Meet Tahreem Anjum:
About Tahreem
Tahreem Anjum is a 5th year Mechanical Engineering Co-op student at the University of Guelph, with an expected graduation in May 2022. Tahreem is currently working at ThermoFisher Scientific as a Project Engineer, and was recently awarded a Google Generation Scholarship, the only one awarded in Canada. This scholarship is awarded to students with high academic achievement and leadership skills, recognizing the leaders of tomorrow in the technology and computer science field. Tahreem shares more about her co-op experiences, the scholarship, and her advice for other aspiring women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).
Tell us more about your current co-op! Where are you working and what is your role there?
“I work as a project Engineering Co-op for Capital Project Engineering Team at ThermoFisher Scientific. I assist in project planning for various constructions projects and have the opportunity to propose and implement my own design ideas and recommendations based on scope of the projects.”
What have been your biggest learnings or takeaways from co-op at University of Guelph?
“Finding a job is about the quality of your resume and not quantity. Even if I didn't have the skills but I'm interested in applying, bringing my passion to the interview allowed the employers to see why I would be a good fit for the company.”
For those who don't know, what is the Generation Google Scholarship? What was the application process like for you?
“It's an award given to students who demonstrate leadership and excellence in academics and extra-curriculars. For the application, I followed the guidelines and completed an essay application. My Co-op Coordinator also helped with the student transcript.”
What was your reaction when you found out that you were the successful recipient? Is there anything in particular you feel contributed strongly to your success?
“I was very surprised and humbled when I learned I had received the 2021 Google Generation Scholarship. I would say it's my willingness to continuously aim for targets I want to achieve and not give up when things get hard or require a lot of work.”
What is your advice to other aspiring women in STEM?
“To be flexible and open to learning, and always speak up if there are any obstacles between your learning goals at work or in school. Take leadership roles in group projects and don't be hesitant to give your own ideas and feedback. Push yourself out of the comfort zone!”
As a future leader in the technology and computer science field, what is next for you?
“I am hoping to work for a company where the culture focuses on building knowledge, skills, and relationships to become a leader and continue to be challenged and motivated to achieve new goals."
