Noah Wilson, Computer Science student

Why did you choose Lakehead-Georgian?

I chose Lakehead-Georgian because it was close to home and offered the program (Computer Science) I was interested in taking.  The small class sizes were also an attraction to me as I would be able to get more interaction with the professor.

What made you interested in Computer Science?

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had an interest in computers and technology. The course content seemed very interesting to me and I had just barely scratched the surface of the world of programming so I was eager to learn the industry.  The inclusion of a co-op semester was also a large draw for me as it gives hands on experience that you just can’t learn in a classroom.

What do you like most about the program?

I really enjoy the close interaction with the professors.  The small class sizes make it so much easier to interact with the professors and makes the classroom feel more like a conversation with the professor and less like a lecture.  They’re always able to answer anyone’s questions or clarify any course material.

Your program has co-op placements. Where was your co-op?

I was a student researcher for the Research and Innovation department at Georgian College, along with four other students. We worked for a company called ESC (Environmental Systems Corporation). They are located in Barrie, Ontario and they manufacture “clean rooms” for pharmaceutical manufacturing and operating rooms that need a controlled environment. They are developing a front-end monitoring system that interfaces with their fan units and sensor systems. More information about our project can be read in the Globe and Mail.

How did your co-op placement relate to (or enhance) your studies in your degree-diploma program?

[Co-op] gave me hands-on, real world experience: from how to work with clients to understanding their needs to incorporating their input and feedback. I had the opportunity to attend events to meet clients and get a better understanding of what they needed and wanted. I also had the opportunity to collaborate with other members of the team (e.g. security team) to learn more about their role in the project, which brought a different perspective. I also learned more about troubleshooting, writing code, and interfacing with hardware.

What advice would you give to future Lakehead-Georgian students? 

Advice I would give to future LUGC students would be to use the resources at your disposal.  Make sure you keep on top of the work and use the resources the school provides for you, especially when it comes to the co-op application process.