Originally from the Philippines, Edward Amoyen Abella is graduating from Niagara College’s Electronics Engineering Technician program and celebrating not only academic success, but the resilience and determination that brought him to this milestone.
A former engineering student with a degree from the Philippines, Edward came to NC to enhance his practical skills in automation and embedded systems. While balancing multiple part-time jobs, he maintained a President’s Honour Roll standing and earned both the Dean’s Academic Award and the International President’s Scholarship.
Now, experiencing his convocation day with his mother by his side after travelling overseas, Edward reflects on how far he’s come and looks ahead to a future in Canada’s tech industry, with plans to pursue professional licensure.
Q&A with Edward Amoyen Abella:
How do you feel about your upcoming convocation day and what does it personally mean to you?
It’s a deeply emotional and proud moment for me. As an international student, this symbolizes not just academic success, but also perseverance, sacrifices, and growth. It represents all the late nights, cultural adjustments, and personal challenges overcome along the way.
What were you doing before attending NC?
Before NC, I earned a bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering from Saint Louis University in the Philippines. I also worked in various customer service and technical roles in the BPO industry.
What led you to study at NC and to your program of study?
Niagara College stood out for its hands-on approach and strong industry integration. I wanted to deepen my practical knowledge in electronics, automation, and embedded systems to complement my theoretical background.
What interests you in and why are you passionate about your field of study?
Electronics has always fascinated me–its role in innovation and problem-solving. I enjoy designing systems that make life more efficient, whether through automation or circuit design.
Do you have a specific career goal in mind when you enrolled in your program. Did it change since you started?
My goal was to become a technical specialist in industrial automation or embedded systems. That vision has remained, but now it’s more refined–I am also aiming to pursue applied research and design roles in the electronics industry.
How did you find your program experience – any highlights?
I truly valued the lab-intensive courses and faculty mentorship. Being awarded the Dean’s Academic Award and International President’s Scholarship were significant highlights that affirmed my academic commitment.
What did you find rewarding about your program?
The most rewarding part was seeing theoretical knowledge come to life–especially in labs involving ladder logic, servo control, and microcontroller programming.
Did you face and overcome any challenges to graduate?
Absolutely. Balancing full-time studies with three part-time jobs (as a Peer Tutor, International Student Assistant, and Housekeeper) required strict time management and resilience. Despite these, I was able to maintain a President’s Honour Roll standing throughout.
Did you work a placement or co-op as part of your program?
While I did not have a formal co-op, my extensive peer tutoring and hands-on lab experiences served as highly relevant professional training.
Were you involved in any clubs, teams or extracurriculars?
Yes, I was involved as an Academic Integrity Ambassador and Peer Tutor, both of which allowed me to lead by example and support fellow students academically and ethically.
Do you feel your NC experience has helped prepare you for the future?
Yes, absolutely. I’ve gained practical technical skills, built professional networks, and developed the confidence to contribute to Canada’s tech industry meaningfully.
What have you been doing since you completed your studies at NC?
I’ve been actively applying for positions in electronics and automation while preparing my PGWP documentation. I also continue volunteering within student support circles.
Are you currently working or looking for a job in your field?
I’m currently seeking full-time opportunities in electronics or automation–particularly in design, testing, or support engineering roles.
What’s next for you?
My immediate goal is to gain meaningful work experience under the PGWP and eventually pursue licensure as a Professional Engineer in Ontario.
Any other info you feel is important and would like to share?
I am immensely grateful for the inclusive and empowering environment at Niagara College. I hope my story inspires other international students to believe in their potential and embrace every opportunity.
