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Janavi, smiling in front of the camera while standing in front of a white wall

Janavi Singh

Year: 2nd Year

Chat with Janavi


Hi! My name is Janavi (she/her), and I am a second-year student in Civil Engineering. UBC has been a dream come true. A few years ago, I wouldn't have imagined applying to this prestigious institution. I chose UBC Engineering to be able to continue my love for creativity in a more technical way. To be able to create something and gain in-depth knowledge of this planet was a driving force for me to be here and learn more. I couldn’t attend my first semester in person because of a study permit delay, but the time I spent here and the people I met in the design courses of my first year, in my on-campus residence and lectures made everything so much better.

How did you decide your current UBC Engineering discipline, or why did you choose UBC Engineering?

I chose UBC Engineering because it gave me an opportunity to work hard and give my best in everything I do, and I am still learning to do that. This field is full of opportunities and that is what makes it different from others. I finished my first year recently and I am excited to see what second year in civil engineering holds for me. I thrive on creativity and civil is a creative field and I am excited to be a part of this community.

What has made your time at UBC Engineering memorable?

The people, every student in UBC Engineering is so inspiring and has a different story to tell. Everyone has a different aim to accomplish and is working hard towards their goal. Meeting so many inspiring students and being a part of this vibrant community is special. I have really enjoyed studying with my friends at the Engineering Student Centre. My favorite part is in APSC 101 - a first-year engineering course, where everyone displayed their electronic claws. Everything from the activities to the presentation were an amazing learning experience.

Tell us about your experience in your program. What have you learned that is most valuable?

My one-year journey here has been an incredible one. I have become more resilient and patient. I trust the process more than the result now. I learned not to give up when I am unable to solve a problem. I am not afraid of challenges and I trust myself that I can come up with solutions and do good.

What resources or events organized by UBC Engineering have helped you in your academic, professional or entrepreneurial journey thus far?

Tutorial sessions during exam season by the Engineering Undergraduate Society were quite helpful. Whenever I had a problem with courses, I would talk to the Engineering Academic Services advisors, get advice, and that made first-year a lot easier for me.

What is one piece of advice you would share to a student entering UBC Engineering?

I think I would tell myself to have an open mind about the situations I'll have to handle, decisions I have made all by myself, trust whatever comes along the way and be patient. Everything works out in the end. Don't be afraid to try.

Many of today’s jobs did not exist 10 years ago, and we do not know for certain what the workforce will look like 10 years from now. How do you see the remainder of your studies in the Faculty of Applied Science preparing you for the future of work?

This field is versatile and gives us the opportunity to try different things and learn something new every day. I believe it is the skills that matter to get whatever we're aiming for whether it is a job, a startup, or service and this field equips us with the skills required to accomplish that. The courses we take in this degree, the design projects and electives count towards acquiring and learning a certain skill.

Find me on: Instagram

Two students standing in an outdoor stairwell observing the project site.

Civil Engineering

Civil engineers are in high demand, working for example as project managers or design consultants, across all industrial sectors and government. Focus your creativity and help build tomorrow’s world.

Civil Engineering

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UBC Applied Science students are people who are passionate about their chosen field — architecture, landscape architecture, community and regional planning, engineering and nursing — and those that inspire others by making meaningful contributions to the betterment of society.

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