Janice Stonebridge, Environmental Engineering - Class of 2015
Graduate program
Mast of Science (MSc) in Earth Sciences and Civil Engineering - Water
Graduation year
2018
Why did you choose your undergraduate program?
When considering my undergraduate program options, I knew I wanted to go into a program with an environmental focus. Environmental engineering won out among other options I considered because of the increased options for co-operative education opportunities, the emphasis on science and math, as well as the opportunity to earn a professional designation.
How did you like your experience at UWaterloo?
My experience at UWaterloo was great! I made some amazing friends through my program, got the opportunity to try out a great variety of extra-curriculars, and graduated feeling ready to advance my career.
What were your favourite classes?
During undergrad, I really enjoyed the calculus courses (although please don't ask me to derive anything now). The classes that have stuck with me throughout entering the work force are the 1st year programming course, the field methods and concepts course, and the fourth year design project.
How did the friends you made at UWaterloo inspire you throughout your undergraduate experience?
When I started undergrad, I discovered a whole class of people with similar interests and aptitudes as myself. This transition pushed me to work harder in order to keep up academically. Learning about other people's co-op jobs also helped me to think about what sorts of jobs I wanted to apply to in the future.
Co-op work term history
|
What is the biggest lesson you learned from co-op?
I learned that you should ask questions - you'll get a lot more patience from work colleagues when you're a co-op student, so you may as well take advantage of it! And it's also OK to make mistakes, especially when you take ownership of the mistakes and can prove you learned from the experience.
What is your occupation now?
Environmental Engineer, Environmental Services, Stantec Consulting Ltd.
Did your undergraduate program play a role in where you are today? How?
Definitely. I reached out to the team from my last co-op term at the end of my Master's program to see if they would be hiring. And the rest is history! Keeping in touch with people you've worked with during co-op is highly recommended.
List 3 lessons you'd like to share with the current undergraduate students.
- Pick elective courses that suit your co-op/ future job interests.
- Save some time for extra-curriculars that interest you.
- Try to pick at least one co-op job that takes you out of your comfort zone. Either based on location of job experience.