What are your main responsibilities or activities in your current position?
In my current position, I assist senior metallurgists and project managers in laboratory settings, sample preparation and daily bench test operations, while also participating in large-scale pilot plants and interpreting results under supervision. I work closely with technical groups specializing in mineral processing, gold processing and hydrometallurgy. Additionally, I support metallurgists and project managers in managing small projects of varying scopes, compiling and analyzing metallurgical data, assisting with scheduling metallurgical test work and directing technicians and technologists. My role involves verifying test data, reporting analysis results and drafting reports to clients.
How does your current work relate to your graduate degree?
My current work directly applies the technical knowledge and skills I gained during my graduate degree, especially in areas like material characterization, process engineering and data analysis. In graduate school, I learned how to interpret experimental results, draft technical reports and manage research projects, all of which are key aspects of my current role. My lab experience also helps in the hands-on work I do with metallurgical bench testing and pilot-scale testing. The problem-solving, project management and analytical skills developed during my studies are essential to my day-to-day responsibilities.
Is your current career path as you originally intended?:
My current career path aligns closely with my original intentions. I always aimed to work in a technical field where I could apply my expertise in materials engineering, particularly in industries like metallurgy. This path has allowed me to continuously build on the skills and interests I developed during my studies and early career experiences.
What motivated you to pursue graduate work at UBC?
I was motivated to pursue graduate work at UBC because I had already completed my Bachelor's degree in Materials Engineering there and knew the quality of education, research opportunities and faculty expertise. Continuing my studies at UBC allowed me to build on the strong foundation I had developed during my undergraduate program while deepening my knowledge in specialized areas of materials and metallurgy. The familiarity with UBC’s resources and its strong industry connections also made it an ideal place to continue my academic and professional growth. In addition, during my application for graduate school, I received a great deal of help and encouragement from many of the professors who had taught me. Their guidance and support played a significant role in my decision to pursue further studies and continue developing my expertise in materials engineering.
What did you enjoy the most about your time as a graduate student at UBC?
What I enjoyed most about my time as a graduate student at UBC was the thrill of pushing boundaries through innovative research and seeing how theoretical knowledge could directly impact real-world solutions. I valued the collaboration with passionate faculty and peers, the hands-on lab experience and the strong sense of community within my department.
How did the graduate degree at UBC help you achieve your career and/or personal development goals?:
The graduate degree at UBC played a crucial role in helping me achieve my career development goals. Academically, it deepened my technical expertise in materials engineering and provided hands-on experience in advanced research, which directly translated into my professional work in metallurgy. The degree also strengthened my problem-solving abilities, critical thinking and project management skills, all of which have been essential in my career progression.
What key things did you do, or what attitudes or approaches did you have, that contributed to your success?
Key to my success were strong time management, problem-solving and project management skills. I prioritized setting clear goals and effectively managing my time to balance research, coursework and personal growth. My problem-solving approach helped me tackle complex challenges with persistence and creativity, while project management skills allowed me to stay organized and deliver results on time. These abilities, combined with a proactive attitude and resilience, were essential to achieving my academic and professional goals.
What is your best piece of advice for current graduate students preparing for their future careers?
My best advice for current graduate students is to focus on developing a balance between technical skills and practical experience while honing your time management and problem-solving abilities. Take every opportunity to work on real-world projects and collaborate with peers or industry partners, as this will give you valuable hands-on experience. Besides, it is also very important to prioritize building relationships with school professors and industry professionals, as these connections can open doors to future opportunities.