Finding Direction Through Co‑op: Tamimi’s Story
Tamimi Ahmad is a Communications Engineering graduate and former co-op student. Check out his story to discover how the Co-op program turned career questions into career clarity:
When I first arrived at Carleton as an international student in Communications Engineering, I’ll admit – I felt intimidated by the job market. Everything about the industry, from the hiring process to the work environment, felt unfamiliar. I often caught myself wondering, how will I ever gain the experience I need to build a career here? I’m especially thankful for all the support I received from Carleton, and especially from the Co-op office, which gave me three things that truly shaped my career path:
- Access to resources like mock interviews, resume workshops, and career coaching that built my confidence.
- Industry connections that gave me a clearer picture of the software and communications engineering world.
- Guidance from Carleton alumni who had once been in my shoes, offering advice I could truly relate to.
Through co-op, I had the chance to explore different roles at different companies. My first placement was at Alcatel Lucent as a Service Router Developer, followed by You.i TV as a Software Developer. Both experiences not only shaped my technical skills but also helped me build lifelong friendships and professional relationships
When I returned to campus for my final year, I noticed a real shift in myself. With industry experience under my belt, I approached my courses with a new sense of curiosity and perspective. I wasn’t just learning theory, I could see how it all connected to the real world.
If I had one piece of advice for students considering co-op, it would be this: take full advantage of the resources the program offers, but also make sure to enjoy the journey. Build connections, make friends, and stay curious! Learning doesn’t stop at graduation, it’s something you carry with you throughout your career.