LAUREN MACDONNELL - Alumna Spotlight

Municipal Engineer-in-Training 

Q: When did you realize you had a talent for engineering?

I always enjoyed studying math and science and figured I would enjoy engineering since it is the application of math and science to solve real-world problems.

Q: As a kid, were there any formative experiences that helped to shape your path?

Being exposed to various careers in STEM at a young age certainly helped to foster an interest in science and math.

Q: At what point did you realize your chosen career path was for you?

I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy engineering until I started studying it in university as it can be difficult to fully understand what engineering is before entering the field. Once I started studying it I knew I made the right choice since I really enjoyed my classes and the material I was learning.

Q: Was your experience at Techsploration what you expected it to be? How did it impact your career choice or chosen career path?

Participating in the Techsploration program back in middle school was a great experience.  The program certainly opened my eyes to all the career possibilities in STEM that I hadn’t necessarily considered before.

Q: Do you have any role models within your career field?

I am inspired every day by all the female engineers I have met throughout my time studying engineering.

Q: What would you say to people – especially women – who might be considering a career in your field?

The great thing about engineering is that it is a broad field and there is most likely a discipline within engineering you would find interesting. Engineering is filled with opportunities and you could end up working in places you never expected. Engineering provides problem-solving skills and allows you to apply your knowledge to many types of problems.

Q: What is the best/most interesting part about your job?

The best part of civil engineering for me is applying problem solving skills to real-world problems that you can see around you and getting to work on projects like buildings, bridges, roads, and water systems.

Q: What’s one fun fact about you (i.e. your favourite hobby, a significant achievement, etc.)?

A fun fact about me is that I am a fiddler and a step dancer.