Celebrating International Women in Engineering Day
This year for International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) we are profiling our Project Engineer, Kareena Gill, MEng, EIT. Kareena shares her story, successes, and the rewarding career path that has led her to McCue Engineering Contractors.
Kareena has a Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of British Columbia (UBC) and is registered as an Engineer-in-Training in BC. At McCue, Kareena is a Project Engineer, where she provides process engineering solutions to water treatment systems for different types of mining projects.
Kareena has also written an article, featured on page 15 of the 2021 BC Environment Industry Guide for the BC Environment Industry Association (BCEIA). The feature outlines water treatment measures required to treat elevated levels of ammonia to meet discharge limits set out for the June 2021 amendments of the Metal Mining Effluent Regulations under the title Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations (MDMER).
Read below to learn more about Kareena’s experiences and thoughts about what it’s like to be a woman in the world of engineering, and how McCue has contributed to her journey:
McCue’s Interview with Kareena:
How has your career grown since starting at McCue?
“At Mccue, I have been involved with projects that are directly related to my background in process engineering. Since starting, my career has grown exponentially. From having involvement in the design process for water treatment systems to now managing two major design projects on my own. It’s been a great learning curve and a great journey so far.”
What do you like most about your job?
“I like the problem-solving aspect of it. Every project comes with its own set of challenges and being an engineer. I enjoy trying to figure out solutions for these challenges and in providing clients with effective and economical solutions.”
How does your job help people or society?
“As a society, we have a great task in front of us to preserve the environment for our future generations, so that they can also enjoy the beauty of the earth, breathe clean air, and drink clean water. I am glad that I am a tiny part of this task force that is working to keep our water resources clean.”
When we asked if we could feature you for International Women in Engineering Day, what were your initial thoughts?
“I was honoured when I learned about the feature on me. To be honest, this is the first time that I have been given this opportunity to share my thoughts and experiences regarding my career, so I am very happy!”
What is it about McCue that keeps you engaged at work?
“All the projects we work on are so different from each other and that keeps my work exciting. Everyone on the team is so lovely to work with and very supportive. It is a very interesting and rewarding place to work in.”
What drew you to become an engineer?
“As a kid, I loved math! I think that is something that drew me towards engineering. Also, my Dad was always very eager to fix anything and everything that was broken, and as a kid, I was always there to help him with the tools. That is something that made me very passionate about studying engineering and it keeps me motivated to continue forward on this path.”
What is the most challenging part about being an engineer?
“Being a young engineer, the most challenging part is not knowing all the answers to the questions. It is a very humbling process and it keeps you grounded. But as you keep growing as an engineer, and you get more experience with different projects, you start to learn more and gain confidence.”
What is the most rewarding part about being an engineer?
“The most rewarding part of doing the work that I do is that I am a part of the team that helps keep the environment clean and fishes happy by providing water treatment solutions, so we can keep our water resources clean. Also, I feel very confident and happy when I get to tell everyone that I work as an engineer. This is also very rewarding for me.”
What or who inspires you?
“From all the strong women around me to all the women that I’ve had the pleasure of working with so far. Whether in engineering or non-engineering capacity, to my mom, everyone has been a great source of inspiration. Especially my current supervisors and mentors including Cecilia Garcia Marra and Lynda Smithard, and from my previous job, Judy Tai and Zahra Pirani. These ladies are amazing engineers, and I am glad that I got this opportunity to learn from them. Also, I’m very thankful to all the women that came before me. I have it much easier because of all the struggles that they went through. I would like to quote Rupi Kaur here. In her book Milk and Honey, she says, “We all move forward when we recognize how resilient and striking the women around us are.” This is a quote that inspires me.
What is something interesting that people may not know about you?
“I’m a self-proclaimed plant mom. I have so many plants cramped up in my small apartment and I’m just crazy about them.”
Do you have a message to women who want to pursue engineering?
“My message to all women who are interested in pursuing engineering as a career is to be bold and have courage. If you know that this is what you like, and want to become an engineer, don’t let the world tell you otherwise. Just go for it and make it your path.
Do you have a message to all women in engineering for INWED 2021?
“I want to congratulate all the women who are in the field of engineering for International Women in Engineering Day. You are all doing a great job, and are a huge inspiration to the younger generation who want to pursue engineering as a career. It’s a privilege to work alongside all of you!”