, McMaster, Danforth MaST, chiropractor, kinesiology, Yukon 2 43 full false #42 - Python Software Engineer - Mohitul Islam - Part 2 #42 - Python Software Engineer - Mohitul Islam - Part 2 Mohitul continues his interview by discussing what it's like being a professional Python programmer at Apple.  He also gives tips on seeking jobs, succeeding as an Electrical Engineer and more.

]]> Mohitul continues his interview by discussing what it's like being a professional Python programmer at Apple.  He also gives tips on seeking jobs, succeeding as an Electrical Engineer and more.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-9778489 Thu, 23 Dec 2021 06:00:00 -0500 2384 careers, engineering, Waterloo, electrical engineering, Python programming 2 42 full false #41 - Python Software Engineer - Mohitul Islam - Part 1 #41 - Python Software Engineer - Mohitul Islam - Part 1 Mohitul works as a software engineer for Apple, but what makes him very different from my first guest is that his main job is coding in Python and he works in Apple's Canadian office in Ottawa.  His degree is in electrical engineering from Waterloo and in part 1 we'll cover his path from high school through university and what his current job is like.

]]> Mohitul works as a software engineer for Apple, but what makes him very different from my first guest is that his main job is coding in Python and he works in Apple's Canadian office in Ottawa.  His degree is in electrical engineering from Waterloo and in part 1 we'll cover his path from high school through university and what his current job is like.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-9729537 Thu, 16 Dec 2021 06:00:00 -0500 2227 careers, Waterloo, Python, engineering 2 41 full false #40 - Social Worker for Addictions - An-Ni Tu - Part 3 #40 - Social Worker for Addictions - An-Ni Tu - Part 3 An-Ni ends her 3 part interview discussing a typical day in her life as a social worker, and how she deals with stress and danger on the job.  She also answers student questions on addiction and substance abuse and gives advice for aspiring social workers.

]]> An-Ni ends her 3 part interview discussing a typical day in her life as a social worker, and how she deals with stress and danger on the job.  She also answers student questions on addiction and substance abuse and gives advice for aspiring social workers.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-8729157 Wed, 23 Jun 2021 06:00:00 -0400 2798 careers, social work, Ryerson 1 40 full false #39 - Social Worker for Addictions - An-Ni Tu - Part 2 #39 - Social Worker for Addictions - An-Ni Tu - Part 2 An-Ni continues her interview and the education of social workers including grades and graduate work, the difference in social work programs, as well as jobs and pay. This is Part 2 of 3 and will be the last interview for Season 1 of Kee to Success.

]]> An-Ni continues her interview and the education of social workers including grades and graduate work, the difference in social work programs, as well as jobs and pay. This is Part 2 of 3 and will be the last interview for Season 1 of Kee to Success.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-8729134 Sat, 19 Jun 2021 11:00:00 -0400 2304 careers, social work, Ryerson 1 39 full false #38 - Social Worker for Addictions - An-Ni Tu - Part 1 #38 - Social Worker for Addictions - An-Ni Tu - Part 1 An-Ni thought she wanted as more traditional STEM Career but she discovered social work and was passionate about helping others, so she went to Ryerson's Social Work program and got a job helping people recover from addictions.  In Part 1 of this 3 part interview, An-Ni explains how she came to social work, what makes Ryerson different, social justice and explains Defund the Police.

]]> An-Ni thought she wanted as more traditional STEM Career but she discovered social work and was passionate about helping others, so she went to Ryerson's Social Work program and got a job helping people recover from addictions.  In Part 1 of this 3 part interview, An-Ni explains how she came to social work, what makes Ryerson different, social justice and explains Defund the Police.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-8673440 Wed, 09 Jun 2021 11:00:00 -0400 2721 careers, social work, Ryerson 1 38 full false #37 - Machine Learning Engineer - Rees Simmons - Part 2 #37 - Machine Learning Engineer - Rees Simmons - Part 2 In part 2 we learn more about what it's like being a machine learning engineer at Google, plus Rees gives tips to students trying to get into machine learning and succeed in the career.

]]> In part 2 we learn more about what it's like being a machine learning engineer at Google, plus Rees gives tips to students trying to get into machine learning and succeed in the career.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-8631097 Wed, 02 Jun 2021 10:00:00 -0400 2255 careers, Waterloo, machine learning, AR 1 37 full false #36 - Machine Learning Engineer - Rees Simmons - Part 1 #36 - Machine Learning Engineer - Rees Simmons - Part 1 Rees went into Physics at Waterloo, came out with a degree in Mathematics and ended up as a Machine Learning Engineer at Google.  Learn how he go his job, and what he does in Part 1 of this 2 part interview.

