W HAT I W ISH I K NEW IN F IRST Y EAR : T IPS TO HELP YOU GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR E NGINEERING E DUCATION

A GENDA Introduction Academic Extracurricular Conclusions

I NTRODUCTION Nikola Maric 5 th year of Engineering Physics & Management Welcome Week Organizer, Engineering Physics Club, Engineering and Management Club Mike Kovacs 5 th year, Civil Engineering & Society Store management, Welcome Week Organizer, MES Executive, ESSCO President

M OST I MPORTANT T AKE -A WAY One size does not fit all Take notes, look back in a month Take chances, try new things

A CADEMICS

The first month is a great opportunity to get organized, get to know your resources for help, read ahead, etc. You will have a steady work load from October to exams Going to class helps keep it on your radar Professors often give tips and hints in class U SE THE FIRST MONTH OF EACH SEMESTER WISELY

E NGAGE YOURSELF IN YOUR LECTURES AND CLASSES Get more out of your lectures; Easier to stay awake Ask questions and make comments If you dont feel comfortable asking in class – Go talk to your professor and TAs outside of class Each class may have a different style

G ET TO K NOW T HESE P EOPLE... Your Professors and Teaching Assistants Knowing these people will help you feel more comfortable when asking for help These people are helpful in the future Senior Students They have been through it, and have received similar support

Purchasing USED books from senior students Facebook Mac Eng Society Bookswap This is happening NOW!!! Comments: Cheaper than buying brand new May not be current Edition, but content is likely similar Online book rentals Physical PDFs/Digital T HERE ARE M ANY W AYS TO G ET B OOKS

Titles – The McMaster Campus Book Store Located in Gilmour Hall B-101, attached to student center Comments: Expensive Library Many classes have books reserved in the library Borrow when needed Comments: There is a chance it may not be available when you need it T HERE ARE M ANY W AYS TO G ET B OOKS

D ON T LET YOUR FIRST FEW MARKS UPSET YOU Expectations are often not met immediately Use this as an opportunity to revaluate study habits Try to find help from professors, study groups, etc It is still possible to do well if you are proactive Work Hard, Play Hard As much pressure as there is to study and work hard, taking a break helps you relax and exposes you to other areas

E XTRA C URRICULAR

Professionalism Communication and Networking Technical skills Social skills T HERE S M ORE TO U NIVERSITY THAN G RADES University Education GradesSkillsSocial Capital …Other Things

D ON T BE AFRAID OF GETTING I NVOLVED ! Getting involved exposes you to new opportunities and experiences Dont be afraid to lose elections Running is enough to make your point The MES is a resource to start new projects

L EARN FROM B AD E XPERIENCES You will meet a lot of different people during your university life Different people means different opinions/behaviours which may result in disagreements You will not love every experience you have if you are doing University right Reflect on these experiences to improve your future

E NGINEERS DO MORE THAN E NGINEER An engineering degree provides you with a wide variety of valuable skills Engineers are found in a wide variety of industries: Politics Law Health

10 W AYS TO G ET I NVOLVED I MMEDIATELY Attend an MES Meeting Join a committee (social, academic, sports, etc.) Start an intramural team Run for a Council Position Write for an MES publication (Frequency, Plumbline, etc.) Become a Welcome Week leader Apply for a TA Position Organize a competition team Participate in mentorship programs Be yourself! (My generic cheesy last item)

C ONCLUSIONS Make sure you work hard but also get involved Take advantage of your resources – both academic and extra curricular