Alumni Spotlight: Harry Riley

Choosing UBC and Materials Engineering

As a high school student in South Africa, Harry had been considering different universities across Europe and North America. He was already interested in Materials Engineering, but UBC's general first-year program stood out. At other schools, "it was like you had to know right out the gate what you wanted to do" he says. UBC's structure allowed him to confirm his interest. 

Although his first year was challenging - "It felt like IB year 3.5", he joked - it only solidified his decision. He was once again drawn to Materials during departmental presentations and open houses. "I chatted with Materials people and just knew that I want to do this program." 

Learning Through Hands-on Experience

Harry’s second year brought a lighter course load, more specialized classes, and the hope of landing his first co-op job. But COVID-19 hit and hiring all but froze. Despite working closely with his co-op advisor, jobs were scarce. 

Eventually, he secured a summer job as a mechanic. While not a co-op placement, he was able to have it qualified as a co-op position given the circumstances. “It was a more physical, technician-style role rather than a science theory approach,” he explains. The job gave him practical skills and a different perspective on engineering work.

Harry continued applying for co-op roles and soon landed a position with the National Research Council (NRC) working on polymeric membranes for vanadium redox flow batteries. “Prior to reading that job posting, I hadn’t even heard of a redox flow battery,” he says, “but it really piqued my interest.”

His hands-on experience in a UBC lab and the mechanic’s garage helped him stand out. 

I loved my job there […] It was really eye-opening as to what engineering and science can be like in the workplace.

With classes still online and an enjoyment of his work, he asked to extend his term. The NRC agreed and adding him to a second project on sustainable energy research. Those eight months, he says, were a major boost to his career and led to his name on two published research papers.

Leading the UBC Formula Racing Team

Returning to school, Harry took on the role of Team Captain for the UBC’s Formula SAE student team. He credits this experience as a major influence on developing his engineering skills and leadership. “It was really eye-opening into what it can be like to not just do engineering at a very high level at university, but also understanding self-discipline and motivation and what it means to actually help others as well in their quest for knowledge.”

To manage school, team, and co-op job applications, he scheduled most of his lectures on a single day, work with the team on another day, and carved out a few hours every other day for co-op job applications. He personalized every cover letter, making sure he understood each company and role. That extra effort paid off with positions like his next co-op at Moon and Mars, a Canadian aerospace startup.

Working on the Fastest Cars in the World 

After graduation, Harry set his sights on Europe to be closer to family. As a lifelong car enthusiast, he was especially drawn to the automotive sector. This goal led him to Koenigsegg Automotive AB, a Swedish hypercar manufacturer known for record-breaking speed and cutting-edge design innovation.

Harry applied to several roles he was genuinely excited about, but he didn’t stop there. He reached out to engineers and hiring managers on LinkedIn, asking questions and building connections. “I pestered everyone I could find,” he laughs. One of those messages landed with his future manager—a Canadian who had lived and worked in Vancouver. They hit it off right away. After nearly eight months of applying, Harry was hired as a Prototype Technician in the battery department—a role that built directly on his NRC co-op experience. When he expressed interest in growing into an engineering role, the team supported him. He now works as a High Voltage Prototype Engineer, responsible for the prototyping and industrialization of the battery.

It's almost like what I was doing at the formula team, but it's more money more know-how and more passion as well. People here are really excited about what they do.

Harry's Advice to Students

Apply your skills. You don’t have to be on a student team to gain practical experience. Take on a personal project, even if it doesn’t get built. Being able to walk through your process and explain your thinking is what counts.

Network to learn, not just to get hired. Networking played a big role in shaping Harry’s career path. He admits that, like many students, he initially saw it as a way to land a job. But his advice is to treat it as an opportunity to explore. You might discover something that really excites you, or find out early that it isn’t for you.

Take initiative. From cold messages to customized cover letters, Harry credits his progress to putting himself out there, asking questions, and doing the work to follow through.

Don’t be afraid of the unknown. Not knowing opens you up to discovery. Embrace the uncertainty—it’s often where the most exciting, rewarding opportunities begin.