Resume

Paul Nogas Canadian Citizen Born Mississauga, Ontario Aug 13, 1987 paulnogas@gmail.com home phone: 905-634-8880 mobile phone: 519-573-1470

Permanent Address: 960 Warwick Crt. #4 Burlington, ON L7T 45

Skills Summary

• Fluent in English and comfortable with the basics of the Japanese language through first year university course JAPAN 101R and self study
• Experienced instructor with a passion for education and student interaction
• Confident public speaker with a strong ability to simplify complex concepts
• Reliable leader that can work well independently or as part of a team

Education

Bachelor of Applied Science with Honours

Electrical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario Sept 2005 – Apr 2010

Work Experience

Digital Signal Research Analyst

ON Semiconductor, Waterloo, ON Sept 2009 – Dec 2009

• Explained product concepts and answered questions from non-technical partners
• Presented research results to various clients and customers

Teaching Assistant/ Lab Instructor

University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON Jan 2008 – Apr 2008

• Instructed first year university students in laboratory procedures and problem solving techniques for electromagnetism and circuit fundamentals course
• Guided students with academic and personal issues throughout the term in a friendly, approachable manner

Travelling Tutor

Blyth International Summers, Italy July 2007, Spain July 2010

• Taught students concepts in Grade 12 Math, English and Photography
• Led students on field trips while staying in various cities in a foreign country
• Assisted students with medical, emotional, and other personal issues during time abroad
• Adapted teaching methods to work with limited supplies, varying hours and changing locations

Distribution Line Technician

Hydro One, Barrie, ON Jan 2006 – Apr 2006, Sept 2006 – Dec 2006

• Independently trained and guided newly hired, full time employees
• Instructed line crews on how to install and remove electrical devices from Hydro One’s power grid

Computer Proficiency

• Proficient in Windows, Microsoft Office, Photoshop and object oriented programming languages

Relevant Knowledge and Experience

Resident DON

Conrad Grebel University College Jan 2007 – Apr 2007

• Responsible for student safety and the general upkeep of the residence facilities
• Mentored students through their first year of university while dealing with the challenges they faced being away from home

Grade 12 Physics Project

Electronic Control Through Sound Filtration May 2005

• Presented a sound activated, remote controlled toy car that was controlled by signals received through a microphone
• Facilitated an interactive demonstration of device with students and staff

Activities and Interests

Languages

• Self study of Japanese in spare time

Karate

• Black belt in Okinawan Go Ju Ryu Karate

Sigma Chi Fraternity

• Scholarship Chair, Social Chair, and Magister (planned and ran an educational program to teach new members about the history and ideals of the fraternity)

Engineering Society

• Interfaculty, environmental and athletic directors

Musician

• Guitar, harmonica, keyboard, and djembe (African drum)

Dance

• Experienced in Salsa, Tango, Swing, Ballroom and Ukrainian Dances.

Awards and Scholarships

Electrical Engineering Upper Year Scholarship

• for academic achievement at the University of Waterloo

Dean’s Honour List

• for academic achievement at the University of Waterloo

Electrical Engineering Entrance Scholarship

• for academic achievement, high ranking in interschool academic competitions and extra-circular involvement

Rotary Medal Award

• for academic achievement and community service

Teaching Philosophy

I believe that any student with a desire to learn is capable of fully understanding a subject. Although students may have different inherent aptitudes and abilities, I think that comprehension of the material is always possible. If students do not have a natural talent in a subject they can overcome it with hard work. The only way a student will work hard is if they are motivated and excited about what they are learning.

I have seen many capable students fail or give up on their studies due to poor teachers. These people either teach using only one method or they overload their students with redundant work, causing the student to loose their desire to learn. I believe that by connecting with students in a natural, friendly manner I will be successful at helping them overcome their weak points. I use a combination of various methods in my teaching including written, visual, auditory and interactive activities. This includes the use of pedagogical techniques such as games, group activities, videos, field trips and the use of props or items.

Why I Want to Work in Japan

I was first introduced to Japanese culture when I started training karate in grade 9. The classes were taught with all techniques named in Japanese. I enjoyed learning the language and martial art enough that I continued to learn more about the country through self study. This included basic conversational skills and a few written characters (hiragana, katakana and kanji). The more I learnt about Japan the more interested I became in the history and culture of the nation. I think what interested me the most was how the traditional Japanese culture seemed so different from North American and European culture. I am quite adventurous and open to try new things, so the idea of leaving my comfort zone and trying something completely new appealed to me. I made it a goal to live in Japan at some point in my lifetime and experience the culture in person.

There are many activities that I would like to do in Japan. I enjoy eating most types of seafood and love sushi. I am sure that the sushi I eat in Canada is not the same as authentic Japanese sushi. I can't wait to try the different varieties that are not available here. I am also interested in seeing a kabuki during my stay in Japan. In spring I would like to visit various shrines and in their true beauty especially when the Sakura trees are blossoming and when the Ikebana are at their best. I feel very comfortable in urban environments and hope to visit a few cities like Tokyo and Kyoto in my free time. Lastly, as an electrical engineering student with interests in robotics and automation, I would enjoy being able to explore one of the most technically advanced countries in the world and gain insight into the unique ways that Japan utilizes machines and electronics.