Job Description
I am a software engineer at a big tech company. I am part of the team that builds the apps that you use (Instagram, Maps) everyday. A software engineer designs, builds and tests the apps so they work well, are fast, and don’t break.
Everyday I might
- Read some messages from the team, see what everyone’s working on, and maybe have a quick video chat to plan the day.
- Writing code (telling computers what to do automatically), testing it to make sure it works, and fixing mistakes.
- Testing: Either it's automatically done or I test it manually to make sure if doesn't crash.
- Building the “invisible machines” that make apps, websites, and technology work. It’s like solving puzzles every day with code.
Relevant School Subjects
- Computer Studies
- Guidance and Career Education
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Sciences and Humanities
- Technological Education
Areas of Expertise
- Engineering
- IT/Computers
- Science
- Telecommunications
Career Story
I wanted to be an urban planner when I went to high school in the GTA. I explored that career option by becoming a coop student at my city, where I shadowed other planners and learned more about cities. After 4 months I realized that it's not really the career that I want. I still love urban planning and can tell you fun facts about planning, but I don't think it's the right career for me. I was lost by the end of Grade 11. I didn't know what I wanted to do. I tried everything ranging from sales, marketing, politics, business to computers. Finally, I decided to become a software engineer. I modified my university applications right around Christmas (offers are usually sent out between February and May). I got into McGill and studied computer science for 4 years. During the 4 years, I interned at 5 different companies, including Google, where I got my full time job now. I've been a software engineer for 1 year now. I want to give back to the community in Ontario by sharing my journey, lessons, and what I wish I knew back in high school or grade 7/8.