What do you love most about your profession? Why did you choose this career?
I love that every day is an opportunity to learn something new. There are always new challenges that give me the opportunity to connect with subject matter experts and mentors in my field to gain a greater perspective on what actions need to be taken. I'm glad that my current role keeps me on my toes. I originally chose this career path based on the local industry demand when I enrolled in post-secondary.
When did you realize you wanted to work in STEM or Skilled Trades?
I have always known I wanted to work in STEM. Science has been a big part of my academic life and is something I always excelled at and wanted to learn more about.
Why do we need more women in STEM and Skilled Trades?
We need more women in STEM and skilled trades because representation matters. Seeing women succeed in atypical fields will ensure future generations know that these are valid options for them. Diversifying the workforce leads to a greater pool of experiences, thought processes and perspectives. Without these differences between people, we are less likely to challenge the way of doing things and innovate processes. The only way that we are going to be able to overcome gender barriers is if more women pursue these careers.
How do you think the school you went to influenced your career?
I have always loved science and had some really great teachers who drew the best out of me in those courses. In high school Chemistry and Biology were my favourite. In post-secondary Psychology and Biochemistry became my favourites, I loved learning the intricacies of the human brain and why we do the things we do. The school I went to allowed me to be a qualified and competitive candite in job pools I applied for, and for that I am grateful, but the continued education and experience gained throughout my work took me on different career trajectory than school could have prepared me for.
What would you be looking for during an interview for an entry level position?
When interviewing for an entry level position you aren't expected to know everything. I would want the candidate I am interviewing to have a curiosity about the industry they are interviewing for, and the ability to be coachable.
What was your first job? What skills from it continue to help you in your current role?
My first job was as a server at a local restaurant, and I continued on that job path for many years throughout university and college. The skills I gained from working in the service industry have undoubtably opened doors for me on my career path. I learned to handle difficult situations in real time, developed an acute awareness of time management, and most of all learned to connect with many different groups of people. I highly recommend roles in the service industry or hospitality as great character building and personal development opportunities for young people.
What does your typical workday involve? Can you work remotely? (indoors/outdoors, office/plant, travel time, teamwork/solo work)?
On an average day, I travel to industrial plants throughout the Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Quebec where I conduct audits on raw water, boiler and wastewater treatment systems and provide recommendations on water treatment applications to maintain water quality specifications and asset integrity. The role involves a mixture of fieldwork, lab testing, meetings, presentation, and computer based work, where I generate service reports, quotations, and collaborate with operations and engineering teams.
What do you do for fun? What are some of your hobbies/activities?
Some of my favourite things to do are play golf, go to the gym, and socialize with old friends and new.
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