What do you love most about your profession? Why did you choose this career?
What I love the most about electrical engineering is the wide variety of opportunities that are presented. A vast number, if not all industries rely on electrical engineers every day. This includes industries such as utilities, oil and gas, automotive, biomedical, tech and so many more. These opportunities, along with the challenge of studying such a complex subject, played a large role in my choosing this career path.
When did you realize you wanted to work in STEM or Skilled Trades?
I realized I wanted to pursue a career in STEM the summer before grade 12. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in the WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) Summer Internship Program and spent the summer working with C-CORE in the geotechnical engineering department. This internship sparked my interest to further explore other engineering fields.
Why do we need more women in STEM and Skilled Trades?
Women have proven time and time again that they are just as intelligent and capable as their male counterparts. There is no reason for there not to be more women in STEM and Skilled Trades, and by having more women many existing stereotypes of women in male-dominated fields will diminish. This in turn will attract more women and further the profession or trade.
What does your typical workday involve? Can you work remotely? (indoors/outdoors, office/plant, travel time, teamwork/solo work)?
Each day can look very different for a student in a co-op program. Attending classes, completing labs and preparing for exams is only the school side of the program. Having the opportunity to complete 2 full years of work experience within the program allows you to experience many different work environments and figure out where you could see yourself after graduation. From working days in the office, visiting sites, travelling hours to different locations, attending meetings, and conferences, you get to see it all while being a student.
Who is your role model? What is it about this person that inspires you?
My biggest role model is definitely my mom. She’s always been a kind, hard-working and compassionate person, which are qualities I find important in a role model. She has always supported me and has never attempted to push me in a direction in which I didn’t want to go.
What do you do for fun? What are some of your hobbies/activities?
I am a member of the Memorial University Women’s Soccer Team so that takes up a lot of my time outside of my academics. When I have extra time on my hands, I still like to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. Most of the time I can be found hiking with my dog and friends, kayaking, downhill skiing, mountain biking or exploring and cooking new healthy meals.
What advice would you give students who might be considering a career like yours? What advice would you have given your younger self?
I would tell them not to be afraid of taking risks and challenges. With so many possibilities in the STEM world, it is easy to get overwhelmed and worry that you may select the wrong path. Give new experiences a chance. I was not immediately sure that I made the right decision in choosing electrical engineering, but I persevered and now know that I made the right choice! Nothing is set in stone though. If you are not happy with your choice as you move through a program, you can always change. Much of the work you do for one discipline, will meet the requirements of another discipline so nothing is lost!
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