[Shenglong]

It doesn't really make a difference either way; it's not like you can change where you went for school. With that being said, I'm assuming you're defining "advantage" to mean being hired. If that's the case, you always have two steps to overcome:

1. Getting known

2. Proving yourself

The only part this may hurt you, is #1 - but that's easily overcome by attending conferences, and generally networking. If you missed CUTC (http://www.cutc.ca) this year, make sure to keep up to date with it and go next year. We had quite a few companies from software to consulting attend, with the primary motivation of recruiting. Typically the best students across Canada come (although Atlantic Canada is under represented), and companies have found it to be a very effective recruiting ground - since they actually get to meet students for minimal cost.

If you're graduating, you probably can't attend, but if you're looking for a full-time job and you're a good programmer, send me an email and I'll connect you to where I'm currently working (it'll be up to you to impress them).

[Brewer]

I'll be starting my second year in September, so I'll have plenty of time to attend this conference. Thanks for the link, I'll make a note of the date for next year and bookmark the site.

EDIT: Do you have any tips on networking? I have no problem talking to people, but starting the conversation is not my strong point.

[brg]

If you are just starting your second year, and you know you want to accomplish a lot in this field; attempt to transfer to a larger school with more opportunity, say Waterloo, by the end of the year.

[Shenglong]

I learned my networking from when I wanted to be an investment banker (ugh), and the strategy differs across sectors and people. You need to try and excite whoever you're talking to, and show them you're competent at the same time. If you do come to CUTC (the date on the site right now is for 2011), you'll hear a lot of networking stories.

A YC company's founder and an angel actually ended up drinking with us after the conference this year (angel won the drinking contest, sad). Networking comes in all shapes and sizes :)