Joaquin is a Mineral Engineering student whose passion for mining began at a young age through visits to mine sites in Peru. Drawn to the industry’s technical challenges and impact on communities, he has embraced opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, from student leadership and community building to gaining hands-on industry experience. He is excited to contribute to the future of mining through innovation and sustainability.
Student & Alumni Profiles
Dominique W.
Dominique is a Civil Engineering student from Indonesia passionate about designing the cities of the future. With interests for sustainability within infrastructure, and business, he has complemented his degree with an Engineering Business certificate and a Sustainability Energy minor. He is driven by the opportunity to create practical solutions that make communities smarter, and more resilient.
What made you choose U of T Engineering?
Originally from Indonesia, I chose the University of Toronto and my Civil Engineering program because it was clear to me that I could only become the best I can be by going to the top university in Canada. By being able to access the challenges within the program, and networking opportunities from it was how I going to grow the most.
How would you describe U of T Engineering to someone?
I would tell people U of T Engineering is challenging and pushes you, but it is also incredibly rewarding. The program helps you develop not only technical skills but also resilience, and confidence that make the effort worthwhile.
How different was first year from what you expected academically?
My first year completely changed how I approached academics. As an engineering student, I had to shift how I studied and managed my time to keep up with the workload. The biggest shift was learning to study efficiently by focusing in lectures, connecting concepts to real scenarios, and actively using office hours and TAs for support. That strategy helped me find my footing and balance academics with university life.
Have you tailored your degree to fit your interests or future goals?
I have tailored my degree to gain experience and explore opportunities beyond the classroom. I completed my Engineering Business certificate and am finishing my Sustainability Energy minor. Business interested me because of its role in engineering decisions and cost estimates, while sustainability reflects the future of our cities and communities. These experiences have strengthened my goal of becoming an engineer who helps advance cities.
Tell us about your living situation
I lived in a condominium in North York and commuted to campus. Adjusting to a new city took time, but exploring Toronto, meeting new people, and staying curious helped me feel more connected. For incoming students, I would say that missing home is natural, but you are not alone. Be open to new experiences and give yourself time. You will meet people, form meaningful relationships, and create memories that can make a new city feel like home.
If you could go back and talk to yourself before first year, what’s one thing you’d say?
I would say, “There will be challenges and moments of uncertainty, but trust the process, you are where you need to be. Keep pushing and learning.”
About Dominique W.
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Arshdeep K.
Arshdeep is a Civil Engineering student passionate about designing sustainable infrastructure and shaping the future of cities. Drawn to engineering by a desire to go beyond architecture and understand how communities function, she has immersed herself in design teams, student leadership, and hands-on construction projects. She is driven by curiosity and a commitment to continuous growth.