After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Biology with a minor in Psychology, Aileen Maynard quickly realized that a career in her field of study was not her true calling. She took time to reflect to discover where her interests lay, and she set off to find a path that would engage her mind and spark her curiosity.
“I wanted to work in something hands-on,” she says. “I wanted to see my ideas become a reality.”
Discovering her true passion
In her quest for a fulfilling career, Aileen found the Trades Discovery for Women program at BCIT. The four-month program, designed to introduce women to a variety of trades, opened her eyes to new possibilities. A two-week job shadow assignment with BC Hydro electricians led to a summer internship with BC Hydro’s electrical design team. It was there she discovered her calling in electrical engineering and went on to enrol in BCIT’s Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering program.
“Engineering really made sense to me,” explains Aileen. “I had the choice between pursuing the diploma or the engineering degree and I chose the degree path because I like the idea of starting with concepts and ideas and transforming them into something practical in the real world.”
Excelling in engineering
Once in the program, Aileen thrived in the collaborative environment. The informal setting and smaller class sizes allowed her to build strong relationships with classmates and instructors who became her support network.
“The instructors were very involved and gave good advice,” Aileen shares. “I appreciated the kind of specialized attention I got at BCIT.”
Aileen also valued the hands-on experience the program offered. She completed a four-month work term with the Canadian Coast Guard’s inspection team ensuring new ships were being built to code. When her co-op finished, the Coast Guard hired her as a part-time contract employee.
“I enjoyed working with the Coast Guard,” explains Aileen. “The job involved a lot of verification, and it showed me that I wanted to be somewhere where I could get more base knowledge to become an expert in my field. That experience led me to my current job in consulting engineering.”
Finding her spark
Today, Aileen is a consultant for Hedgehog Technologies, a multidisciplinary firm specializing in providing creative and innovative engineering solutions for clients across Canada and around the world. At Hedgehog, Aileen is exposed to a large breadth of work and has the opportunity to explore fields including industrial, safety-critical systems like amusement park rides, and renewable projects.
“It’s been a great way to learn, see what’s out there, and talk to a whole slate of clients,” she says. “I find the work fascinating.”
Working on meaningful projects
Aileen is currently an Engineer-in-Training and is project managing a solar energy project with Tll Yahda Energy, an independent energy utility company comprised of the Old Massett Village Council, the Skidegate Band Council and the Council of the Haida Nation. The project aims to create and bring clean energy to Haida Gwaii, empowering the Haida Nation to produce renewable energy and regain energy sovereignty.
“I really enjoy working on this and other industrial projects where ideas turn into realities,” Aileen shares proudly.
Staying connected
Despite her busy career, Aileen stays connected with the instructors who once supported her and occasionally returns to BCIT to speak with students about what it is like to be an engineer and showcase her projects.
“Staying connected with the community at BCIT allows me to give back to the group that helped me get to where I am today,” Aileen says, “It’s rewarding to share my experiences.”