Wondering how to make an impact with your engineering degree or curious about what lies ahead? You’re in the right place! This article is part of an 8-part series, supported by RBC Future Launch, that delves into the entrepreneurial journeys of students and recent graduates just like you. 

To get some real advice, we sat down with two of our 2024 RBC Inclusive Entrepreneurship Award Winners from our Fellowship Program. These engineering graduates, recognized for their inclusive leadership and entrepreneurial innovation, shared their personal stories, growth journeys, and practical advice, all tailored just for you.

Meet the Fellows

Youngnam Hlady

Meet Youngnam, he graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Software Engineering. Youngnam recently built a chatbot focused on advanced conversational capabilities and human interaction. He’s based in Montreal, Quebec and is currently a 2024 Venture for Canada Fellow. 

Youngnam learned about the Fellowship Program from a friend who sent it to him via LinkedIn. “I work in tech, and with all the layoffs and big changes coming, I wanted to join VFC to gain a diverse set of skills and surround myself with other passionate young Canadians. I would eventually like to grow into managerial roles in the industry and I knew VFC could help me learn about different business practices, and help me develop my leadership skills,” explains Youngnam.

“I think future fellows from my background of software engineering and computer science should stay open minded to different topics discussed at VFC even if they don’t seem to immediately apply to our field. I believe many of the skills used in fields like Operations and Sales could be helpful for developers to learn. Treat the three weeks as a playground where you can try out a bunch of new stuff and see what you like!” exclaims Youngnam. 

“Being surrounded by a group of fun, like-minded, and motivated people at a similar place in life really pushed me. It’s easy to feel alone in your career development but having a community to do it with is a lot more enjoyable and encouraging,” says Youngnam. ❤️

Thien Pham

Meet Thien, he graduated from York University with a degree in Engineering and is currently completing his Master’s degree at McGill University. For his Master’s degree, Thien is collaborating with Hydro Quebec to model and implement a grid-following inverter controller for improved grid stability and efficiency. He’s based in Toronto, Ontario and is currently a 2024 Venture for Canada Fellow. 

Thien first learned about the Fellowship when he was searching for online resources related to Venture Capital. “As I read more about VFC and the Fellowship Program, the community value on which this program stands inspired me to apply, as it promised an environment to grow with young entrepreneurial-minded people—something I had been missing,” explains Thien. 

“Enjoy the experience, get to know the Fellows, and have a good time at Training Camp. Participate and embrace every opportunity the program offers to network and learn as much as you can. This will be incredibly helpful for your future career—you have nothing to lose,” advises Thien. 

“The program so far has given me invaluable experiences. Training Camp developed my communication skills, and fostered resilience and leadership. The expert panels were filled with practical insights and knowledge that I wouldn’t have gained in school. I am now prepared to apply these skills to my entrepreneurial journey,” exclaims Thien. 🎉

Inspired by Thien and Youngnam’s stories? 

You can be next! Become one of the top 65 entrepreneurial graduates across Canada by applying for Venture for Canada’s Fellowship Program. Connect with a vibrant community and leverage your unique social science background to carve a distinct path in the entrepreneurial world. Engage with like-minded individuals, redefine entrepreneurship, and start building a future where your skills set you apart.

Apply to Venture for Canada’s 2025 Fellowship Cohort