On Thursday afternoon Engineering students (and one English major) gathered in the Galbraith Building to hear current Writing Humor instructor at U of T’s School of Continuing Studies discuss his unconventional career path. Following graduation from McMaster’s Engineering program, he went on to hold positions on Parliament Hill, co-founded a Public Relations firm, and is the author of four very funny novels.

Fascinated by science and technology from an early age, Terry described his dabbling with hang-gliders, car engines and hovercrafts, all culminating in his pursuit of undergraduate studies in Engineering. However, while at McMaster he was also President of the university’s Student Union, a position which eventually landed him a gig as part of Jean Chretien’s 1984 Liberal Leadership campaign staff. From then on he never considered a career as a capital-E Engineer. However, he stressed that he continues to think and problem-solve like one.

He showed us PowerPoint slides of the outlines of his novels. They were extremely detailed.

“An engineer wouldn’t build a bridge without a blueprint. Why write a novel without one?”

Contrary to what many have assumed, he does not regret not having “used” his degree in the traditional sense. The ability to analyze emotional situations objectively and act on well-designed plans are all skills he credits to his undergraduate studies, which he says apply to all facets of his varied professional career.

“Do engineers here have to take any English classes?” he asked the group.

An uncomfortable laugh and shifting of seats rippled across the room. He was stunned.

He went on to stress that while it may be tempting to laser-focus your studies towards a particular career path, doing so may lead students to miss exciting opportunities outside of their pin-pointed vision.

“Life is long,” he assured us. “Besides, there aren’t enough engineers in politics. That needs to change.”

This article appeared on BlogUT here.