Company: Suncor Energy Inc.

Position: Engineer-in-Training (Reliability Analyst)

Employed: 1 year

Degree: B.Sc. Mining Engineering, University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta

What drew you to your current field?
I've always been interested in the technical aspects of engineering and how it's used in the real world. The hands-on nature of Alberta's oil and gas mining industry is what drew me in, especially as a young engineer. Having the opportunity to work right where the equipment is used and directly with the people in my team is a great way to learn. Alberta's oil and gas industry has so much opportunity for young people to grow. That's why I thought it would be a great place for me to start my career.

How did you find your current position? 
I got to know Suncor through their campus recruitment program. I worked two co-op terms with Suncor in the Fort McMurray region and once I finished university, I applied for the Engineer-in-Training (EIT) position I'm in today. I knew I would have a chance to contribute and grow at Suncor. I knew the EIT program would help me succeed.

What is the most challenging aspect of your position?
I ensure the long-term reliability of our mining equipment without impacting its short-term availability. It's a constant balancing act to meet the production requirements of today against the reliability requirements of the equipment tomorrow. I like a challenge, and I like that I get the right amount of support and guidance from my supervisors.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Day-to-day work in Suncor's mine, right on the front line, is very rewarding. I have the opportunity to see my work in action and interact with my colleagues face-to-face. I find the hands-on field experience very valuable; it helps me to be more practical when I'm doing technical work.

What skills have you learned through your work experience?
In Suncor's mine, I work with people from a variety of different backgrounds such as engineers, trades people, and front line supervisors. That experience has challenged me to improve my communication and team work skills. 

What do you think it takes to be successful in this career?
Being personable and having good working relationships with my teams have been a big success factor for me. Also, being open to learning new things and new ways of doing things is very important to advancing my career. 

Is there one accomplishment you are most proud of to date?
So far, I'm most proud of finishing my degree and starting my career at Suncor. 

What are your future career aspirations?
Eventually, I would like to become a front line supervisor in the mine at Suncor. I think if I keep working hard and learning different aspects of engineering through the EIT rotation program at Suncor, I can get there.

What advice do you have for students looking to land their first job?
Be open to every opportunity and challenge yourself by trying new things early in your career. Check Suncor's new grad postings online!
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