Opportunities Officer 2009-2010

Working on: Bachelor of Engineering, Communications

Email: laura.mutu AT ieee.carleton.ca

About Me

Being a Communications Engineering student in first year, I tried different groups, seeking to find a place my own. Between all the wonderful groups and projects Carleton has around, I found WISE through an outreach day Carleton usually holds in the Fall, GoEngGirl. I later attended a few speaker events and I enjoyed talking with the girls. Last year, by an interesting chance combined with a spur of the moment, I got to be IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE) Chair. It was the first time IEEE had such a position that was defined individually. From the beginning, this position put me with one foot in IEEE and one foot in WISE.

Education

Why engineering?

For me, it was playing by the ear. I was a good student generally, but I like science stuff more and this is what I would like to spend my future on.

My father has an engineering degree, and he's also a very practical person. As kids, we used to help him around the house, and let's say he mostly tried getting my brother to help him. However, in time, he discovered that I enjoyed helping him more, much to his delight.I had various other people that influenced my decision to go to engineering, including friends, school mates and teachers/professors. Didn't have any guidance counselors or sudden revelations, so I am still thinking about what I could do in the future.

Women in Science and Engineering

I’m looking forward to organizing fantastic events together, and meeting some more of the science and engineering girls around Carleton. We may be scattered around and really into our studies or other activities, but WISE is our oasis, our very own place to get together and talk anything from girls stuff to leisure time or study tips.

Other Interests

I enjoy helping people, and I think technology has a direct impact on them. To best manage that impact, I am also taking an Industrial Economics minor, and have been involved with Engineers Without Borders and other outreach initiatives around Carleton. I mainly enjoy working with kids because they’re always so fun and open minded.

I also do a bunch of other stuff in my spare time, like teaching myself guitar, reading random stuff and playing sports/working out, and the last but not least, combining the aforementioned with my dear friends.