Graduate Spotlight: Manpreet Saini

Why I chose Western

Western stood out to me because of everything it offered alongside the Computer Science program. I loved that there were opportunities for exchange, co-op and hands-on experiences. I also really connected with the culture, the people and the sense of pride around being part of Western.

My global learning experience

I went on exchange to the Australian National University in Canberra during Fall 2023, and honestly, it was one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had. Coming to Canada from India was already a huge adjustment, but going to Australia gave me another opportunity to grow and challenge myself in a completely different environment.

One of my favourite memories was a surfing weekend organized for exchange students. We were all put together in groups, many of us not knowing each other at all, and it pushed me to meet new people and step outside my comfort zone. I made amazing friends, learned a lot about myself and came back feeling much more confident and independent.

My Western experience has really been about continuing to grow and take on new opportunities. Whether it was academics, residence life, volunteering or exchange, I was always learning something new and pushing myself outside my comfort zone.

Favourite memories of my time at Western

One of my favourite experiences at Western was working in Residence Life as a Residence Don in Saugeen-Maitland Hall. When I first arrived at Western, residence was the place that made me feel at home, so becoming a Don felt like an opportunity to give back and support students going through the same transition I once experienced.

I also really enjoyed becoming involved with Western International through Global Café and exchange programming. Meeting students from so many different backgrounds helped me build meaningful friendships and learn from other people’s experiences and perspectives.

An accomplishment I'm especially proud of

One accomplishment I’m really proud of is securing co-op opportunities through the Science Internship Program. I worked as a Business and Data Analyst at the Bank of Montreal, and my internship eventually became a co-op placement. It was a huge learning experience and helped me better understand where I want to take my career.

I’m also proud of how much I grew personally during my time at Western. I used to be much more introverted, but over the years, I learned to put myself out there, take risks and become more confident in myself.

My plans for the future

After graduation, I’ll be joining BMO as a Business Analyst (New-Grad role) on the Risk team. My experience through co-op helped me discover my interest in working at the intersection of technology, data and business, and I’m excited to continue building a career in that space. Long term, I’m especially interested in areas connected to artificial intelligence, data analytics and emerging technologies.

A fun fact about me

I’m obsessed with escape rooms! I’ve completed every escape room in London, Ontario, and now I’ve started going to Toronto to try new ones there too. I especially love detective and mystery-themed rooms.

My advice for new students

Get involved, meet new people and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Looking back, I wish I had pushed myself to do that even earlier. Go to events, attend Global Café, take on opportunities and just keep growing — you never know where those experiences might lead you.