]]> Rees went into Physics at Waterloo, came out with a degree in Mathematics and ended up as a Machine Learning Engineer at Google.  Learn how he go his job, and what he does in Part 1 of this 2 part interview.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-8594355 Wed, 26 May 2021 15:00:00 -0400 2598 careers, machine learning, Google jobs 1 36 full false #35 CTO/CompSci genius/Hacker John-Alan Simmons - Part 3 #35 CTO/CompSci genius/Hacker John-Alan Simmons - Part 3 In this final part of my interview with John-Alan Simmons, he discusses success in his own start up and gives tips for students to succeed in computer science.  After the interview he reconnected me with his brother who is a machine learning engineer at Google.  That interview will appear in a couple weeks as our last episode of this season.

]]> In this final part of my interview with John-Alan Simmons, he discusses success in his own start up and gives tips for students to succeed in computer science.  After the interview he reconnected me with his brother who is a machine learning engineer at Google.  That interview will appear in a couple weeks as our last episode of this season.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-8550963 Wed, 19 May 2021 14:00:00 -0400 2660 computer science, startup, careers 1 35 full false #34 CTO/CompSci genius/Hacker John-Alan Simmons - Part 2 #34 CTO/CompSci genius/Hacker John-Alan Simmons - Part 2 John-Alan continues his interview with how dropping out of University of Toronto's Computer Science program affected him.  He gets into his adventures with Bitcoin and Dogecoin mining and discusses his startups leading up to his current company.

]]> John-Alan continues his interview with how dropping out of University of Toronto's Computer Science program affected him.  He gets into his adventures with Bitcoin and Dogecoin mining and discusses his startups leading up to his current company.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-8507540 Wed, 12 May 2021 11:00:00 -0400 2846 careers, cryptocurrency mining, start up, computer science 1 34 full false #33 CTO/CompSci genius/Hacker John-Alan Simmons - Part 1 #33 CTO/CompSci genius/Hacker John-Alan Simmons - Part 1 I knew John-Alan was an accomplished self taught computer programmer who was also a nationally ranked archer with a lot of talent for doing projects beyond his peers, but I didn't know he was a hacker through high school. John-Alan shares his journey through high school and university in Part 1 of this 3 part series.  Later in the series he'll talk about cryptomining and crytpocurrencies as one of the earliest Doge miners and how he started up his companies.

]]> I knew John-Alan was an accomplished self taught computer programmer who was also a nationally ranked archer with a lot of talent for doing projects beyond his peers, but I didn't know he was a hacker through high school. John-Alan shares his journey through high school and university in Part 1 of this 3 part series.  Later in the series he'll talk about cryptomining and crytpocurrencies as one of the earliest Doge miners and how he started up his companies.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-8466454 Wed, 05 May 2021 15:00:00 -0400 3108 careers, University of Toronto, computer science, hacker, CTO 1 33 full false #32 1st Year CompSci Student - Baker Jackson #32 1st Year CompSci Student - Baker Jackson UTS grad Baker Jackson explains what it's like at University of Toronto's Computer Science program, why he turned down Waterloo, and how he got his summer internship before finishing his first year of university.  He also explains UofT's PoST system, why it stresses out students and fields many other questions from students.

]]> UTS grad Baker Jackson explains what it's like at University of Toronto's Computer Science program, why he turned down Waterloo, and how he got his summer internship before finishing his first year of university.  He also explains UofT's PoST system, why it stresses out students and fields many other questions from students.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-8420692 Wed, 28 Apr 2021 07:00:00 -0400 2506 PoST, CompSci, careers 1 32 full false #31 - Broke Student Beats the Odds in University (Commerce/Accounting) #31 - Broke Student Beats the Odds in University (Commerce/Accounting) What do you do if you can't afford university?
This question comes up for more people than we'll ever hear about.
But for Monsaina, self identifying as poor was really about recognizing the barriers to a university education and employment as she struggled with finances while in school and couldn't afford her tuition deposit.  This podcast is about Monsaina's story from high school to the University of Guelph's Commerce and Accounting program to landing a great job before she graduates this year.

]]> What do you do if you can't afford university?
This question comes up for more people than we'll ever hear about.
But for Monsaina, self identifying as poor was really about recognizing the barriers to a university education and employment as she struggled with finances while in school and couldn't afford her tuition deposit.  This podcast is about Monsaina's story from high school to the University of Guelph's Commerce and Accounting program to landing a great job before she graduates this year.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-8378031 Wed, 21 Apr 2021 13:00:00 -0400 3283 careers, John Polanyi, JPCI, commerce 1 30 full false #30 - Business Analyst / B.A Philosophy/Econ - Kyle - Part 2 #30 - Business Analyst / B.A Philosophy/Econ - Kyle - Part 2 Kyle continues his story with what it was like doing an exchange program to Europe and how he got his job at a machine learning start-up through email.  He also gives his final advice to help students who might be in a similar financial situation in university.

