"Some of the most impactful things I learned was how to think quickly on my feet and collaborate with others to solve problems and generate ideas; these were things I practised in almost every class I took."
Siera Zandvliet
- Degree: Bachelor of Applied Science
- Grad year: 2023
- Program:
- Campus: Okanagan
Job: Project Coordinator, Emil Anderson Construction
What got you interested in engineering?
Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve always loved building and construction sites.
I originally wanted to be an architect, but when I did a job shadow at an architecture firm when I was in high school, the person I enjoyed talking to the most was a civil engineer. The work he was doing was really fascinating and I realized that civil engineering would better align with my interests and passions.
Tell us about your time at UBC.
The biggest highlight for me was co-op. When I started my degree, I didn’t have many connections with established engineers, and I wasn’t sure what direction I wanted to take my career.
Co-op gave me incredible work experience, helped me grow my network and introduced me to the different kinds of responsibilities and positions you can have as an engineer. I was able to try a couple different career paths and that really helped me when choosing my direction after graduation.
My first co-op position was at Emil Anderson Construction where I was a junior project coordinator. I was out on sites doing quality inspections and density testing to assess soil compaction. I did a second work term with the firm that focused more on surveying. My last eight-month position was with Glotman Simpson in an office position, working in the field of structural engineering.
All my co-op experiences were great, and trying two very different positions helped me decide on my career path. My co-op experience ultimately led to my full-time employment after graduation.
Applied Science Co-op Program Emil Anderson Construction Glotman Simpson
What do you like about field work?
I am a problem solver who likes to think fast and make decisions to keep things moving on the site. Every day is different, and you are faced with new challenges to solve. It’s such an exciting job and there is so much variety.
Tell us about your current position.
I am working as a project coordinator for Emil Anderson Construction, the firm where I did a couple co-op terms. My position is a mixture of field and office work depending on the time of year and the project. In the field, I survey, perform material testing, support traffic management, and inspect work to ensure quality.
One thing I love about my company is the opportunity I’m offered here. I get to stretch into different roles and do things I might not have the chance to do in a similar level position at a different firm. I feel that I have so much opportunity for growth, and I am constantly learning.
I also occasionally assist the project superintendents with supervision of construction activities. When I’m in the office, I could be working on submittals and work plans, pricing estimates, procurement or other responsibilities.
What’s the current project you are working on?
We’re building a new four-lane bridge in Sicamous to replace the original two-lane bridge from 1962. There are several interesting design and construction challenges associated with this project. The bridge is part of the Trans-Canada Highway, which means we need to work hard to minimize the impact of our construction activities on current traffic flow. This project also includes significant highway widening and safety improvements to highway intersections, all within quite a small area.
Did your engineering degree prepare you for your work?
The soft skills we learned in a technical communications course – where we covered professional correspondence and giving presentations – were also very helpful. Being able to be articulate and present yourself professionally can make a big difference in your career development.
Some of the most impactful things I learned was how to think quickly on my feet and collaborate with others to solve problems and generate ideas; these were things I practised in almost every class I took.
The other main thing is learning how to research to find answers yourself and becoming a lifelong learner. This is inherent in the job of an engineer, where you are expected to constantly be developing your knowledge and skills.
