"I wanted a career that was much more hands-on and where I didn’t have to invest in years of additional education after finishing my undergraduate degree."
Briden Cardillo
- Degree: Bachelor of Applied Science
- Program:
- Campus: Vancouver
- Year: Third year as of January 2024
Why did you want to study engineering?
I’ve always been interested in figuring out how things work – often by taking them apart! At the same time, I’ve also always been very creative and interested in making things.
Engineering was a place where I could do both.
The skills you need to succeed as an engineer
Why did you choose Mechanical Engineering?
In first year I realized that being a doctor wasn’t a direction I wanted to pursue.
I wanted a career that was much more hands-on and where I didn’t have to invest in years of additional education after finishing my undergraduate degree.
Mechanical engineering appealed to me because you are building things and applying your knowledge from day one. I think this makes it quite unique among all the engineering programs on offer.
As students, we’re working with equipment in labs and seeing right away how theory applies to the real world – it makes for a very engaging and challenging program.
Tell us about your co-op experiences.
Co-op has been a definite highlight of my undergrad. I did my second co-op position with Kardium, a medical technology company, and they recently asked me to extend for another four-month term.
I’m working on their laser-welding equipment and making modifications to the blades. Kardium uses high-precision laser welders to very small components.
I’ve been working on some safety devices that will enclose objects to protect operators from laser beams in the eyes, and I’m currently working on a new calibration method for optics that uses a robotic jig.
Last month I put together a PowerPoint presentation of my solution to different teams and got the go-ahead for it to be implemented, which was very rewarding.
On top of how interesting I find my co-op work, this is the first time since coming to university where I have found a healthy balance with my engineering interests and personal life.
It’s been great to invest my energy and effort into both my career and my life outside of work – and excelling at both.
Any advice for students interested in pursuing engineering?
Take care of yourself.
The biggest factor that will help you do well is to be in a healthy place mentally and physically.
The first-year workload is very intense and you can try and grind through and push yourself, but that is mentally and emotionally exhausting and will only get you so far. Taking the time to take care of yourself, go to the gym, pursue your interests and talk with friends will help you out.
And by doing that, it’s easier to stay curious and interested in what you are doing. Rather than being pushed into it, you’re more likely to be pulled towards what you are studying and be much happier and engaged.
