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Western Engineering Undergraduate Services Office
Spencer Engineering Building
Room 2097
Western University
Tel: 519-661-2130
Fax: 519-661-3757
Email: futurewe@uwo.ca
Q&A with Cameron Brooks
What it came down to was that engineering broadened my potential career paths and allowed me to widen my impact on the world.
Cameron Brooks
Fourth Year Electrical Engineering
Cameron is a student ambassador here to answer your questions. Click here to contact Cameron.
Do you remember when you decided you wanted to pursue engineering? What sparked your interest?
My path to engineering is not your typical one. I submitted applications for science and engineering programs during my high school university application process. Eventually, I chose to pursue Medical Sciences at Western. Partway through my first year, my career aspirations shifted. I decided to transfer to Electrical Engineering starting my second year to pursue my love for design and creative thinking. What it came down to was that engineering broadened my potential career paths and allowed me to widen my impact on the world.
How do you manage school-related stress?
My simplest and favourite thing to manage stress is to go on walks and hikes to unwind. I manage my stress by staying organized using a calendar and to-do lists so that things don’t pile up on me. This also lets me put aside time for stress-relieving activities like spending time with friends and being active through biking and participating in intramurals. Taking care of yourself by getting enough sleep and exercising goes a long way toward managing stress and doing well in school. Everyone is different, so taking the time to find out what helps you manage your stress and well-being is very important.
What is your favourite quote?
“In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on.” -Robert Frost. You’ll face setbacks and disappointments in life, especially in engineering, and you just have to learn to pick yourself back up and keep going.
Favourite study spot on campus?
The computer labs in the Amit Chakma Engineering Building or the tables in the lobby of Thompson Engineering.
Can you talk about your extra-curricular activities at Western? Why would you encourage students to get involved in extra-curricular activities at Western Engineering?
At Western I am involved with academic research focused on sustainability and technology, the Rocketry Team as the Payload Lead, and the Undergraduate Engineering Society as the VP Internal. I encourage students to get involved with extracurricular activities as it helps their careers by forming valuable connections, gaining employable skills and making new friends while taking a break from their courses.
What is success to you?
Success means applying what you’ve learned and experienced to make a meaningful change or to pursue something you’re passionate about. Success to me isn’t just one thing, but rather a combination of many, including your sense of purpose, monetary earnings, positive relationships, and personal achievements. Success looks very different for different people and figuring out what it means for you is the first step towards a fulfilling career as an engineer.
