Nathalie Skaf

Why did you choose your undergraduate program?

Since I can remember I've loved and sought out new challenges and problems to solve. This combined with my fondness of physics and math lead me to believe early on that a career in engineering would suit me best. Before going to university I was sure I wanted to be either a mechanical or aerospace engineer, and after being accepted to UW's Mechanical program I had a change of heart! There were many reasons for deciding to go to Civil instead, but one of the main ones was that I was enamoured by the design of houses. I wanted to learn everything there was to know about the design and construction of both custom homes and large subdivisions.

How did you like your experience at UWaterloo?

I loved my time at the University of Waterloo! I decided to take a broad approach to my experience, meaning I decided to spread my time between studying, varsity sports, design teams, leadership roles, and socializing. Going in to UW I knew that I couldn't just pick one of these if I wanted to grow in a well-rounded manner. If I had to go back and do it all over again, I would do it the exact same way!

What were your favourite classes?

I loved any subject related to math and physics. In the first 2-3 years I loved all of the calculus, linear algebra, statistics, economics, physics, solid mechanics, differential equations, and fluid mechanics courses. Towards the end of the degree I focused my specialization on structural engineering courses- more solid mechanics, geotechnical engineering, structural analysis, and concrete, steel, timber, rehabilitation design courses.

How did the friends you made at UWaterloo inspire you throughout your undergraduate experience?

In first year my marks were not very good as a result of splitting my time between varsity sports, school, and socializing. But I made some really good friends outside of class that had decided to make studying and marks their number 1 priority. So I leaned on them for some help and inspiration. I still remember booking time with specific people so that they could help me out with the topics that I found challenging. After first year I was able to develop the right balance between all my interests, and as such my marks went up significantly. After that my friends inspired me in different ways, for example, we would talk about business ideas and potential gaps in the industry that we could commercialize!

Co-op work term history 1. Project Manager Assistant (Metric Contracting/ Brampton ON) 2. Rock Mechanics Engineering Intern (Amec Foster Wheeler/ Mississauga ON) 3. Building Technology Intern (Simpson Gumpertz & Heger/ Boston MA) 4. Construction Administration Assistant (Urbantech West/ Oakville ON) 5&6. Structural Engineering Assistant (WalterFedy/ Kitchener ON)

What is the biggest lesson you learned from co-op?

Coop taught me how to approach in-school learning in a more practical manner. It wasn't necessarily about how well you know something, but about how fast and efficient you are at learning new things.

What is your occupation now?

After I graduated from my undergrad in Civil Engineering, I worked as a Structural Engineer in Training (EIT) for about a year. After that I had a change of heart (back to the old dreams) and decided to go back to UW to complete a Master of Engineering degree specialized in Design Engineering and Business/Entrepreneurship with the Mechanical Engineering department. I am currently a Sustainability Analyst with WSP working on green infrastructure projects!

Did your undergraduate program play a role in where you are today? How?

Definitely. The combination of my undergraduate studies and coops allowed me to develop a broad and holistic understanding of the built environment. I learned from different angles what it takes to plan, develop, design, and build infrastructure of all types including roads, dams, bridges, buildings, etc. This undergrad in combined with my masters degree allowed me to think outside the traditional box of a civil engineer, allowing me to apply system and design thinking tools to help solve and lessen the impact of one of the most complex problems humanity faces today: climate change.

List 3 lessons you'd like to share with the current undergraduate students.

1. Listen to your heart when you're in school, even if it means losing a year or two to change direction. There is so much time left in your career, so it is important to study something you love and have a passion for!
2. Invest in other areas of your life in those 5 undergraduate years. Studying will only get you one-dimensional growth, so put yourself in new situations that are outside of your comfort zone!
3. Grades, especially in first year, are going to be lower than you expect. Nobody cares, trust me! It's about what you do when you get knocked-down!