Hailing from Vancouver BC, Landon Slobin chose to attend the University of Victoria both for its proximity and Mechanical Engineering program. Taking engineering, Landon utilized UVic’s Co-op program to gain diverse work experience for a competitive edge when he does enter the job market at the end of his degree. “The opportunity to gain such diverse work experience through this program is unparalleled, and I am extremely grateful for the valuable experiences I’ve had so far.”
Landon describes Mechanical Engineering as the “jack of all trades” program at UVic, which was one of the major reasons he chose the program. With a diversity in technical skills there also comes some challenges, but Landon was able to navigate those challenges into growth. “The challenge of engaging with a wide range of subjects—from circuits and fluid mechanics to various other areas—has been both stimulating and rewarding. This breadth of knowledge not only broadens my technical expertise but also enhances my ability to tackle complex problems from multiple perspectives.”
In his most recent co-op working for Camp Miram as a Technical Projects Mechanical Engineering Co-op Student, Landon was able to exercise a lot of autonomy and self-direction. “I greatly valued the autonomy I experienced during my most recent co-op. Each day, I was assigned multiple tasks and was responsible for determining their completion and prioritization. Recognizing the critical importance of the planning phase, I categorized projects as short-term or long-term to effectively estimate the time required for each task.” This position was the first of its kind for Landon, going into the job with no prior motor vehicle experience, Landon took it upon himself to do as much research about the role as possible to prepare him for the co-op term. “I had no prior experience with motor vehicle maintenance, so I undertook research to learn about the components and their functions. With this newfound knowledge, I was able to restore the ATV to working condition by performing maintenance tasks, including the installation of a new master cylinder.”
Landon's advice to students considering a co-op term:
“Four months might seem like a long stretch, but it goes by in a flash. To make the most of your co-op experience, give it your all and immerse yourself fully in the role. This is your chance to build the skills that will propel your career forward. Don’t hesitate to reach out and talk with people around you—approach every conversation with curiosity and an open mind. “
