In this final episode of In Query S1, we invited our co-hosts to chat about their journey since launch till now. Together, Apollo and the co-hosts reviewed some of their favourite highlights from the season, their podcast recommendations, and where In Query is headed for S2. -- Podcast Recommendations: Philosophize This https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Working Hard, Hardly Working https://open.spotify.com/show/1Uh7KMBji1BptMsUS4tNNM?si=gRDy2kb0RqKXlTn_81TOng&dl_branch=1 In the Dark https://open.spotify.com/show/1aFyRYDJ1pHEaPMnZAGaOr?si=MRsDzuTwRUGb3ZTwSRwCNw&dl_branch=1 -- PTC Membership Program https://www.projecttechconferences.com/member -- Chapters 0:00 - Intro & Background 0:34 - Daniel’s introduction 1:03 - What made us want to start a podcast? 1:51 - Why did you guys want to join as hosts? 2:51 - How is it like working behind the scenes on the podcast? 4:41 - What was the most memorable moment from Season 1 of our podcast? 6:02 - What is one thing you guys learned about the tech industry? 7:57 - Favourite podcasts? 9:25 - Are there any trends in tech that you have been following? 11:15 - How did PTC adapt to the COVID world? 12:24 - What is in store for PTC next year? 13:39 - Do you have any messages to pass on? 14:52 - What do you see in the future for In Query? 15:42 - Outro & Ending Remarks

In this episode of the In Query, we discuss the Biomedical Engineering program at the University of Waterloo with Sana Allana. Sana is a 4th-year biomedical engineering student at the University of Waterloo. She is currently completing a co-op term at J&J. During Sana's free time, she enjoys acting and watching the office as well as Grey's Anatomy. --- Make sure to follow us to stay in the loop! IG @projecttechconferences LinkedIn @ Project Tech Conferences -- Sana's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanaallana/?miniProfileUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afs_miniProfile%3AACoAACcrl6ABE1bV1lsF2RNYtHSdavvSFXB2f00 -- Timestamps 0:00 - Intro & Background 2:08 - What is Biomedical Engineering? 3:11 - What makes this program special and why did you choose it? 4:18 - How are coops structured within your program? 5:40 - What are some requirements for the application? 7:53 - Did you have to submit any supplementals? 8:24 - Advice for students looking to apply to this program? Campus Life 10:41 - How have you found your experience at the University of Waterloo? 12:57 - Favourite aspect of the Waterloo campus? 14:55 - Are you part of any clubs? 16:30 - Is the program challenging? 19:14 - Favourite and least favourite classes? Job Prospects 23:14 - How has the experience of finding coops been? 27:34 - What co-op experiences have you had? 28:53 - What sort of jobs do graduates go for? 31:43 - Where do you see yourself headed after graduation? 32:54 - What are your top three interests, career-wise? 34:37 - Outro & Ending Remarks 

In this episode of the In Query, we discuss event hosting, engineering physics and software with Francesco Virga. Francesco is a graduate of Queens University where he completed a degree in Engineering Physics. He has acquired an extensive amount of work experience during his university years ranging from freelance work to software development internships, as well as involvement in startups. After noticing many issues in the event and payment space, he co-founded Bounce, a startup located in Toronto.  --- This episode is part of our #TechFromSquareOne focus series where we interview people from various startups around the country. Make sure to follow us to stay in the loop! IG @projecttechconferences LinkedIn @ Project Tech Conferences -- Francesco's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francescovirga/ -- Timestamps 0:00 - Intro & Background 3:05 - What were your original interests and how did that lead you to where you are now? Starting a Tech Startup in University 5:31 - What made you decide to take the startup route? 7:48 - What impact did your engineering and physics degree have on your career? 11:43 - How did you balance work and university? Bounce 13:45 - What is Bounce? 18:04 - Where did you originally see the need for this medium in the payment and event industry? 19:41 - When was the moment you decided to try to fix this problem? 21:43 - How would you describe the makings of the company? 23:23 - What is your role in Bounce and what are your day to day responsibilities? 24:30 - What is your favourite part of your day to day? 25:58 - What is the commitment needed to start a tech startup? 29:58 - What was the biggest challenge Bounce had faced as of right now? 34:02 - What is the biggest difference between working in a big tech company compared to an entrepreneur in the tech space? 36:09 - Do you have a typical week, or is each week different from the other? 37:48 - Do you see any upcoming trends in the payment and event industry that you think are here to stay? 39:41 - What are some struggles you have faced in your career so far? 42:34 - What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self? 47:21 - “When people are asked what they regret, they usually regret things that they haven’t done” 48:26 - What are the next steps for Bounce and what are you most excited for? 49:58 - Outro & Ending Remarks

