From ledgers to logistics: Computer systems graduate quickly soars to CTO role
Apr 15, 2025 Ten years ago, Lawrence Young (Computer Systems Technology - Software Development and Network Engineering '18) never imagined a career in tech — let alone becoming the Chief Technology Officer of a logistics company.
"I always thought I was going to be in finance," says Young, whose interest in computer science was sparked by a co-op work term with a software company while he was studying finance in university. "But seeing first-hand how well that company treated and paid its software developers made me realize tech was starting to rule the world."
Young considered pursuing a master's degree in computer science before deciding Sheridan's Software Development and Network Engineering (SDNE) advanced diploma offered a more efficient route to a technology career. "Ultimately, I wanted the path that allowed me to move the fastest while still getting me where I wanted to go," he says. "Sometimes you just need to figure out how to win, and then go compete."
In addition to teaching various leading-edge computer systems technologies from the ground up, SDNE also provided many applied learning opportunities — and Young took full advantage. He participated in hackathons (helping his team finish third in the HackHalton Hackathon while he was still a first-year student), worked on numerous side projects, took additional courses and completed three co-op terms during his time at Sheridan.
Young's last co-op term, during which he developed a chatbot that could reimagine RBC's digital interactions with business banking clients, earned him national recognition as the 2018 Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL Canada) college co-op student of the year. It also led to his first software development job as a JavaScript Engineer for RBC Ventures (now RBCx), one of six full-time job offers Young received from RBC after completing his co-op.
“Ultimately, I wanted the path that allowed me to move the fastest while still getting me where I wanted to go. Sometimes you just need to figure out how to win, and then go compete.”
– Lawrence Young
Less than two years later, Young was hired as a software developer at Envoi, a Toronto-based courier company that supports enterprise retailers across Canada. He was quickly promoted to product and engineering lead, then to the company's director of product and engineering, and became Envoi's CTO in December.
"If you combine the co-ops I completed in university and at Sheridan with the work I did at RBC, I had the equivalent of 16 jobs by the time I got to Envoi," Young says of his rapid ascension in the field.
"Sheridan's SDNE program provided me with a strong foundation and applied learning experiences, and my co-op placements were really helpful as well. But the tech world moves so quickly that you also have to do your own curriculum on the side,” he adds. “Look at what's changing in the world, read books, listen to podcasts, follow the news, and build projects that solve actual problems."
Sheridan's Computer Systems Technology — Software Development and Network Engineering program teaches students how to create effective solutions to real-world problems by using such technologies as Cloud, Big Data, Spring Boot, Full-Stack Web Development, Android Kotlin, iOS Swift and Unity. The PGWP-eligible program also includes up to three co-op placements and a capstone project. Learn more by visiting our Computer Systems Technology — Software Development and Network Engineering program page.
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