Gearing up for graduation day
My name is Fatima, and I just wrapped up my final semester of the Chemical Engineering Co-op - BEng program at Toronto Metropolitan University. A big chapter of my life finishes this summer but before I step on the stage in a few weeks and accept my degree, I want to look back on the steps that led me here!
The anticipation of graduation began at the end of the fall semester as I wrapped up exams and the first phase of my capstone project. I applied to graduate through MyServiceHub and started to think about what comes after. I began to book meetings with ISS consultants and Co-op Program Specialists to navigate what life after graduation would look like. I wanted to prepare myself for the next step!
As excited as I am to graduate, I will miss having a sense of community as a student. Throughout university, I was constantly surrounded by like-minded individuals who shared similar goals and ambitions. From spending 16-hour days in the lab with my capstone team to casual meet-ups on campus, the camaraderie and support system have been invaluable.
Two of my biggest milestones in this final semester were the completion of our capstone project, also known as Plant Design (PD), and receiving our iron rings. My classmates and I spent countless hours collaborating and problem-solving, and perfecting our final submissions. We felt challenged and rewarded, as this experience truly encapsulated our growth as engineers. We even had a countdown on our lab whiteboard tracking the days until the Iron Ring Ceremony and PD submission! Every day, the shared anticipation brought us even closer together. Seeing the number tick down day by day as we approached graduation made it feel real. I’ll never forget the collective excitement we all felt! After graduation, I anticipate having to put in significantly more effort to achieve the same level of community that we feel on campus, but I am grateful for the friendships and memories I have built.
I’ll miss the structured nature of university life. As a student, there is always a clear path to follow—course schedules, project deadlines and academic milestones. After graduation, the path feels more open-ended, and I’ll need to take the initiative to set and achieve new goals.
My post-graduation plans
I plan on taking some time off once I graduate, to reflect and recharge. As part of my degree, I have spent almost the entirety of my five years either taking classes or doing a co-op or internship. Pausing before I dive into my full-time career is important to me. I am planning to travel either back home, or explore more of Canada.
In the long term, I would like to pursue my Professional Engineering License (external link) , which is possible since TMU’s engineering programs are accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB). I am excited about the opportunities ahead and open to whatever comes my way!
Advice for my first-year self
If I could give my first-year self advice, it would be to say yes to new experiences and step outside of my comfort zone. Growth happens when we challenge ourselves. I remember everything looking so big and scary (I actually got lost in Kerr Hall on my first day of school!). Now, I don’t even have to think twice about giving directions. It’s all so familiar, and I feel ready for a new challenge.
Reflecting on my undergraduate journey, I have grown tremendously, not only in my technical skills, but also in my confidence. Experiences such as leading student organizations, completing multiple co-ops, working on research projects and mentoring aspiring engineering students, have made me more resilient. They’ve shaped my sense of self and helped me develop a clearer vision for my future. If you’re just starting your journey at TMU, I would just say embrace every opportunity, push yourself beyond your limits and enjoy the ride!