In this episode of the In Query, we discuss windsurfing, engineering and autonomous vehicles with David Hayes. David is the CEO and founder of AVO, the autonomous vehicle organization, a Toronto-based startup. AVO is building the world's first fully connected and autonomous construction site. David competed in the world cup in the Olympic windsurfing discipline for 8 years, he placed top 5 at the Miami World Cup and won a world championship in 2005. Additionally, he built an international team of elite athletes, trainers, and coaches who pushed the limits for sports science and performance on the water. Currently based in Toronto, David and his team at AVO are building a truly innovative technology company with a focus on the autonomous vehicle industry, specifically in the vehicle-to-pedestrian segment. AVO intends to increase security and safety within the industry by developing reliable, intuitive, and scalable V2P technology. --- This episode is part of our new #TechFromSquareOne focus series where we interview people from various startups around the country.  Make sure to follow us to stay in the loop! IG @projecttechconferences LinkedIn @ Project Tech Conferences -- David's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-k-hayes/ -- Timestamps 0:00 - Intro & Background AVO - Autonomous Vehicle Organization 2:40 - About the company 4:21 - What was the first thing that got you interested in technology? 5:56 - Out of everything you have done, what interests you the most? University at Queens 7:05 - Experience at Queens University 14:29 - How did windsurfing and being an engineer affect your career? 18:34 - Where did you head after graduation? Career 24:10 - Where did you head after working for Cisco? 31:30 - What were some initial failures you faced when starting AVO? 35:57 - How did you find others who were interested in autonomous vehicles? 38:17 - Where are you now with AVO? 41:09 - How did the pandemic impact AVO? 45:40 - What is it like in the autonomous vehicle industry? 47:55 - Any other trends in the technology industry? 50:02 - What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self? 52:59 - Any advice for upcoming entrepreneurs who are looking to start in the tech space? 54:21 - Outro & Ending Remarks

In this episode of the In Query, we discuss the CS program at UCLA with Bill Liu. Bill is a 3rd-year Computer Science student at the University of California, Los Angeles. Last summer, Bill was a Software Engineering Intern at Facebook, where he worked on Facebook for iOS, and Bill is currently taking a quarter off school to return to Facebook, where he’s currently working on Instagram for iOS. He will also be working as a Software Engineering Intern at TikTok this upcoming summer. Outside of school and work, Bill enjoys painting, fencing, and playing chess. --- This episode is part of our #TechAfterHighSchool focus series where we showcase different tech programs from around the country.  Make sure to follow us to stay in the loop! IG @projecttechconferences LinkedIn @ Project Tech Conferences -- Bill's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-liu-profile/ Leetcode: https://leetcode.com/ Facebook University: https://www.facebook.com/careers/students-and-grads/students -- Timestamps 0:00 - Intro & Background University Degree and Life  2:27 - Why did you decide to make the switch to computer science? 6:08 - Are you still looking to go to law school after CS? 6:35 - How can you transfer programs at UCLA? 8:12 - How would you describe the application process as an international student? 9:27 - How were the SATs, ACTs for you and any advice for students? 11:00 - What are the grades that are needed to have a competitive application? 12:28 - Were there any supplementals that helped your application aside from grades? 13:12 - What was the biggest benefit from the IB program? Would you have any advice for students who are applying to a university abroad? 18:06 - How was your experience at UCLA so far? 20:20 - How would you compare American college life to a Canadian university? Career  21:45 - How did you get interested in tech? 24:42 - What kind of projects do you enjoy taking on? 28:06 - Are you more interested in a particular sector of the tech industry? Internships 31:55 - Could you tell us about some of your past internships? 37:01 - How would you describe a typical day for an intern? 41:03 - Which past project did you enjoy the most? 42:09 - Do you have advice for students looking to secure a tech internship? Day to Day as a Product Manager 47:23 - What are some activities outside of school that you enjoy doing? 50:06 - What is a piece of advice that you would give to aspiring youth looking to go into the tech industry? 52:26 -  Outro & Ending Remarks