Our next episode will come in 2 weeks as we pause for Ontario's March break in April!

]]> Kyle continues his story with what it was like doing an exchange program to Europe and how he got his job at a machine learning start-up through email.  He also gives his final advice to help students who might be in a similar financial situation in university.

Our next episode will come in 2 weeks as we pause for Ontario's March break in April!

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-8291012 Wed, 07 Apr 2021 15:00:00 -0400 2808 careers, exchange program, business analyst, machine learning start up 1 30 full false #29 - Business Analyst / B.A Philosophy/Econ - Kyle - Part 1 #29 - Business Analyst / B.A Philosophy/Econ - Kyle - Part 1 There is a barrier to education for students that come from a low income family or where they are the first to have university degrees.  My next two guests have persevered to become successful despite these barriers that most people don't realize.  Their messages are here for inspiration to others who might be in a similar situation.

My first guest is Kyle who has a Bachelors of Arts in Sociology and Economics from UofT.  In Part 1 he talks about life in high school, university and his exchange program experience in Europe.

]]> There is a barrier to education for students that come from a low income family or where they are the first to have university degrees.  My next two guests have persevered to become successful despite these barriers that most people don't realize.  Their messages are here for inspiration to others who might be in a similar situation.

My first guest is Kyle who has a Bachelors of Arts in Sociology and Economics from UofT.  In Part 1 he talks about life in high school, university and his exchange program experience in Europe.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-8247360 Wed, 31 Mar 2021 11:00:00 -0400 3105 careers, sociology, persistence 1 29 full false #28 - Chemical Engineer - Arujala Thavendrarasa - Part 2 #28 - Chemical Engineer - Arujala Thavendrarasa - Part 2 Arujala discusses her co-op jobs at McMaster, what her current job is like at Imperial Oil and final advice for those aspiring to be chemical engineers.

]]> Arujala discusses her co-op jobs at McMaster, what her current job is like at Imperial Oil and final advice for those aspiring to be chemical engineers.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-8206887 Wed, 24 Mar 2021 22:00:00 -0400 1931 careers, Mcmaster engineering, chemical engineering, Danforth MaST 1 28 full false #27 - Chemical Engineer - Arujala Thavendrarasa - Part 1 #27 - Chemical Engineer - Arujala Thavendrarasa - Part 1 Danforth MaST grad Arujala originally wanted to go into aerospace engineering but switched into chemical engineering at McMaster.  She became roommates with my other guest Nelani and went on to work at Imperial Oil as an environmental project manager.  In Part 1 of 2 she talks about high school and life at McMaster in the Chemical Engineering program.  The end of this podcast references a video on YouTube which you can find by searching for "Ananya Chadha networking".

]]> Danforth MaST grad Arujala originally wanted to go into aerospace engineering but switched into chemical engineering at McMaster.  She became roommates with my other guest Nelani and went on to work at Imperial Oil as an environmental project manager.  In Part 1 of 2 she talks about high school and life at McMaster in the Chemical Engineering program.  The end of this podcast references a video on YouTube which you can find by searching for "Ananya Chadha networking".

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-8159720 Wed, 17 Mar 2021 13:00:00 -0400 1666 careers, chemical engineering, Imperial Oil 1 27 full false #26 - Mechatronics Engineer - Serena Foo #26 - Mechatronics Engineer - Serena Foo Not all success has come easy for my grads.  In this episode, my student switched from Chemical to Mechatronics and then hit the challenge of not having work experience before entering university.  Danforth MaST graduate Serena Foo talks about her journey through Waterloo's Mechatronics program, her  advancement through different jobs and where she is now as an Electrical Engineering working in B.C.

]]> Not all success has come easy for my grads.  In this episode, my student switched from Chemical to Mechatronics and then hit the challenge of not having work experience before entering university.  Danforth MaST graduate Serena Foo talks about her journey through Waterloo's Mechatronics program, her  advancement through different jobs and where she is now as an Electrical Engineering working in B.C.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-8118866 Wed, 10 Mar 2021 21:00:00 -0500 3428 mechatronics, Waterloo, careers, engineering 1 26 full false #25 - 1st Year Law Student - Nancy Yan #25 - 1st Year Law Student - Nancy Yan Nancy did her undergrad at the University of Waterloo in Legal Studies, Arts and Business.  She's currently at the University of Ottawa in her 1st year of law school.  Nancy talks about the shift from high school to university, co-op jobs for non-STEM students at a school known for STEM and the process to getting into law school.

