Meet Sharyn Yu
Sharyn is currently working as a Pilot for Air Canada. She graduated with a Honours Bachelor Science and Aviation - Non Specialized (Biology Minor, Geomatics Option, French Certificate) from University of Waterloo, 2015.
In her free time she enjoys reading, baking, cooking, sewing, crocheting, hiking, dancing, and puzzles.
A fun fact about her and her role: “Fun fact about me, I learned to fly before I learned to drive! Got my Glider Pilot License the summer I turned 16, then my G1 about 8 months later, followed by my Private Pilot License the summer I turned 17, and another 8 months after that my G2. My current role is as a First Officer on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, flying mostly international routes, but the occasional domestic and transborder route as well. Most memorable flight so far was piloting a flight from Vancouver to Hong Kong; it stirred up some very sentimental feelings landing an aircraft back to my birthplace.”
When did your love of STEM begin?
My love of STEM began in elementary school. My parents were firm on me and my sister to be well rounded individuals, so we were enrolled in every community centre course under the sun. Alongside that were amazing teachers who taught STEM topics with enthusiasm and passion. Being able to conduct various experiments in school definitely helped with not just understanding the concepts, but keeping me engaged in learning.
What is the best part about working in the field of STEM?
It doesn't feel like work, for the most part. I'm very lucky to have a job that I'm happy to wake up and go to. It keeps me on my toes as no two situations are ever the same. I enjoy the puzzle solving, mind workouts, and continuous learning. Being able to travel the world is definitely a huge perk too.
What advice would you give young women interested in a career in STEM?
Passion will get you through more than you know. Being passionate about what you want to do will get you through all those concepts you have to know, exams you have to pass, people who will judge you based on what you look like, and any other obstacle that may come your way. There are many careers now that offer women groups so that we can better support each other, as well as mentorship programs. Don't be afraid to reach out! Be bold and introduce yourself, ask questions, get advice, and keep on learning. At the end, try to pay it forward too, keep the momentum going.