What inspired you to pursue engineering?

I always loved the sciences, physics, chemistry, and biology, and I was naturally strong in math. Engineering seemed like a natural choice since it combines those subjects with problem-solving. In Grade 11, I visited the Kennedy Space Center, and that really sparked my interest in mechanical engineering, and at that time, specifically aerospace engineering. That being said, I wasn’t 100% sure about engineering, but I thought, Why not give it a shot?

How did you choose mechanical engineering?

I started off thinking about aerospace engineering, and mechanical engineering seemed like the best path toward that. During the general first year of engineering, I discovered I really enjoyed dynamic physics, and the classes aimed towards the mechanical stream. Later in my degree, I took more courses in energy transfer and fluid dynamics, which shifted my interests to energy efficiency and sustainability. Mechanical engineering is broad, so I liked that I had options to explore different industries.

What was your first year of engineering like? 

It was a big adjustment, but it was a great experience, and I learned so much in that first year. In high school, I never needed a real study strategy, but that changed in university – I realized I needed to learn how to study properly. The biggest challenge for me was calculus—math had always been my strong suit, but suddenly, I was struggling. I had to figure out how to study effectively, and the biggest lesson I learned was that it’s okay to ask for help. Towards the second half of my first year, I started to make more friends in my program, joined study groups, got involved in more extracurriculars, and started to really enjoy myself! 

What helped you succeed academically?

Finding a good study group. In my first year, I tried to do everything on my own, but later, I realized that working with other people was super helpful. Having friends explain concepts in different ways and bouncing ideas off each other made a huge difference.

Did you participate in any extracurricular activities?

Yes! I was on the University of Alberta EcoCar Team, where we built a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. That gave me hands-on experience with CAD, 3D printing, welding, and manufacturing techniques. It was one of the best parts of my university experience because I got to apply what I was learning in class to real-world projects. I was mechanical co-lead for a year and a half, which helped me to gain leadership experience and allowed me the chance to manage a group of people. I also got to travel to California with the team and race the vehicle, which was amazing!

Did you do any internships?

I did a summer internship at a construction company in Edmonton. It wasn’t specifically geared towards mechanical engineering, but I got the chance to work alongside mechanical, electrical, and structural engineers. It gave me insight into construction processes and different engineering disciplines, I learned how mechanical systems worked in buildings, and it helped me figure out what I did and didn’t want to do.

How was the social atmosphere at the University of Alberta?

It was great! The university has a strong sense of community, and there are tons of extracurricular activities. They regularly hold events for the engineering faculty as well as campus-wide events, and it’s always fun to get involved in those! I grew up in Edmonton, so I knew people going in, but I found it easy to make friends in classes. From what I saw, it also seemed easy for out-of-town students to meet people – residence life and student clubs help with that! 

Was it difficult to find a job after graduation?

I didn’t have too much trouble finding a job - when I graduated, companies seemed to be hiring a lot of new grads, which really helped me out. Mechanical engineering is a relatively stable field, and most of the people I went to school with were able to find jobs without an issue. I started off with a job at a construction company in Victoria working as a project coordinator and then moved on to my current position at a mechanical consulting firm. Internships and extracurriculars really help make you stand out when applying for jobs – I found that my experience with the EcoCar team really helped me during interviews.

What does your job involve?

My company primarily provides mechanical consulting services to K-12 schools, which involves mechanical system design and upgrades. I’m currently working as a Design Engineer with an EIT (Engineer-in-Training) designation. I’m responsible for helping out with HVAC and mechanical system design, as well as energy modelling. A large part of my job is doing design work using Revit and occasionally using AutoCAD. For the energy modelling aspect, I use simulation software to predict the energy usage of buildings and analyze how to make them more energy efficient. The simulations are important because they ensure that our systems are as efficient as possible while also ensuring that the children in school can learn in a comfortable environment! My work directly requires knowledge that I learned in university – I occasionally get to pull out textbooks that I used in my classes, which feels very satisfying! My job is mostly desk-based, but I get to travel for site visits a few times a month to inspect buildings and systems in Victoria. Occasionally I get to travel across the province for site visits, which is always exciting!

What does a typical day look like?

Most days, I’m working with Revit to create drawings, using my energy modelling software to run simulations, or writing reports. If I have a site visit, I’ll go inspect HVAC systems, which would include boilers, ductwork, piping, or other mechanical equipment in buildings. It’s a mix of technical work and communication, where I'm explaining my findings to clients or my team.

How is the work-life balance?

It’s pretty good! I usually work from 8:30 to 5:00, and I don’t typically have to take work home with me. There are busy times when we need to meet project deadlines, and I might work a little extra, but overall, I have time for hobbies and personal life. I love outdoor activities like trail running and mountain biking, so I make sure to fit those in.

What has your experience been like as a woman in a male-dominated industry?

In construction, especially, it’s very male-dominated, but I’ve been lucky to work with some great people. That said, I have faced situations where I had to assert myself more than my male colleagues. I joined a Women in Construction organization, which has been great for networking and support. My advice for other women in engineering is to be confident and advocate for yourself, and join a networking group for women in your industry!

What soft skills are important for engineers?

Perseverance is key because engineering can be tough, and you have to push through challenges. Teamwork is also huge—being able to collaborate well makes a big difference. And being open to learning new things is crucial because technology is always evolving.

How do you see AI affecting mechanical engineering?

Right now, my work does not involve AI at all, however, I’ve seen it used for automating repetitive calculations and optimizing designs in other industries. Some engineers are experimenting with AI for research and predictive modelling. I think it’ll definitely play a bigger role in the future.

What’s the process of getting a P.Eng. (Professional Engineer) license?

In order to apply to become a P.Eng., you need to meet the academic requirements, complete four years of work experience, submit a competency self-assessment, pass an ethics exam, and then apply for the designation. A P.Eng. designation allows you to practice engineering in your province and take legal responsibility for engineering work.

Any advice for aspiring engineers?

Be open to different fields within engineering. Try different courses and extracurriculars to find what you enjoy. Don’t be afraid to ask for help—whether from professors, classmates, or mentors. Find a balance between studying and having a personal life. And if you’re passionate about it, stick with it—it’s a rewarding career!