]]> Nancy did her undergrad at the University of Waterloo in Legal Studies, Arts and Business.  She's currently at the University of Ottawa in her 1st year of law school.  Nancy talks about the shift from high school to university, co-op jobs for non-STEM students at a school known for STEM and the process to getting into law school.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-8070020 Wed, 03 Mar 2021 14:00:00 -0500 2397 law school, University of Ottawa, University of Waterloo, careers 1 25 full false #24 - Senior Software Engineer at Uber - Wasiur Rahman - Part 2 #24 - Senior Software Engineer at Uber - Wasiur Rahman - Part 2 Wasiur gives more insights into his work, then discusses how to be successful in university.  He talks about perks of working at Uber, explains the difference between CompSci, Comp Eng and Software Eng and his final advice for career success.

]]> Wasiur gives more insights into his work, then discusses how to be successful in university.  He talks about perks of working at Uber, explains the difference between CompSci, Comp Eng and Software Eng and his final advice for career success.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-8025690 Wed, 24 Feb 2021 21:00:00 -0500 3053 careers, software enginering, waterloo, Danforth Tech, MaST 1 24 full false #23 - Senior Software Engineer at Uber - Wasiur Rahman - Part 1 #23 - Senior Software Engineer at Uber - Wasiur Rahman - Part 1 It took 3 years for Danforth Tech MasT grad Wasiur Rahman to become a Lead Engineer at Uber in San Francisco.  A graduate of Waterloo's software engineering program, he had 7 co-op jobs.  In Part 1 of this 2 part series, Wasiur talks about his co-op jobs, how his career progressed, and the secret to his success.

]]> It took 3 years for Danforth Tech MasT grad Wasiur Rahman to become a Lead Engineer at Uber in San Francisco.  A graduate of Waterloo's software engineering program, he had 7 co-op jobs.  In Part 1 of this 2 part series, Wasiur talks about his co-op jobs, how his career progressed, and the secret to his success.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-7919983 Wed, 17 Feb 2021 07:00:00 -0500 3261 careers, software enginering, waterloo, Danforth Tech, MaST 1 23 full false #22 - Wall Street Investment Banker - Jerry Wu - Part 2 #22 - Wall Street Investment Banker - Jerry Wu - Part 2 Danforth Grad Jerry Wu continues his interview as he explains his career path after university to Wall Street and takes questions from students.  He fields questions from last week's guest - self taught investor Erick Gutierrez.

]]> Danforth Grad Jerry Wu continues his interview as he explains his career path after university to Wall Street and takes questions from students.  He fields questions from last week's guest - self taught investor Erick Gutierrez.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-7784176 Wed, 10 Feb 2021 07:00:00 -0500 3551 careers, investment banker 1 22 full false #21 - Wall Street Investment Banker - Jerry Wu - Part 1 #21 - Wall Street Investment Banker - Jerry Wu - Part 1 In contrast to our previous guest, this Danforth Tech grad traveled a bumpy road through the University of Waterloo to earn his Masters in Accounting and become a Wall Street Investment Banker.  Part 1 details the entertaining stories of Jerry Wu and how he survived university to land his first job.

]]> In contrast to our previous guest, this Danforth Tech grad traveled a bumpy road through the University of Waterloo to earn his Masters in Accounting and become a Wall Street Investment Banker.  Part 1 details the entertaining stories of Jerry Wu and how he survived university to land his first job.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-7658731 Wed, 03 Feb 2021 14:00:00 -0500 2763 careers, investment banker 1 21 full false #20 - Self Taught Investor, Retired at 22 - Erick Gutierrez - Part 2 #20 - Self Taught Investor, Retired at 22 - Erick Gutierrez - Part 2 This episode is Part 2 of my interview with Erick, the Danforth Tech grad who retired at 22 by learning how to invest in the stock market.  Erick discusses traits of success, long term strategies, the problem with our high school system and what happens when you become a millionaire fast.  Make sure to take notes, because there are a lot of potentially life changing points!

]]> This episode is Part 2 of my interview with Erick, the Danforth Tech grad who retired at 22 by learning how to invest in the stock market.  Erick discusses traits of success, long term strategies, the problem with our high school system and what happens when you become a millionaire fast.  Make sure to take notes, because there are a lot of potentially life changing points!

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-7520545 Wed, 27 Jan 2021 13:00:00 -0500 3264 careers, investing, stock market, success 1 20 full false #19 - Self Taught Investor, Retired at 22 - Erick Gutierrez - Part 1 #19 - Self Taught Investor, Retired at 22 - Erick Gutierrez - Part 1 He grew up in inner city Regent Park  with English as his second language.  He didn't like the school system and worked as a line chef after high school but recovering from a concussion for 2 months made him re-evaluate what he always wanted from life.  Erick Gutierrez retired 5 years out of high school after successfully becoming a millionaire in the stock market.  In Part 1 of this interview, Erick explains his story, his methods and and how he came to retire at 22.

