Big Decision

[Nai]

Hello, I'm currently going into grade 12, which means I'll be having to make all my decisions about university very soon.

I'm thinking that I would like to study engineering in university and I kind of like the thought of doing mechatronics engineering so that I can pursue the various interests I have in the mechanical, computer and scientific/mathematical aspects of engineering. I am also under the impression that Waterloo may be the best choice for me because they have the program and are well known for their co-op program (so I can get work experience as well as earning money for school).

If I didn't do mechatronics then I'd probably want to do either computer or software engineering. And my other choices of university would probably be UofT and McMaster (where I went to Shad Valley).

Would anyone have any advice for me as I venture into this crucial part of my school career? What are your thoughts on my choice of university/program? Do I have any miscoceptions? Would you recommend any school or program?

Thanks.

[unoho]

tht was exactly like my decision about uni
it seems alright to me as long as u r willing to work hard (of course, to pull off a good mark)
try to do gud on ur math (adv. func and calc) because they r worth a lot in engineering or science

[Nai]

Yeah I'm usually pretty good with math (100% in grade 11 ) so hopefully I should be alright in that department. I'm going to be busy though for sure. I've got Adv. Func., Data Management, English and Economics first semester and then I've got Calc, Compsci, Chem and Physics in second. But I think I'm pretty much ready for it and the only two classes I don't like are English and economics so I'm not too worried about my marks dropping.

[Tony]

Nai @ Sat Aug 14, 2010 9:48 pm wrote:

and are well known for their co-op program (so I can get work experience as well as earning money for school).

I hope that you enjoy writing code, as that's where the bulk of the co-op jobs are. There might be some more relevant jobs, but I wouldn't hold out for one -- the competition for jobs in 1st, 2nd year are pretty tough as it is.

Out of two graduated Mechatronics classes, I know of 4 students that went on to work with robots. They've started their own company to do so.

[Nai]

Cool, I like writing code . lol, I was kind of hoping that maybe the job market would grow a bit by the time I graduated, so that there might be some more closely related jobs in the field. But even if I don't professionally work with robots I'd still have the knowledge to take up the hobby I'd kind of like to maybe work in the automotive sector though as that's where the majority of my mechanical interest lies.

And who knows - maybe I'll start the next robot company, maybe create some like the ones on that IRobot movie.. minus the evil destroy humanity bit