SuccessBeyond

I was inspired by the massive development happening across Ontario and wanted to be a part of it. My interest in structures and creativity grew while helping family and friends with design and development ideas for their properties. This hands-on experience sparked my passion for engineering and enrolling in the Civil Engineering Technology program at Seneca felt like the perfect way to turn that passion into a career.

My experience at Seneca was overwhelmingly positive. The classes struck a perfect balance between affordability and academic excellence, making it a great environment for learning. The professors, especially those teaching technical courses, were exceptional. They provided not only in-depth knowledge, but also introduced us to software tools that optimized results and enhanced our engagement with the course material. The overall environment was clean, professional and well-suited, creating an ideal space for both academic and personal growth.

There were several significant moments for me at Seneca, but two stand out. First, the geotechnical studies in the lab were incredibly engaging. The hands-on setup allowed me to explore and understand how different surface conditions and water levels affect structural stability. It was fascinating to dive into this area, which opened my eyes to the potential of geotechnical engineering as a lifelong career path. Second, my co-op experience with Dufferin Construction Company was a defining moment. It provided invaluable real-world learning opportunities that complemented my academic knowledge and deepened my understanding of the construction industry.

I was part of the Heavy Construction Association of Toronto (HCAT) scholarship program, which gave me the incredible opportunity to work for eight months as a construction co-ordinator at Dufferin Construction Company. This experience was immensely beneficial for my career. It helped me develop critical skills like problem-solving, risk mitigation and maintaining safety standards by managing safety documentation and procedures throughout construction projects. These experiences shaped my professional outlook and reinforced the importance of safety and efficiency in the industry.

The desire to enhance my credentials and advance in the field of civil engineering motivated me to take the next step in my education. My goal is to become a licensed professional engineer in Ontario and further education is essential to meet the requirements. While my diploma and the co-op experience I gained in my second year provided a solid foundation for starting my career, I decided to pursue an advanced level of study to deepen my knowledge and open doors to greater opportunities in the industry.

I first discovered the pathway opportunities through information on the Seneca website, where Lakehead University was mentioned as a possible option if I excelled in my studies. Later, a representative team from Queen's University visited our class and provided valuable advice about their bridging program. They emphasized the importance of maintaining strong grades to qualify for enrolment. This guidance played a key role in helping me understand the process and motivated me to pursue this opportunity.

The technical studies at Seneca, particularly in areas like hydraulics, structural design, building design and concrete design, provided an excellent foundation. These courses gave me a strong grasp of essential principles and practical applications, which made it easier to build upon that knowledge during the advanced coursework at Queen’s University.

The transition from a diploma to a degree program highlighted significant differences, particularly in the depth of engagement with the material. While the diploma program provided sufficient knowledge to start a career, it lacked the depth required for more advanced tasks, such as creating engineering reports or contributing to innovative projects. University courses delved deeper into the subject matter, providing a more comprehensive understanding and equipping me with the skills necessary to become an asset in the field of engineering.

Having both a diploma and a degree has been incredibly advantageous. The diploma provides a professional credential that is recognized in the industry, giving me a practical understanding that many of my peers in university didn’t have the chance to gain. While they were focused on theoretical concepts, the polytechnic program emphasized real-world applications and skills that are directly relevant to the field. This hands-on experience has given me a unique edge, as I’m able to apply both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise in my work.

If you have a solid foundation in math and physics, pursuing a degree could be a great choice for you. However, keep in mind that university engineering courses won’t necessarily be easier — they will require even deeper understanding and commitment. It’s important to make a thoughtful decision, but don’t be afraid to take the leap. If your goal is to achieve your professional engineer licence, this path is a valuable opportunity to get there.

The best strategy is to view your studies as an essential part of your professional career plan. Maintaining integrity in all your submissions and putting in your best effort will not only enhance your skills, but also position you for better job opportunities in the future. Current students should take time to understand their own best interests and focus on what they truly want in life. Dedicate yourself fully to your goals, both academically and personally and always keep the bigger picture in mind as you navigate the balance between school and life.

Currently, I’m studying full-time at Queen’s University, but I’ve also made sure to stay connected with the construction development projects I’ve worked on in the past. Maintaining these relationships has been important as I continue my studies. In addition to my academic work, I’m part of the Queen’s water polo team, which has been a great way to balance my social life and stay active. I plan to continue this balance and am actively seeking engineering intern positions for the summer to gain further hands-on experience in the field.

In the short term, my goal is to secure an engineering intern position with a municipality or a structural design firm. I want to enhance my skills in these areas and gain hands-on experience to better prepare for my future career. Looking further ahead, my long-term goal is to expand my perspective on large-scale development projects, particularly in the financial sector. I’m interested in working on project estimations, feasibility consultations and exploring alternative solutions to improve the overall effectiveness and efficiency of major construction projects.