]]> He grew up in inner city Regent Park  with English as his second language.  He didn't like the school system and worked as a line chef after high school but recovering from a concussion for 2 months made him re-evaluate what he always wanted from life.  Erick Gutierrez retired 5 years out of high school after successfully becoming a millionaire in the stock market.  In Part 1 of this interview, Erick explains his story, his methods and and how he came to retire at 22.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-7396357 Wed, 20 Jan 2021 14:00:00 -0500 3487 investing, careers, stock market 1 19 full false #18 - Wind Turbine Technician - Daren Bernier #18 - Wind Turbine Technician - Daren Bernier He started off in carpentry but loved rock climbing, working with his hands, and being outdoors, so Daren Bernier entered the world Wind Tech and became a wind turbine technician and safety trainer who is high in demand.  Learn about what it's like being a wind turbine technician from someone loves their job in this unique interview.

]]> He started off in carpentry but loved rock climbing, working with his hands, and being outdoors, so Daren Bernier entered the world Wind Tech and became a wind turbine technician and safety trainer who is high in demand.  Learn about what it's like being a wind turbine technician from someone loves their job in this unique interview.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-7394047 Wed, 20 Jan 2021 11:00:00 -0500 3453 wind turbine, careers, trades, Wind Tech 1 18 full false #17 - Director of Marketing - Queens Commerce - Jake Buffin - Part 2 #17 - Director of Marketing - Queens Commerce - Jake Buffin - Part 2 In Part 2 of his interview, Jake talks about how he got into Elite Window Cleaning and worked his way up to become Director of Marketing.  He also answers student questions about Queens and gives tips on how to be a successful business student.

]]> In Part 2 of his interview, Jake talks about how he got into Elite Window Cleaning and worked his way up to become Director of Marketing.  He also answers student questions about Queens and gives tips on how to be a successful business student.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-7295326 Thu, 14 Jan 2021 13:00:00 -0500 2247 Marketing, Queens, careers 1 16 full false #16 - 1st Year Stanford Student - Networking Expert - Vincent Song #16 - 1st Year Stanford Student - Networking Expert - Vincent Song Vincent Song graduated from UTS in 2020 but has developed an advanced degree of skill with networking throughout high school which lead to gaining valuable experience to make him stand out in his application to Stanford.  In this interview Vincent talks about how he got into Stanford, what it's like in first year and how he's using networking skills to make the most of his experience.  This podcast references his interview on YouTube called "How to Network! Tips on tackling the professional world. (lowkey changed my life)" on Ananya Chahda's channel.  There is swearing in this episode that has been bleeped out.

]]> Vincent Song graduated from UTS in 2020 but has developed an advanced degree of skill with networking throughout high school which lead to gaining valuable experience to make him stand out in his application to Stanford.  In this interview Vincent talks about how he got into Stanford, what it's like in first year and how he's using networking skills to make the most of his experience.  This podcast references his interview on YouTube called "How to Network! Tips on tackling the professional world. (lowkey changed my life)" on Ananya Chahda's channel.  There is swearing in this episode that has been bleeped out.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-7292995 Thu, 14 Jan 2021 11:00:00 -0500 2771 careers, Stanford, networking, venture capitalist 1 17 full false #15 - Director of Marketing - Queens Commerce - Jake Buffin - Part 1 #15 - Director of Marketing - Queens Commerce - Jake Buffin - Part 1 Jake thought he wanted to be an engineer until he got into business at Queens with hopes of getting into consulting.  Jake found his way into a company and became their Director of Marketing after graduating in 2018.  In Part 1 of this interview, Jake talks about his experience at Queens including why he chose it, extra-curriculars and the best and worst parts of university.

]]> Jake thought he wanted to be an engineer until he got into business at Queens with hopes of getting into consulting.  Jake found his way into a company and became their Director of Marketing after graduating in 2018.  In Part 1 of this interview, Jake talks about his experience at Queens including why he chose it, extra-curriculars and the best and worst parts of university.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-7156066 Wed, 06 Jan 2021 09:00:00 -0500 3105 1 15 full false #14 - 2020 Final Advice Compilation #14 - 2020 Final Advice Compilation The last question in every episode is the final advice each guest wishes to share.  Here's a compilation of all 7 guests that were published in 2020 to help inspire you for 2021.

]]> The last question in every episode is the final advice each guest wishes to share.  Here's a compilation of all 7 guests that were published in 2020 to help inspire you for 2021.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-7093534 Thu, 31 Dec 2020 23:00:00 -0500 1479 careers, advice 1 14 full false #13 - Autobody Repair Technician - Skills Canada Champion - Catherine Mathewson #13 - Autobody Repair Technician - Skills Canada Champion - Catherine Mathewson Catherine first tried autobody repair during the Tech rotation ta Danforth Collegiate where students get to try different trades.  It was there she met legendary auto shop teacher Bill Speed who mentored her to become a gold medalist at the Canada Skills Competition.  Catherine talks about how she got into auto body repair, apprenticeship, and finding success and a rewarding career in trades.

