吃瓜直播

For those working in high tech, 鈥渘ext-generation鈥� refers to new versions of software or hardware. But for 吃瓜直播 (TMU) alumnus Alex Finlayson, next-generation also refers to the sector鈥檚 future movers and shakers.  

During his first year at TMU, Alex wanted to get into the computer science co-op program 鈥� an opportunity to earn while he learned, as 鈥渕y parents were not in a situation where they had a ton of money.鈥� But after undergoing major surgery for scoliosis, his focus was disrupted. 

Thankfully, one of his professors saw Alex鈥檚 potential. 鈥淢ost of my marks were not great, but my computer science marks were A+,鈥� Alex recalled. 鈥淪o they had an interview and they said, 鈥極kay, we're going to let you in the program.鈥欌��

Before he graduated in 2006, Alex already had job offers from industry leaders like Alias|Wavefront (now Autodesk), where he worked for a couple of years. Then in 2009, Apple came to him with an offer he couldn鈥檛 refuse 鈥� to work on a top secret project that became the iPad 鈥�  and Alex has been based in Silicon Valley ever since. He鈥檚 currently employed with Google on its Futures Team, ideating cutting-edge projects and building prototypes.

Grateful for that all-important break he got at TMU, Alex established the Finlayson Innovation in User Experience Award, which annually goes to a computer science student who is developing creative uses for existing technology. Alex has also been an advisor with the Faculty of Science鈥檚 Career Mentorship Program for the past five years. In 2024, Alex was honoured with a G. Raymond Chang Outstanding Volunteer Award, in recognition of his contributions to his alma mater.

In hindsight, Alex realizes he鈥檚 been helping students since he was still a student himself, starting when he was a residence advisor at Pitman Hall and then at the International Living/Learning Centre, with responsibility for the floor community of 30+ students.

Help propel the next generation of alumni. .