## [How Engineering Helped Adele Find The Confidence To Tackle Problems and Challenges](/spotlight/student/how-engineering-helped-adele-find-confidence-to-tackle-problems-and-challenges) /sites/default/files/spotlight-images/2024-04/Adele_Headshot.jpg *"Try to apply yourself and get a wide range of experiences to see what really clicks for you and to find your passion."* Adele Frink School of Engineering (Okanagan campus) - Electrical Engineering - Bachelor of Applied Science Okanagan ## **What got you interested in engineering?** I really liked math and physics in high school and had a great physics teacher. > We did a bunch of cool projects, like building a DC motor, and studying engineering just made sense given my interests. ## **What attracted you to UBC?** Being from Ontario, I thought it would be a good experience to live in BC for my undergrad degree. I like the outdoors – hiking and snowboarding – and I wanted to experience living out west for a while. [ ![UBCV and UBCO have something for everyone](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/2024-04/whyeng-set6-square-logo-large.jpg.webp?itok=i8lU3Plz) ](https://engineering.ubc.ca/spotlight/why-engineering/ubc-vancouver-and-ubc-okanagan) > And, of course, UBC has a [great reputation](https://engineering.ubc.ca/spotlight/why-engineering/one-of-canadas-best-engineering-programs) and offered excellent research and co-op opportunities. [UBC Okanagan](https://ok.ubc.ca/) appealed a bit more than Vancouver as it’s a smaller city. I’m from Kingston, which has around the same population as Kelowna. I felt that my adjustment to living away from home might be easier, and I also liked the incredible accessibility of hiking and skiing in Kelowna. [One of Canada's Best Engineering Programs](https://engineering.ubc.ca/spotlight/why-engineering/one-of-canadas-best-engineering-programs) [UBC Okanagan](https://ok.ubc.ca/) ## **How did you choose to specialize in electrical engineering?** I think I went in open minded about studying either [electrical](https://engineering.ok.ubc.ca/programs-admissions/electrical/) or [mechanical engineering](https://engineering.ok.ubc.ca/programs-admissions/mechanical/), but I was probably always leaning toward electrical. In first year we were exposed to a wide range of disciplines, and the profs did a good job of providing an overview of the programs to help you make your decision. > I really liked circuit analysis, computer hardware and coding, so it just kind of clicked that electrical was what I wanted to do. [Electrical Engineering](https://engineering.ok.ubc.ca/programs-admissions/electrical/) [Mechanical Engineering](https://engineering.ok.ubc.ca/programs-admissions/mechanical/) ## **You’re about to graduate. Looking back, what would you say are some of the highlights of your degree?** > My capstone project has definitely been a highlight. We assessed the feasibility of pumped storage hydro and the benefits of adding it to the BC grid. Another highlight was my work in the [Innovate Design, Sustain Club](https://engineering.ok.ubc.ca/2023/04/14/ids-design-club-continues-to-flourish/) (IDS). We entered an international competition hosted by the U.S Department of Energy, the [Solar Decathlon Design Challenge](https://www.solardecathlon.gov/2024/design-challenge.html) and achieved [2nd place in the Single Family Housing Division](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ids-ok_we-would-like-to-congratulate-our-team-in-activity-7188303444925997056-cfLQ?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop). In the summer of 2025, EcoHaven will be built near Ashcroft, BC, for a local charity, Honour Ranch. This is an entirely new field for me and I’ve learned a new set of skills, which was why I wanted to get involved. I’m very proud of the whole team and it shows how even as students we can set a precedent for sustainable, disaster-resilient, affordable residential development here in BC. [Innovate Design, Sustain Club](https://engineering.ok.ubc.ca/2023/04/14/ids-design-club-continues-to-flourish/) [Solar Decathlon Design Challenge](https://www.solardecathlon.gov/2024/design-challenge.html) [2nd place in the Single Family Housing Division](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ids-ok_we-would-like-to-congratulate-our-team-in-activity-7188303444925997056-cfLQ?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop) ## **What skills have you developed over your degree?** One of the main benefits of an engineering degree is finding that confidence to tackle new problems and difficult challenges. > The biggest thing is building those critical thinking and problem-solving skills so that you feel confident working on something you may not know anything about. The research skills you develop also go a long way. And, of course, being able to reach out when you need help – and knowing who to ask – is huge. [Image ![The skills you need to succeed as an engineer banner ](/sites/default/files/styles/original_image/public/2026-08/whyeng-set16-gd-728x90.png.webp?itok=bhDiLt53) ](https://engineering.ubc.ca/spotlight/why-engineering/skills-you-need-to-succeed-engineer)## **Tell us about your co-op experience.** I’ve done 20 months of [co-op](https://coop.apsc.ubc.ca/prospective-students/) – a full year at [Eaton Power Management Company](https://www.eaton.com/ca/en-gb.html) and two summers at a renewable energy company called [Evolugen by Brookfield Renewable](https://evolugen.com/). That was a great experience. I worked in the operations team at Evolugen and learned a lot about how the grid is operated. That experience gave me a good sense of the industry and I learned many new skills. [ ![Why Co-op? Launch Your Career While Still A Student](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/2024-04/whyeng-set10-square-1080x1080.jpg.webp?itok=oLaCSMY1) ](https://engineering.ubc.ca/spotlight/why-engineering/why-co-op-launch-your-career-while-still-student) The co-op position led to a job offer. I’m actually starting with Evolugen in May, working on their engineering team as a technical coordinator and project engineer. > I’m excited to be involved in developing more renewable energy assets and learning about hydro, solar and wind projects. [Co-op](https://coop.apsc.ubc.ca/prospective-students/) [Eaton Power Management Company](https://www.eaton.com/ca/en-gb.html) [Evolugen by Brookfield Renewable](https://evolugen.com/) ## **Any advice for students entering engineering?** I definitely recommend co-op. It’s very different from coursework and nice to get day-to-day work experience. > I’d also say to try to apply yourself and get a wide range of experiences to see what really clicks for you and to find your passion. And take your time through your degree – don’t rush it! Also, don’t be too hard on yourself if your grades drop from those in high school. That happens a lot, so just keep pushing through and remembering what all this hard work is for! - [Engineering](/topics/engineering "Engineering") - [Student Experience](/topics/student-experience "Student Experience") - [Women in Engineering](/topics/women-in-engineering "Women in Engineering")