]]> Catherine first tried autobody repair during the Tech rotation ta Danforth Collegiate where students get to try different trades.  It was there she met legendary auto shop teacher Bill Speed who mentored her to become a gold medalist at the Canada Skills Competition.  Catherine talks about how she got into auto body repair, apprenticeship, and finding success and a rewarding career in trades.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-6991750 Wed, 23 Dec 2020 19:00:00 -0500 4451 1 13 full false #12 - Program Manager - Ridwan Howlader - UofT Computer Engineering - Part 2 #12 - Program Manager - Ridwan Howlader - UofT Computer Engineering - Part 2 Ridwan talks about his interview for his position at Microsoft, what a Product Manager does and his advice on how students can be successful.  This interview is must for anyone looking for success in university or career in computer engineering.

]]> Ridwan talks about his interview for his position at Microsoft, what a Product Manager does and his advice on how students can be successful.  This interview is must for anyone looking for success in university or career in computer engineering.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-6806032 Thu, 17 Dec 2020 13:00:00 -0500 2242 1 12 full false #11 - Program Manager - Ridwan Howlader - UofT Computer Engineering - Part 1 #11 - Program Manager - Ridwan Howlader - UofT Computer Engineering - Part 1 Ridwan turned down Waterloo to go into Track 1 at the University of Toronto where he graduated with a degree in Computer Engineering.  He was head of the aerospace team and lead a project that will have a satellite put into space.  His work on that project helped him stand out to be hired by Microsoft as a Program Manager at Microsoft HQ in Seattle.  In Part 1 Ridwan talks about his university experience.

]]> Ridwan turned down Waterloo to go into Track 1 at the University of Toronto where he graduated with a degree in Computer Engineering.  He was head of the aerospace team and lead a project that will have a satellite put into space.  His work on that project helped him stand out to be hired by Microsoft as a Program Manager at Microsoft HQ in Seattle.  In Part 1 Ridwan talks about his university experience.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-6772558 Wed, 09 Dec 2020 13:00:00 -0500 1820 1 11 full false #10 - Silicon Design Engineer - Nelani Skantharajah - McMaster Engineering - Part 2 #10 - Silicon Design Engineer - Nelani Skantharajah - McMaster Engineering - Part 2 Part 2 of Nelani's interview where she talks about her co-op jobs while taking Computer Engineering at McMaster and how she got her internship at Microsoft and her job as a silicon design engineer at Microsoft HQ in Seattle.

]]> Part 2 of Nelani's interview where she talks about her co-op jobs while taking Computer Engineering at McMaster and how she got her internship at Microsoft and her job as a silicon design engineer at Microsoft HQ in Seattle.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-6665930 Wed, 02 Dec 2020 22:00:00 -0500 2332 1 10 full false #9 - Silicon Design Engineer - Nelani Skantharajah - McMaster Engineering - Part 1 #9 - Silicon Design Engineer - Nelani Skantharajah - McMaster Engineering - Part 1 Nelani graduated from Danforth Tech's MaST program in 2014 and went to McMaster for BioMedical Engineering but switched to Computer Engineering.  She now works for Microsoft as a silicon design engineer.  In Part 1 Nelani talks about why she picked McMaster Engineering and what it was like in the program.

]]> Nelani graduated from Danforth Tech's MaST program in 2014 and went to McMaster for BioMedical Engineering but switched to Computer Engineering.  She now works for Microsoft as a silicon design engineer.  In Part 1 Nelani talks about why she picked McMaster Engineering and what it was like in the program.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-6560878 Wed, 25 Nov 2020 20:00:00 -0500 1952 1 9 full false #8 - The Arts student who got into Med School - Madeline - Part 3 #8 - The Arts student who got into Med School - Madeline - Part 3 The last part of Madeline's interview contains her perspectives on how to get into med school, the differences between med schools and more.  There's also information on how to contact her and access her personal guide on how to get into med school.

]]> The last part of Madeline's interview contains her perspectives on how to get into med school, the differences between med schools and more.  There's also information on how to contact her and access her personal guide on how to get into med school.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-6443668 Wed, 18 Nov 2020 14:00:00 -0500 2790 1 8 full false #7 - The Arts student who got into Med School - Madeline - Part 2 #7 - The Arts student who got into Med School - Madeline - Part 2 Part 2 of 3 - Madeline continues her story with her decision to try to go to med school with an Arts degree and no science or math high school credits.  She explains how she studied for science and the MCAT and her preparations in applying to med school.