In this episode of the In Query, we discuss business, technology, and becoming a CTO with Nastaran Bisheban. Nastaran is a passionate, energetic and seasoned Technology leader. A software engineer and computer scientist by education, a certified Project Manager that holds an MBA in Leadership with Honors and Distinction from the University of Liverpool. A public speaker on various disciplines of technology strategy with a Harvard Business School executive leadership program training to round it all. Challenges status quo and conventional practices, a risk-taker and an alert decision-maker with a proven “Make It Happen” and “keep all happy” personality. With multiple computer software and project management publications, she is a strategic mentor on various non-profit organizations and is the former Chair of Canadian Women in Technology South Western Ontario --- Make sure to follow us to stay in the loop! IG @projecttechconferences LinkedIn @ Project Tech Conferences -- Nastaran's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nastaranb/ 1Q84 (Book): https://www.amazon.ca/1Q84-Haruki-Murakami/dp/0385678029 Connectome (Book): https://www.amazon.ca/Connectome-How-Brains-Wiring-Makes/dp/0547678592 -- Timestamps 0:00 - Intro & Background 7:20 - What got you into technology? Career as a Chief Technology Officer (CTO)  15:32 - What were some of the struggles you faced? 19:38 - What does your job entail? 22:33 - Have you ever experienced imposter syndrome? Women in Tech 24:48 - What are some of the initiatives you are in? 28:31 - What is the best way to get a young woman into tech? 31:05 - Do you have any tips on how to hone your skills? 35:56 - Where do you see the future of tech going? 38:06 - What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self? 40:03 - Outro & Ending Remarks

In this episode of the In Query, we discuss product management, conquering self-doubt and thoughtfully shaping your career with Amy Zhou. Amy is a Senior Associate in Capital One’s Process Manager Development Program. Amy (who graduated from Queen’s Commerce in 2019) leads the digital channels product roadmap for the Hudson’s Bay Canada Partnership. In human talk, that means she manages the online banking and digital alerts products and she spends her days championing the best possible user experience on her products. Outside of work, Amy is an adventurer by nature and she’s travelled to & studied in 20+ countries across Europe, Asia and Africa, (though these days she’s staying safely at home wondering whether her passport feels lonely). She loves to continuously grow and help others in their development journeys so you’ll often find her trying new things (most recently, calligraphy) and working with her mentees and buddies.  --- Make sure to follow us to stay in the loop! IG @projecttechconferences LinkedIn @ Project Tech Conferences -- Amy's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyzhou4/ --  Timestamps 0:00 - Intro & Background University Degree  3:20 - As you started out pursuing a business degree, what made you change your mind to transition towards a math degree? 4:40 - When did you first become interested in tech?  5:54 - With tech in mind, did you try to participate in any tech-related clubs or activities in university? 7:56 - What is the impact that your commerce degree had on your career right now? Career - Product Management   - When and how did you decide to pursue product management? 10:20 - As a product manager, how do you decide on which features to prioritize? 13:50 - How long does a new feature usually take, from brainstorming to integration? 15:49 - Agile vs waterfall methodology  17:15 - As time goes on, users will want change so how do product managers stay on top of the changes? 19:00 - What do you think is the most efficient way to gather the users’ opinions? 21:16 - What are some traits that a good Product Manager should have? 25:00- How important is having technical knowledge for product management? Day to Day as a Product Manager 25:56 - Did coming from a business background help you? 27:40 - What are some technical skills that you think are the most critical for your role? 29:40 - What are some struggles you faced throughout your career? 32:33 - Imposter Syndrome  37:20 - Are product managers the CEO of their project? 40:40 - What is the favourite feature/project you have rolled out so far? 47:20 - What is your favourite part of the workday? 52:19 - What are some trends that are happening in the Project Management industry? 57:16 - Did you enjoy any aspects of working from home? 59:55 - Do you have any further advice for students looking to go into product management? 1:06:24 - Outro & Ending Remarks

