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Abhishak Reji, BSc Mechanical Engineering

Building machines, building connections, building a career

Learn About the Program

Abhishak (Abhi) Reji was familiar with engineering as an occupation, but it was not the electrical side of the discipline like his father practised, but another area entirely — mechanics and the function of machines — that inspired him to pursue it as a career.  

Originally from the Cayman Islands, Abhi chose the ß÷ßäÉçÇø for its reputation as a hub of world-class engineering research and applied learning opportunities. 

Throughout his educational journey, however, it was not just the technical training he was receiving that was a boost to his confidence, but the many opportunities the mechanical engineering program afforded him to gain practical experience and develop his networking skills.   

“Building connections early on is one of the most important things you can do for your future career,” he says. “It can open doors you didn’t even know existed and help you gain entry to the companies you want to work for.” 

Now working in industry, Abhi plans to secure his Professional Engineering (P.Eng) designation in the near future, but first he will begin training in MMA, a passion he’s held for years.  

Congratulations Abhi!

What program are you graduating from?

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.

What led you to choose your current area of study, and why the U of A for your studies?

I chose mechanical engineering as my discipline because I’ve always loved solving problems by thinking creatively and finding new ways to bring ideas to life. Growing up, I watched my dad work as an electrical engineer, and while that inspired me, I found myself more drawn to mechanics and fascinated by the workings of machines. 

The U of A stood out to me as one of the top universities in Canada and globally recognised for its engineering program. I wanted to be in an environment surrounded by talented, driven individuals who would challenge and inspire me to grow. The university’s strong focus on research and hands-on opportunities made it the ideal place to challenge me and help me grow technically and personally.

What is one of your favourite memories from your time at the U of A?

Some of my favourite memories are the late nights studying with friends in the Central Academic Building (CAB) and the Electrical and Computer Engineering Research Facility (ECERF) where we spent countless hours studying for finals and midterms or working through tough assignments and group projects. There was always a sense of support and shared determination. Even during stressful times, it felt good knowing I wasn’t going through it alone.

I also really value the time I spent working in research labs, where I had the chance to meet incredible people who guided me, taught me new things and made the learning experience even more meaningful. It’s those moments of collaboration and connection that stand out the most to me and what I cherish the most about my university experience.

Tell us about your favourite professor and/or class.

One of my favourite professors was who supported me during a particularly stressful time in my program. He encouraged me to push through when I felt overwhelmed and helped me not only complete my project but truly understand the concepts behind it. I’m really grateful for that mentorship. As for my favourite class, I would say , my capstone design course stands out the most. I was part of a brilliant team tasked with solving a real-world problem for a community client. It was incredibly rewarding to apply everything we had learned over the years, collaborate effectively, and see our design come to life. Winning first place for our project made it even more memorable.

Did you take on any leadership roles while you were a student? 

While I didn’t hold a formal leadership role during my studies, I always made an effort to contribute meaningfully to group work and support my teammates wherever possible. In my capstone project, for example, I helped with technical tasks and I made sure to communicate regularly with the team to keep things on track. I’ve found that being reliable and collaborative is just as important as leading, and those are qualities I’ve consistently brought to every team I’ve worked with. 

Did you face any significant obstacles or challenges during your program?

One of the biggest challenges I faced was adapting to the steep learning curve of research work in unfamiliar areas, for instance when I joined the . I had to learn new experimental methods and software tools quickly and , one of my mentors, helped guide me through the process. While this was overwhelming and challenging in the beginning, I was able to overcome this by taking initiative — reading research papers, asking for feedback and staying persistent. This experience taught me how to learn independently, manage time effectively and work through uncertainty — skills I now carry into every new challenge. 

What advice do you have for current and future students? 

The advice I would give based on my journey is to take every opportunity you can to network. Building connections early on is one of the most important things you can do for your future career. It can open doors you didn’t even know existed and help you gain entry to the companies you want to work for. Additionally, it can build your confidence and make you more comfortable networking and engaging with other professionals. It’s important to remember that while your technical skills are important, networking and using the right resources can make all the difference when it comes to landing the opportunities you want. 

How do you plan on celebrating convocation? 

I plan to celebrate my convocation with my family and friends who have supported me throughout my journey at university. Without their encouragement, this achievement wouldn’t have been possible. As I am an international student, it will be my family's first time here in Edmonton for my graduation, so I’m excited to show them around the city and take them on a scenic trip to Banff. I also have a trip to India planned for the summer to visit my extended family and celebrate and spend some time with them as well. I believe sharing this milestone with the people who mean the most to me makes it even more special.

What's next after graduation?

My next goal is to gain valuable experience and continue learning in my new role as a project coordinator at . I’m excited to apply the skills and knowledge I developed during my degree while building on my technical and project management abilities. In the long term, I plan to work toward obtaining my P.Eng designation. Outside of work, I’ve recently started training in MMA, a sport I’ve been passionate about for a long time as an avid fan. I’m excited to challenge myself, develop new skills and continue to grow.