Q&A with Michael Ng

I love spending time with friends, playing intramurals, working out, exploring London, and creating music and films inspired by my favourite artists.

Michael Ng

Third Year Electrical Engineering and Ivey HBA

 

Michael is a student ambassador here to answer your questions. Click here to contact Michael.

Why Western Engineering?

Engineering can be intense no matter where you are, but it’s much easier to find your footing with the help of a strong community. Western’s culture felt uniquely welcoming when I first toured campus and I have since met many great friends, professors and people here. I also appreciate the opportunity to pursue other programs alongside engineering, diversifying what I’m learning. Most importantly though, my mom scared me away from home. Just don’t tell her I said that. Please.

What do you do in your spare time?

Being surrounded by symbols and schematics starts to feel stifling after a while. I love burning time with friends, playing intramurals and working out helps keep me in balance, and walking aimlessly around London has led to many discoveries. I really enjoy great movies and music too. Many of my favourite artists and pieces have inspired me to take my own stabs at cinematography and songwriting, and they continue to lead me along.

What was your orientation week experience like as a first-year student?

Hectic in the right ways. Push yourself, try it all, learn from it after.

Why did you choose your specific stream of engineering?

I specialized in electrical engineering because every single one of my chemical engineering friends freak me out. From there, it was just a process of elimination.

What is your favourite book, movie or TV show?

“Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” by Mo Willems shaped my life in ways I could have never imagined.

Who do you look up to/admire and why?

In the realm of engineers, Leena Nair sits near the top of my list of inspirations. Go watch her interviews. Her personality, stories, values, and long list of achievements guided some timely reflection on how I define success and who I strive to be. She also demonstrated that studying a technical field like engineering does not limit your career to technical work; great thinkers, communicators, and leaders - all characteristics of a great engineer - tend to be in high demand all around.