]]> Part 2 of 3 - Madeline continues her story with her decision to try to go to med school with an Arts degree and no science or math high school credits.  She explains how she studied for science and the MCAT and her preparations in applying to med school.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-6361279 Fri, 13 Nov 2020 13:00:00 -0500 2338 MCAT, med school, careers 1 7 full false #6 - The Arts student who got into Med School - Madeline - Part 1 #6 - The Arts student who got into Med School - Madeline - Part 1 Madeline Malczewska graduated from Danforth in 2010 and graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in Arts in English Literature while overcoming many barriers such as family, teachers and income.  She's currently in her second year of medicine at the University of British Columbia.  In this 3 part series, Madeline explains her Arts degree, how she got into med school and what it's like training to become a doctor.

]]> Madeline Malczewska graduated from Danforth in 2010 and graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in Arts in English Literature while overcoming many barriers such as family, teachers and income.  She's currently in her second year of medicine at the University of British Columbia.  In this 3 part series, Madeline explains her Arts degree, how she got into med school and what it's like training to become a doctor.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-6230422 Wed, 04 Nov 2020 23:00:00 -0500 2036 careers, med school, Danforth Tech, UBC 1 6 full false #5 -2nd Year Computer Engineering Student at University of Toronto - John Lee #5 -2nd Year Computer Engineering Student at University of Toronto - John Lee 2nd Year Computer Engineering Student John Lee picked the University of Toronto over Waterloo.  Find out what the program is like from this 2019 UTS grad.

]]> 2nd Year Computer Engineering Student John Lee picked the University of Toronto over Waterloo.  Find out what the program is like from this 2019 UTS grad.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-6228130 Wed, 04 Nov 2020 20:00:00 -0500 2192 careers, computer engineering, university of toronto, UTS 1 5 full false #4 - Google TensorFlow Quantum Researcher - Mechanical Engineer to PhD Candidate - Trevor McCourt - Part 2 #4 - Google TensorFlow Quantum Researcher - Mechanical Engineer to PhD Candidate - Trevor McCourt - Part 2 Trevor explains why he turned down MIT for Caltech for his PhD, what kind of work he did in his co-op jobs and what his work is with Google's Tensorflog Quantum.

]]> Trevor explains why he turned down MIT for Caltech for his PhD, what kind of work he did in his co-op jobs and what his work is with Google's Tensorflog Quantum.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-6032341 Fri, 23 Oct 2020 13:00:00 -0400 1660 1 4 full false #3 - Google TensorFlow Quantum Researcher - Mechanical Engineer to PhD Candidate - Trevor McCourt - Part 1 #3 - Google TensorFlow Quantum Researcher - Mechanical Engineer to PhD Candidate - Trevor McCourt - Part 1 Trevor McCourt was my student at Danforth Tech (Class of 2015) and  graduated from the University of Waterloo  in 2020 with a degree in engineering.  He is a founding team member of Google's TensorFlow Quantum project.  In this interview he details the advantages of having high grades in employment, how to get 100% in 3rd year calculus and his career path to getting acceptances to MIT and Caltech for his PhD.

]]> Trevor McCourt was my student at Danforth Tech (Class of 2015) and  graduated from the University of Waterloo  in 2020 with a degree in engineering.  He is a founding team member of Google's TensorFlow Quantum project.  In this interview he details the advantages of having high grades in employment, how to get 100% in 3rd year calculus and his career path to getting acceptances to MIT and Caltech for his PhD.

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-6001762 Wed, 21 Oct 2020 15:00:00 -0400 1848 careers, engineering, Waterloo, Google, Tensorflow, Quantum, GLC2O 1 3 full false #2 - Embedded Software Engineer - Abhiram Bojadla - Waterloo Computer Engineering - Part 2 #2 - Embedded Software Engineer - Abhiram Bojadla - Waterloo Computer Engineering - Part 2 Abhiram Bojadla was my student at Danforth Collegiate and graduated in 2012 to go to the University of Waterloo for Computer Engineering.  He currently works as an Embedded Software Engineer for Apple at Apple HQ in California.

Part 1 discusses his transition to university, getting co-op jobs and beating 2000 applicants for the coveted Apple co-op job.
Part 2 will discuss what it's like working as an embedded software engineer at Apple
Part 3 will be all about tips, tricks and stories from Abhiram's experience as an interviewer for Apple when he visits to University of Waterloo to recruit co-op students.

