ECE Student Spotlight: Nate Guenard

"I knew within an hour of setting foot in Athens that I wanted to be a Georgia Bulldog... At the University of Georgia, what it takes to be a successful engineering student is a passion for problem solving, willingness to be challenged, an ability to collaborate with others, and a good attitude."
    -Nate Guenard, CSE Student and Engineering Student Ambassador

Hometown: Raleigh, NC

Year: Second year

Program of study: Computer Systems Engineering

Why did you choose UGA:
Throughout middle school and highschool, even as a child, I’ve enjoyed problem solving and being creative. Math and Science classes always came easier to me than any humanities class. Due to my interest in math, science, problem solving, creative thinking, and collaborative work, I decided that I should apply to college as an engineering major. I also wanted the student life of a big state school, but the academic focus of a smaller college. I applied to schools that are more renowned for engineering, but I liked the fact that UGA College of Engineering was smaller with more tight knit learning while still having the resources for a good education. Additionally, I just felt at home when I first visited Athens after getting accepted. UGA is such a great community, the campus is beautiful, and Athens is everything you want in a college town. I knew within an hour of setting foot in Athens that I wanted to be a Georgia Bulldog.

When did you become interested in engineering?
I became interested in engineering around my middle school years. Though I was always interested in engineering concepts, problem solving has always been a part of who I am.

What are your plans after graduation?
As a second year student I have not had the chance to take on an internship, though I am applying for them currently and hope to intern at a tech company near home this summer. As for my plans after college, I’ve yet to discover my true passion within my major. With computer systems engineering there are so many paths to take. There are so many possible career paths on both the hardware and software sides that my degree has to offer. I believe as I get deeper into my major and gain experience through internships I will have a better understanding of my plans after college.

What do you think a person needs to be successful at engineering?
At the University of Georgia, what it takes to be a successful engineering student is a passion for problem solving, willingness to be challenged, an ability to collaborate with others, and a good attitude. Engineering can be difficult, but when you enjoy what you are doing, surround yourself with great people, and remain determined, nothing can stop you from succeeding.

What do you find challenging and what do you find rewarding about engineering?
There is nothing more satisfying than toiling over a project, lab, or problem set for hours then finally breaking through. It can be so frustrating when your code doesn’t run correctly or your circuit fails but sometimes it takes commitment and determination to trouble shoot around the problem. It’s like putting together a jig saw puzzle but much more complicated. You have these smaller break throughs that get you closer to your end goal, each more rewarding than the last. Then you finally get the correct output on your program or complete that circuit lab and you know that all your hard work was worth it because you achieved something you can be proud of.

What study hacks have you discovered to make student life more manageable?
As an engineering student and someone who has a part time job and is involved with the Club Ice Hockey Team and Greek Life, I’ve learned there is nothing more important than timemanagement. I have learned to keep myself organized by putting all my events, homework,tests, quizzes, etc on my calendar as soon as I am aware of them. I also have a white board calendar in my room that I update every month. Its also important to take advantage of free timeand get work done as soon as possible. The longer you let your responsibilities stack up theeasier it is to stress yourself out.

What is your favorite thing to do in Athens?
Go to football games of course. There is nothing quite like the game day atmosphere in Athens. Saturday is everyone’s favorite day ofthe week and there is something in the air on campus leading up to a big game. SanfordStadium is one of the loudest, most electric sports venues I have ever witnessed and it feels great to be back to back national champions.