"I was drawn to engineering because of its practical applications and the way it integrates multiple disciplines, allowing me to combine my varied interests in a meaningful way."
![Taylor Chisholm smiling](/sites/default/files/styles/max_480w/public/spotlight-images/2024-07/Taylor_headshot.jpg?itok=iwfcJbCw)
Taylor Chisholm
- Degree: Bachelor of Applied Science
- Program:
- Campus: Vancouver
How did you become interested in engineering?
In high school, I was strong in math and physics, but I also had a strong interest in English and geography. This made choosing a university major very challenging!
I was drawn to engineering because of its practical applications and the way it integrates multiple disciplines, allowing me to combine my varied interests in a meaningful way.
![Questions about engineering](/sites/default/files/styles/square_200/public/2024-07/whyeng-set13-square-1080x1080.png?itok=8pWEDc6p)
How did you choose Geological Engineering?
In my first year there were presentations about the different engineering programs and there was one on Geological Engineering. I didn’t even know it was something you could pursue! I’d taken an earth science elective in first year and found myself reading up and learning more about earth science in my spare time, so that was a good indicator that geological engineering was where I belonged.
Tell us about your co-op experience.
Over 16 months of co-op I worked for Teck Resources in the Elk Valley and at Rio Tinto’s Diavik diamond mine in the Northwest Territories. These positions enabled me to experience the mining industry first-hand and helped me learn so much about myself, both as an individual and as a professional. These aren’t traditional 9-to-5 jobs!
In Elk Valley, I experienced life in a small town with numerous outdoor activities, which was a refreshing change. At the Diavik mine, located about 200 kilometres from the Arctic Circle, I worked on a rotation of two weeks on and two weeks off, which was both challenging and rewarding.
Another significant aspect of my co-op experience was seeing what it’s like to be a woman in the mining industry.
Initially I had concerns about this, but on site I was treated with full respect by all my co-workers and had the support of both male and female supervisors. This experience not only enhanced my technical skills but also gave me confidence in navigating a traditionally male-dominated field.
![Taylor's co-op](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/2024-07/taylor_co-opphoto.jpg?itok=OQ6WSJJL)
What skills do you think you’ve acquired during your degree?
I am much better at seeing the connections between different systems and I’ve developed strong problem-solving skills.
There are many technical aspects to engineering, but as you get into your upper-level classes you also start to learn the value of communication and how important it is be able to clearly communicate technical ideas. As an engineer, you are interacting with so many groups of people who will have varying degrees of technical knowledge. Being able to understand and clearly explain engineering concepts is such a valuable skill.
![Skills needed to succeed as an engineer](/sites/default/files/styles/square_200/public/2024-07/whyeng-set16-square-logo-1080x1080.png?itok=rCy1bVbQ)
![Taylor's capstone project](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/2024-07/taylor_capstone.png?itok=8FZvZ39a)
Is there anything you’d like to achieve in your career?
Just like in my extracurricular roles, I always dive in headfirst, learn extensively and then strive to make things easier for those who come after me. I want to carry this approach into my career as well.
Mining is one of the industries with the lowest number of females in C-suite positions, and I’d like to contribute to bringing more women into this program and industry.