Q&A with Hamza Elkababji

Moving to Canada and seeing my whole family thrive at Western University...made it a natural choice for me to follow my heart and join the same university to pursue my passion.

Hamza Elkababji

Second Year Software Engineering

 

Hamza is a student ambassador here to answer your questions. Click here to contact Hamza.

Why Western Engineering?

I've been passionate about engineering since I was a kid. Moving to Canada and seeing my whole family thrive at Western University, with my dad earning master's and PhD degrees in engineering and my sister studying civil engineering, made it a natural choice for me to follow my heart and join the same university to pursue my passion.

What do you do in your spare time?

In my free time, I'm all about tech. I've been building PCs and delving into game files, a fascinating hobby. Alongside this, I have a special interest in IoT, which keeps me constantly intrigued by new practical innovations. But, I'm not just all tech! I also enjoy playing soccer. It's a wonderful way to balance my tech-driven pursuits and staying active. So, whether I'm exploring new technologies or out on the field enjoying a soccer match, I'm always fueled by my passions.

What is a fun fact about yourself?

I attended Choueifat International School in both Jordan and Bahrain, consistently excelling in my studies. When I moved to Canada 8 years ago, I was offered the opportunity to skip grade 5 entirely. I went along with this option; despite encountering some challenges, I pushed through and adapted. This, accompanied by my late birthday, enabled me to enter university at the age of 16.

Can you talk about your experiential learning experiences?

Through multiple summers working at Smartegrators, an IoT company, I started as an installer and advanced to the role of a project manager. This opportunity allowed me to interact with a wide range of clients, from homeowners to business owners and builders, providing reliable services/estimates/invoices. It helped me build valuable connections and acquire transferable skills in negotiation, business acumen, practical engineering and making agreements that have a lasting impact.

Study tips for current/future students?

When your professors drop hints about the upcoming midterm, take their cues seriously—they know! And don't miss the chance to connect with upper years; they've been through the same journey and can provide valuable insights. While understanding the concepts is vital, remember, that your real shine comes through practice. I learned this lesson the hard way, especially in math-related courses, where I didn't practice enough and faced exam struggles. So, embrace practice as your ally!