Navigating new cities and careers in tech
A conversation about co-op, moving between cities, and finding my way through a career in tech.
Zain Salman
I'm a fifth-year Software Engineering and Pure Mathematics student at the University of Waterloo.
Feel free to get in touch at zain[dot]salman[at]uwaterloo[dot]ca. I'm happy to answer questions about my experiences or education, and I especially encourage students in Waterloo's Software Engineering program to reach out.
Experience
I've completed six internships through Waterloo's co-op program. Most recently, I was a Software Engineering intern at Hudson River Trading. My previous internships include Bloomberg, TD Bank, and Waabi.
Courses
For my 4A term in Fall 2026, I'm taking:
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| CS 479 | Neural Networks |
| PMATH 333 | Introduction to Real Analysis |
| PMATH 446 | Introduction to Commutative Algebra |
| EARTH 122 | Introductory Environmental Sciences |
| SE 463 | Software Project Management, Requirements, and Analysis |
| SE 490 | Design Project 1 |
Interests
Pokémon VGC
I competed in the senior division of the Pokémon Video Game Championships from 2017 to 2019.
| Year | Place | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 2nd | Toronto Regionals |
| 2018 | 1st | Nashville Open |
| 2019 | 1st | Philadelphia Regionals |
| 2019 | 2nd | Roanoke Regionals |
| 2019 | T4 | Toronto Regionals |
In 2019, I also earned travel awards to compete at the Oceania International Championships, Europe International Championships, and World Championships in Washington, D.C.
With the release of Pokémon Champions, I've started playing and competing again. If you also play or follow VGC, feel free to reach out on Twitter.
Video games
JRPGs are my favourite genre, though my most-played game is Animal Crossing: New Horizons. According to the Nintendo app, these are the games I've spent more than 100 hours playing:
| Game | Hours |
|---|---|
| Animal Crossing: New Horizons | 470 |
| Xenoblade Chronicles 2 | 365 |
| Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | 245 |
| Pokémon Brilliant Diamond | 175 |
| Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition | 155 |
| The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | 150 |
| Xenoblade Chronicles 3 | 145 |
| The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom | 135 |
| Persona 5 Royal | 125 |
| Pokémon Shield | 110 |
Music
Some of my most-listened-to artists, according to Last.fm, along with a favourite album from each, are:
| Artist | Favourite album |
|---|---|
| Mitski | The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We |
| Matt Maltese | Driving Just to Drive |
| Laufey | A Matter of Time |
| Clairo | Charm |
| Arctic Monkeys | Favourite Worst Nightmare |
I've seen Mitski, Matt Maltese, Arctic Monkeys, Joji, and YOASOBI live.