Time | Topic
0:00 | What is it like working for Apple as an engineer
2:46 | Comparison to working at Google
5:23 | Perks for working at Apple
6:34 | Comparison to Facebook
8:25 | Apple Corporate Structure
12:33 | What an Embedded Software Engineer does
16:20 | Embedded Software Engineer comparison to Software Engineer
17:29 | Apple seniority levels
22:55 | What a day is like, workload, overtime
26:56 | Apple Team Activities
29:01 | Vacation, time off and salary
33:53 | Waterloo co-op student salaries
35:12 | Co-op student living in California vs Waterloo
37:01 | What is the best part of working for Apple?
41:06 | What’s the toughest part of your job?
42:19 | If you could choose again, would you change your major or university?
43:44 | Final advice for high school students

]]> Abhiram Bojadla was my student at Danforth Collegiate and graduated in 2012 to go to the University of Waterloo for Computer Engineering.  He currently works as an Embedded Software Engineer for Apple at Apple HQ in California.

Part 1 discusses his transition to university, getting co-op jobs and beating 2000 applicants for the coveted Apple co-op job.
Part 2 will discuss what it's like working as an embedded software engineer at Apple
Part 3 will be all about tips, tricks and stories from Abhiram's experience as an interviewer for Apple when he visits to University of Waterloo to recruit co-op students.

Time | Topic
0:00 | What is it like working for Apple as an engineer
2:46 | Comparison to working at Google
5:23 | Perks for working at Apple
6:34 | Comparison to Facebook
8:25 | Apple Corporate Structure
12:33 | What an Embedded Software Engineer does
16:20 | Embedded Software Engineer comparison to Software Engineer
17:29 | Apple seniority levels
22:55 | What a day is like, workload, overtime
26:56 | Apple Team Activities
29:01 | Vacation, time off and salary
33:53 | Waterloo co-op student salaries
35:12 | Co-op student living in California vs Waterloo
37:01 | What is the best part of working for Apple?
41:06 | What’s the toughest part of your job?
42:19 | If you could choose again, would you change your major or university?
43:44 | Final advice for high school students

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-5779627 Tue, 06 Oct 2020 23:00:00 -0400 2878 careers, engineering, Waterloo, embedded software engineer, GLC2O 1 2 full false #1 - Embedded Software Engineer - Abhiram Bojadla - Waterloo Computer Engineering - Part 1 #1 - Embedded Software Engineer - Abhiram Bojadla - Waterloo Computer Engineering - Part 1 Abhiram Bojadla was my student at Danforth Collegiate and graduated in 2012 to go to the University of Waterloo for Computer Engineering.  He currently works as an Embedded Software Engineer for Apple at Apple HQ in California.

Part 1 discusses his transition to university, getting co-op jobs and beating 2000 applicants for the coveted Apple co-op job.
Part 2 will discuss what it's like working as an embedded software engineer at Apple
Part 3 (to be done at a later date)  will be all about tips, tricks and stories from Abhiram's experience as an interviewer for Apple when he visits to University of Waterloo to recruit co-op students.

Part 1:
0:00 | Intro
0:27 | After high school to WaterlooGrades talkWaterloo Application
4:21 | Academic difficulty in university
5:43 | Balancing social/life, residence and academics
6:52 | Co-op work Terms.  1st co-op difficulties.
11:23 | 2nd co-op job.  Navigation Technology app job.
18:40 | 3rd co-op job. SAP iOS developer.
23:49 | 4th co-op term. SAP California
25:55 | Apple extended  co-op term (12 months). Extending graduation to stay at Apple.
30:38 | Interviewing for Apple as a co-op student
33:08 | Google vs Facebook vs Apple interview
36:01 | Did marks matter in interviewing for jobs?
41:39 | END

]]> Abhiram Bojadla was my student at Danforth Collegiate and graduated in 2012 to go to the University of Waterloo for Computer Engineering.  He currently works as an Embedded Software Engineer for Apple at Apple HQ in California.

Part 1 discusses his transition to university, getting co-op jobs and beating 2000 applicants for the coveted Apple co-op job.
Part 2 will discuss what it's like working as an embedded software engineer at Apple
Part 3 (to be done at a later date)  will be all about tips, tricks and stories from Abhiram's experience as an interviewer for Apple when he visits to University of Waterloo to recruit co-op students.

Part 1:
0:00 | Intro
0:27 | After high school to WaterlooGrades talkWaterloo Application
4:21 | Academic difficulty in university
5:43 | Balancing social/life, residence and academics
6:52 | Co-op work Terms.  1st co-op difficulties.
11:23 | 2nd co-op job.  Navigation Technology app job.
18:40 | 3rd co-op job. SAP iOS developer.
23:49 | 4th co-op term. SAP California
25:55 | Apple extended  co-op term (12 months). Extending graduation to stay at Apple.
30:38 | Interviewing for Apple as a co-op student
33:08 | Google vs Facebook vs Apple interview
36:01 | Did marks matter in interviewing for jobs?
41:39 | END

]]> Vernon Kee Buzzsprout-5753632 Tue, 06 Oct 2020 13:00:00 -0400 2539 1 1 full false