“In the 4 months of my co-op term with McElhanney I gained experience in many project phases, such as proposals, preliminary design, detailed design, tendering, and post-construction. As a member of the bridge team, I concentrated on projects involving standard bridges and bridge-sized culverts. One project that stood out to me during my time here was designing an emergency bridge-sized culvert replacement where the existing culvert had failed and caused a sinkhole to form in the roadway. This project had several design constraints, but with guidance from my team lead, I was able to successfully design the culvert with innovative solutions to address the constraints within the given timeframe, while enhancing my skills in problem-solving, technical writing, and communication.

Overall, my experience during my time at McElhanney was a very positive one. My colleagues were extremely supportive, their willingness to teach and support me made me feel comfortable asking questions when I needed clarification or guidance, I was provided with the tools I needed to succeed, and I was given the opportunity to work on many different projects and project phases.

I would encourage students to pursue a career with McElhanney because they provide a safe, supportive, welcoming, and fun environment to learn and grow your career.”

“After an amazing 8-month work term last year, I couldn’t wait to come back to McElhanney for another 4 months for my summer term. I was fortunate enough to work on both Infrastructure and Transportation Planning projects last year, which gave me the opportunity to learn more about geometric design, construction management, and traffic modelling. I worked on various road rehabilitation and improvement projects throughout the Edmonton area, which allowed me to develop important skills both on site and in the office, such as site coordination, quantity estimation, and report writing.

This year I have moved into the Highways Division, where I am performing various types of technical assessments along highways throughout northern Alberta. This is a new challenge for me and there’s been a lot to learn, however, the support from my colleagues and supervisors has made the transition easy to handle.

The main similarity I have found while working alongside these three branches of the Edmonton office is the quality people I’ve gotten to work with. Not only are they all talented at their jobs, but there is a passion for teaching, and everyone is willing to share what they know to help improve the work of others. It is refreshing to me to know that when facing a new challenge, there is always someone around with relevant experience and knowledge ready to help if needed. I am amazed with the variety of projects and aspects of engineering I have been able to experience within the short time I’ve spent at McElhanney, and I’m excited to see what opportunities await me in the future.”

“I went to the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science & Technology (now Saskatchewan Polytechnic) for Computer Aided Drafting and Design and was hired with McElhanney’s co-op program for my 2nd and 3rd work term. At the end of my 3rd co-op term, I was offered a full-time position with McElhanney’s CAD department. I started my career as a draftsperson, then project coordinator, I moved onto Business Development, and then in 2021 I was hired as Pipeline Development Division Manager. Throughout the years, McElhanney has not only allowed me to take my career in different directions but provided me with education and professional development opportunities in leadership, management skills, and business development.”

“Our offices are full of staff who care about their work, coworkers, and clients, and who strive to make a difference in our community. Our people have made an impactful difference in my career and the enthusiasm of our Young Professionals group is contagious.”