In this episode of the In Query, we discuss management, IT and cybersecurity with Chris Whalen. Chris is an experienced technology professional with a passion for cybersecurity and is currently the Director of IT and Cybersecurity at Solace, a Canadian high-tech company. His experience includes leading various cybersecurity programs, mentoring colleagues, performing deep technical analysis, and adopting new technologies that have consistently been proven a success. Chris has a degree in Mathematics from the University of Ottawa and is involved in recreational hockey both as a player and a coach. --- Make sure to follow us to stay in the loop! IG @projecttechconferences LinkedIn @ Project Tech Conferences -- Chris's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriswhalen7/ --  Timestamps 0:00 - Intro & Background 2:00 - How did you first become interested in the field?  University Degree  10:02 - Why did you choose math over all the other stem programs available in university? 13:46 - What was the impact of a math degree on your career? 14:56 - Would you recommend someone interested in a role in IT to take on a math degree? 15:46 - Where did you head after graduating from university? Career 17:53 - Did you ever consider going into video game creation? 19:38 - What were some struggles you faced throughout your career? 24:56 - Why did you choose to transition into leadership and managing roles as to software? 28:41 - What are some skills that are crucial to be successful in the tech industry? 32:08 - Why did you get interested in cybersecurity? 34:06 - What was the biggest change in the cybersecurity industry since you started? Day to Day as the Director of Cyber Security 38:50 - How would you describe the day-to-day of a director of cybersecurity? 39:43 - What is the most rewarding part of your job? 40:36 - What advice would you give to a student that is looking to pursue a career in cybersecurity? 45:19 - What do you think is the next big thing for the technology industry? 47:00 - Outro & Ending Remarks

In this episode of the In Query, we discuss software development, engineering, and leadership development. Ania Halliop is a technical senior leader with expertise in driving engineering and data strategy and organizational change. Recently she has been working as a senior Engineering Manager at Uber ATG R&D Engineering, leading teams for the productization of deep-learning algorithms for self-driving vehicles. Prior to that, she was a Senior Director of Engineering at FreshBooks where she led data engineering and infrastructure. A graduate of Queen’s University, Ania has been working in software for almost 20 years, first as a software developer and then as a technical leader. Throughout her career, Ania has made contributions to networking, security, and web development, and has helped develop new leaders, grow software development teams, and drive technical and organizational change at companies such as Siemens, Blackberry, and FreshBooks. Over the past 5 years, Ania has been involved in the Toronto tech scene to provide opportunities and mentorship to new speakers with the goal of encouraging more women to speak at technical events and conferences. --- Make sure to follow us to stay in the loop! IG @projecttechconferences LinkedIn @ Project Tech Conferences -- Ania's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ania-halliop/ --  Timestamps 0:00 - Intro & Background University Degree  6:24 - Which program did you end up in? 8:40 - What impact did your program have on your career? 11:43 - Where did you head after graduation? Career 14:56 - What were some of the biggest struggles you have faced in your career? 18:25 - From software to management, what was your transition like? 22:31 - What is the biggest difference between a software developer and a manager? 24:38 - To get into a manager role, would you have to start as a software developer? 26:54 - On the software side, what are skills that would be required to be successful? 29:35 - How easy would it be to switch roles in the tech industry? 32:10 - How could you display your adaptability on a resume? 34:34 - As a student, how would you find which area you are more inclined to work in (frontend/backend)? Students 37:05 - Do you have any advice for students that are looking to go into university? 38:24 - Do you have advice for students who are looking to find their first co-op position? 40:40 - What are some things a high school student can do from an early age to test out the tech industry?  Day to Day as a Senior Developer 48:48 - What is the main difference between a junior and a senior developer, how do you transition? 50:48 - What is your day-to-day as a senior leader? 54:48 - Do you have any general advice for students who are looking to pursue a career in the tech industry? 56:27 - Do you have any advice for people who are looking for mentors? 57:30 - What would you say is the most rewarding part of your job? 59:31 - Outro & Ending Remarks

In this episode of the In Query, we discuss project management, failure and, making an impact with Sana Abou-Shaaban. Sana is currently an IT Project Manager for the Federal Government of Canada and strives for diversity and inclusion for Women in Tech. For many years, Sana has been recognized for her initiatives, extensive volunteering and extracurricular work, and her passion for making a difference in society. She is the co-founder of the very first Woman in Tech/IT network at her department, the Secretary for North America Board of ComSoc, the Treasurer of IEEE Ottawa Section, a director of the Professional Engineers of Ontario, and a board member of many other engineering associations and organizations. In her spare time, she also teaches coding for girls that come from underserved families and mentors girls in Technovations – where they create phone apps that are aimed to make a difference in society. --- Make sure to follow us to stay in the loop! IG @projecttechconferences LinkedIn @ Project Tech Conferences -- Sana’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanaaboushaaban/ Technovation: https://technovationchallenge.org/ IEEE Ottawa: https://www.ieeeottawa.ca/ -- Timestamps 0:00 - Intro & Background 4:38 - University Life and Degree 13:00 - Woman in Tech (Technovation) 31:04 - Day to Day as a Project Manager 48:05 - Outro & Final advice