‘I had a truly memorable time at USask’

For Adnan Fida (BSc’00, MSc’08), the decision to study at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) has had “a profound impact” on his life and career.

Fida enrolled in USask’s College of Arts and Science in the mid-1990s with the goal of exploring what he considered to be “a new, upcoming industry” at the time: computer science. Fida quickly found computer science to be a great fit for him; he went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree at USask in 2000, followed by a Master of Science degree in 2008. Today, he is a software engineer and technologist with more than 25 years of experience and is currently employed as a principal AI engineer at Google in the Chicago area in the U.S.

“I enjoy my career because computer science has become a core part of our daily lives,” he told the Green&White. “Although I never imagined in the ’90s that technology would become as integrated as it is today, I’ve always found gratification in being able to solve problems and discover new methods using the principles of computer science. It's very satisfying to be a part of a leading-edge domain where one can directly contribute to positive change.”

Fida first graduated from USask 25 years ago, making him one of this year’s Silver Grads. The Green&White recently asked him about his memories from his time at the university, as well as about his successful career in computer science and his advice for other students and recent alumni who may want to embark on a similar path.

Why did you choose to study at USask?

I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in 2000, and my Master of Science degree in 2008. I chose to study at the University of Saskatchewan because it was the best option for me in the mid-’90s. At the time, computer science was becoming a promising career, and I was looking for a school to pursue my bachelor’s degree. I learned that USask’s Department of Computer Science had recently been recognized as the No. 1 department in North America for its research impact.

The decision to attend USask was also influenced by the cost of tuition, the quality of life in Saskatoon, and the strong sense of student community that the university offered. After getting to know the faculty and the quality of the computer science program, I was eager to continue my education through the master’s program while working full-time in Saskatoon. It took a while, but I successfully defended my master’s thesis and earned my degree in 2008.

What is your focus in your current job?

I am a principal AI engineer at Google. My current focus is to help business enterprises across North America leverage the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve their operations and innovate more easily. I collaborate with technology and business leaders to solve complex problems by leveraging technology in both the operational and innovation domains.

How has your USask education impacted your career?

My education at USask had a profound impact on my career. The professors and classes were challenging but expanded my horizons and offered many new possibilities. Being able to understand, associate, and create new ways of doing things, solving problems, or creating new things became possible because of my time at USask, which I will always cherish.

It’s been 25 years since you graduated from USask. What are your reflections as a Silver Grad?

It’s surreal to think that it’s been 25 years since I graduated. It still feels like yesterday roaming around in lower Place Riel and running between the College of Arts and Science and the College of Engineering. Looking at some of the pictures that were shared, I was reminded of the good times, friendly atmosphere, and the vibrant vibe that USask provided. My time at USask had a profound impact on my life, and I will always celebrate it.

I have so many fond memories. I was lucky enough to be there during Hell Week when E-Plant was still a tradition. Students cheering and stomping through the hallways during E-Plant is something that still comes to mind. Other memories include the late nights spent in various libraries, the stress and emotions that came with them, and the fun mid-morning vibes in the lower Place Riel food court.

I had a truly memorable time at USask and being part of its history is something I’ll always remember. To current students, enjoy your time! I hope to run into another USask alumnus somewhere.

What advice do you have for current USask students and recent alumni who may want to follow in your footsteps?

My advice for current USask students and recent alumni is to be curious, experiment, and not be afraid of failure. We are privileged to live in a time with access to information and tools that allow us to create and improve many aspects of our lives and the lives of others, all while having fun. Don’t see problems as an annoyance, but as an opportunity to learn and explore. Someone once said, “if you are not failing enough, you are not trying enough,” so embrace uncertainty and grow from it in your professional and personal life.