While studying engineering at Concordia University, Shahid said he disliked courses related to telecommunications and electronics. Instead, he chose to specialize in power generation, thinking he could find work at one of Quebec’s hydroelectric plants.
But when an opportunity for an internship arose with the Canadian Coast Guard in 2020, Shahid seized the chance to expand his horizons.
He found he enjoyed the work and after the internship ended, Shahid stayed on as a part-time employee while he finished his bachelor’s degree. After graduating in 2022, he was brought on to join the team on a full-time, permanent basis.
“It’s funny how things work out, something I didn’t really like in school ended up being my job,” he said.
“One thing I’ve learned coming out of school is whatever job you go into, the workplace will guide you and give you the tools you need to succeed.”
Shahid said he was interested in electronics from an early age and chose to study Pure and Applied Science at Cegep with the intention of going into engineering.
While a student at Champlain Saint-Lambert, Shahid served as president of the Muslim Student Association for two years and was recognized for his commitment to student life by winning a Lieutenant Governor’s Youth Medal award.
“It was a pretty cool honour being recognized for being part of the campus life and helping out with the MSA,” he said. “Whether it was working with other clubs, organizing our own events, talking to other students, I think that was the best part for me.”
Shahid’s advice for current students and recent grads: “You can’t restrict yourself to opportunities that you want. Opportunities are far and few in between nowadays. Say yes to what is offered to you. Prove yourself as a worker, prove yourself as a student, show you are someone who is willing to learn, to adapt and to problem-solve. Be an asset in any type of work situation. Just put your head down and do the work.”
