- I returned to school after roughly 10 years of being out of high school, took one of the most difficult programs the college had to offer and came out successful. If you want to truly change your life, try re-educating yourself in something you're passionate about. It's never too late to "Change your life through learning".
How Confederation College Has Changed My life
I was 30 years old and had worked many "jobs" since graduating high school, but never pursued a career that I was passionate about. I decided to re-educate myself in the field of electrical engineering, as I had always been quite passionate about electronics and electrical devices. Within my first semester at Confederation College in the Electrical Engineering program, I knew that I had found my passion in life.
My first semester was a bit "rocky" as I had not been in school for roughly 10 years. But by year three, I was a seasoned student, equipped with skills and traits to tackle large problems, and complicated systems on a strict time frame. After three years, I ended up graduating with a dual diploma with a "First in Class" standing overall (3.78GPA). One diploma in Electrical Engineering Technology and the other in Electronics Engineering Technician - Computers. Roughly one year after graduation, I now find myself working for one of Canada's leading employers, NAV CANADA, as an Electronics Technologist.
Five years ago if you would have asked me where I though I would be in five years, I never would have guessed where I am today. I owe a large portion of my success to Confederation College and the staff therein. There was never a time during my educational career that I felt unsupported, or didn't have the tools and resources I needed to succeed. The staff at Confederation College truly want you to succeed, and they will go the extra mile to support you while you work towards achieving your goals. You really can, "Change Your Life Through Learning" ... I'm living proof of it.
A Teacher Who Made a Difference
We all may have worked hard getting our course load accomplished, but, Ray Mayer worked harder than all of us put together. He was probably the busiest instructor in my program, but somehow he still always found the time to help shed some light and insight on the issues we ran into with our projects and theory classes. And he always did it with a smile and a chuckle. You really don't get enough credit Ray. Your a huge part of the great things going on in the Electrical Engineering programs at Confederation College. Thanks for everything.
Why I Chose Confederation College
- It was in my hometown of Thunder Bay, ON.
- It is quite reputable for the employment success rate of its graduates.
My Job & Job Responsibilities
I am an Electronics Technologist at NAV CANADA, Canada's Air Navigation Service Provider. My job responsibilities are to undergo constant training on new technologies and systems to which I have not yet had training. I also maintain and restore the electronics and technology services provided by NAV CANADA.
What Brings Me the Greatest Satisfaction From My Job
I only recently started my new position (employed for only a week). But so far, the greatest satisfaction to me is that I am working for one of Canada's top employers (NAV CANADA). I am working in the position I wanted (Electronics Technologist). And I'm working at the largest airport in Canada (Pearson International Airport, Toronto). All of this seems like a dream come true. How Confederation College Has Prepared Me for Work in the Field? Confederation College has prepared me for my position in ways that may not seem so clairvoyant. Yes, I now have a firm understanding of a wide range of technologies and different fields in my industry (Electrical & Electronics Engineering). But I also have these unseen traits such as the ability to learn new content at an accelerated rate through both structured learning, and self-studies. Both which apply to my new position as it requires constant training throughout my entire career. The instructors in my program were all well seasoned professionals who have worked in industry and provided insight to scenarios and situations that one may find working out in "the real world". The type of things that you won't find in your textbook. I have learned many soft skills as well such as time management, interpobility, adapting to diversity and change, amongst many others.
My Most Positive Experience or Memory of Confederation College
All the times that I spent with my fellow colleagues over the three year span. The good, the bad, the ugly ... they were all a positive learning experience for me in the long run. The times we had as a group were a huge impact on my experience at Confederation College. I can't imagine doing it without the crew. Cheers guys!
My Advice for Someone Considering this Program or Career Path
You either love it or you don't. And if your in it, be in it to win it. I've seen a lot of people that tried to do this program because they heard it was a good career with many possible employment opportunities. All I can say is that in year one of my educational career there were over 100 of us. By the third year, there was under 50. You have to want it and you have to put forward the effort to succeed. Also, take any CO-OP or student summer jobs related to the field that you can. Experience is a huge factor in this industry, get as much as you can before you graduate.
The Most Sought-After Qualifications & Talents That Employers are Currently Seeking in this Field of Work
Know your stuff. You can't fake being a technologist. Once you have the education and know how to get an entry-level position, you may need some of the following: - Respect - Diversity - Inclusion - Interpiobility - Accountability - Teamplayer - Reliability - Honesty - Strong Work Ethic
My Sense of the Current Job Market Conditions in my Field of Work
There is work out there in Electrical and Electronics, you just have to hunt it. Don't be afraid to go where the work is. Your not always going to find the employment opportunity in the location you want. But where the career takes you is an adventure of its own. Get as much experience through CO-OP and student summer job opportunities. There is paradox in the industry where one cannot get an entry level position without 3 years experience. Can't get 3 years experience without an entry level position. It's a vicious cycle. Many of my colleagues who took the CO-OP program or had student summer jobs in the industry were hired right out of College. So take work involving anything in industry to get some background.
My Personal Success Highlights
- Graduated with a 3.78 GPA overall
- Was the recipient of 2 awards acknowledging my academic achievements
- Once scored a 100% on a Math-Calculus final worth 40% of my entire mark
- Landed a career with the company I wanted (NAV CANADA), with the position I wanted (Electronics Technologist), working at the largest airport in Canada (Pearson International Airport)
Confederation College as a whole truly is an amazing learning institute.