Hey - I’m Thomas, an Applied Mathematics and Computer Engineering student at Queen’s University who just started a 12-month internship with Electric Mind as a software developer. The purpose of this blog post is to shine some light on my experiences leading up to my first month at Electric Mind and how I navigated a competitive job market in the tech space. I also want to preface that everyone has different experiences, passions, and opportunities, this is simply my story and what worked for me.

My Interests

I’ve always had a strong passion for problem solving and mathematics which led me to pursue engineering through university. Since starting at Queen’s, my interests have only broadened. I have learned to appreciate the business side of engineering applications. A big highlight of my time here has been the clubs I’ve been a part of. Not only did it expand my skills, but what I accomplished through these clubs was unique to me and had a significant role in setting me apart during the recruiting process. Both the Queen’s Hyperloop Design Team and FreshSight Queen’s consulting were a core part of my undergraduate experience - not because I expected them to boost my resume (although they did!), but because I got to meet some of my closest friends and genuinely found the work interesting and fun. A standout experience has been with the Queen’s Hyperloop Design Team, where I’ve contributed to developing a new form of transportation, led research projects that I have a genuine interest in, and showcased our team’s work internationally. I led a team to build hyperloop route-planning software and was able to present our team’s work at European Hyperloop Week 2024 competing (and winning) against some of the top engineering universities in the world. Beyond the technical challenge of building the software, we also had to consider the economic and environmental impact, urban development potential, and long-term scalability. Overall, approaching an engineering problem from a more holistic viewpoint resonated a lot with me, and I knew I wanted to continue to pursue work in this area.

The Recruiting Process

Following my interests, I wanted to gain experience where I could apply the technical knowledge gained through my coursework while continuing to develop my interpersonal skills and further understand the business impact of what I contribute. That’s why I’m super grateful to have landed at Electric Mind. My work so far has allowed me to solve technical problems, contribute to client-facing work, and gain exposure to the consulting side of the industry. The blend of engineering and business is something I’ve increasingly gravitated toward, and it’s exciting to be in a space where I can grow in both areas.

The way I got here was a bit unconventional, but I find it’s becoming more common - especially in the tech space. I first discovered Electric Mind through researching on social media and saw that they were hosting an Undergrad Open House, which turned out to be a pivotal opportunity. From there, I was able to meet members of Electric Mind at the event and realize the work they do was extremely aligned with my values. Additionally, I was able to build professional relationships early which had a crucial role during the recruiting process. Many people at Electric Mind shared similar interests and experiences to mine which made the connections feel natural. In fact, someone in senior management had previously been on the same consulting club I was a part of. When it came time to apply for an internship, I was able to reference previous connections made at the event and in the interview, and I was able to showcase that I was already well-versed in the company’s culture and direction.

In short, here are some key takeaways from my experience so far at university and the recruiting process:

• Do the work/projects that you genuinely find interesting, your motivation and passion will take you a lot further in those projects than work that you have no interest in. Those projects outside of school are unique to you and are what set you apart from other applicants.
• Jump on any opportunity to build relationships with people who share similar interests. Even small connections can help you go the extra mile. From my experience, building my network was by far the most effective means of getting through the recruiting process.