Salary negotiations can be one of the most daunting yet important parts of your career, whether you're just starting out or making your next big move.
Join the Recent Engineering Alumni Council for an engaging panel discussion featuring accomplished alumni and an associate professor, as they share personal stories, professional insights, and practical advice on negotiating compensation with confidence.
Panelists include:
- Nick Mostowich (BASc 2016, systems design engineering) brings a technical lens from his experience in hiring and leadership at a high-growth tech company.
- Dr. Bruce MacVicar (associate professor) shares his expertise from the academic sphere, where negotiation plays a unique but critical role.
- Emily Powers (BASc 1989, chemical engineering) offers a candid perspective on navigating salary negotiations through her extensive experience in human resources and people management.
The event will include a dynamic panel discussion followed by an open-floor Q&A where you will have the opportunity to ask questions and walk away with actionable insights for your next salary negotiation.
Location: Zoom (register online to receive the link to join the session on Zoom)
Please note: This session is virtual and will be recorded. Please register to ensure that you receive the link to join the Zoom session and/or the link to the recording after the event.
Speakers:
Emily Powers
BASc 1989, chemical engineering
Group Vice President, Human Resources and Health, Safety and Environment
Chemtrade
Biography
Emily Powers is a distinguished professional with a robust background in engineering, business, and finance. She currently serves as the Group Vice President of Human Resources and Responsible Care at Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund. Emily's career is marked by her dedication to excellence and her ability to lead and innovate in various sectors.
Emily earned her Bachelor of Applied Science in Engineering, which laid the foundation for her technical expertise. She furthered her education by obtaining a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Queen’s University. This combination of technical and business acumen has enabled her to navigate complex challenges and drive strategic initiatives effectively.
Throughout her career, Emily has held several key positions that have contributed to her extensive experience in the industry. Her leadership roles have included overseeing human resources, implementing responsible care practices, and fostering a culture of safety and sustainability within organizations.
Emily is known for her strategic vision, strong leadership skills, and commitment to fostering inclusive and productive work environments. Her contributions have not only advanced the goals of the organizations she has been part of but also set a benchmark for industry standards in responsible care and human resource management.
Connect with Emily Powers on LinkedIn.
Bruce MacVicar
Associate professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering
University of Waterloo
Biography
Bruce MacVicar is an associate professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Waterloo. He leads the River Hydraulics Research Group in the department.
His research interests lie in river engineering, understanding the effect of urbanisation on sediment transport, studying the hydrodynamics of straight pools, and quantifying wood transport in rivers.
Professor MacVicar conducts research on hydraulic engineering and fluvial geomorphology, while placing a particular emphasis on river dynamics. His research uses field measurements, physical experiments and computer simulations to understand various aspects of river processes such as sediment transport and flow turbulence. He ultimately aims to improve engineering designs, protect and restore critical habitats in rivers and floodplains, and preserve the integrity of these complex systems.
Connect with Professor MacVicar on LinkedIn.
Nick Mostowich
BASc 2016, systems design engineering
Principal software engineer
Altena
Biography
Nick Mostowich is a 2016 graduate from systems design engineering. He is a principal software engineer at Altana, where he has helped grow the startup into a billion-dollar valuation while tripling the company's headcount. In his capacity as an engineering leader, he is involved in all aspects of technical hiring, interviewing recruiters and engineers, creating interview questions, and helping to define Altana's role specs and hiring strategies.
Recruited by Bridgewater Associates out of university, Nick spent five years in the hedge fund's Research and Account Management divisions, during which he was part of the recruitment, interviewing, and training of interns and recent graduates. After Bridgewater, Nick joined the startup world, working first as a team lead at NYDIG before joining Altana.
Connect with Nick Mostowich on LinkedIn.
Moderator:
Thiruni Thirimanne
BASc 2022, civil engineering; candidate for MASc, civil engineering
Sessional Lecturer
University of Waterloo
Biography:
Read about Thiruni Thirimanne's work as the events working group member on REAC.
Learn more about Thiruni's research interests through her master's research work.
Connect with Thiruni Thirimanne on LinkedIn.