Discover Engineering Co-op: Insights &
Experiences
Name: Camilla Drost
Discipline: Chemical Engineering, specializing in Nuclear Power and Energy Conversion
Company: Limerick Pulp and Paper Centre, Irving Oil, Bruce Power
Role: Laboratory/research assistant, Oil Movement area contact engineering student, Central Process area contact engineering student, Equipment reliability engineering development student
What were some positive experiences you had?
I learned so much, got to tour a variety of facilities, gained serious technical experience, saw what real-world engineers do on a day-to-day basis, and overall developed immensely as a student, prospective engineer, and person. I loved being able to engage with other parts of the businesses and see what other teams and areas do too
What were some negative experiences you had?
The lack of support from both Co-op and management teams at several of my coops has made the terms much harder. I often felt unnoticed and underappreciated, and the terms could get hard at times with minimal engagement from those supporting teams.
What did you learn at this company?
I've learned to try new things, put myself out there, explore as much as possible, take on new and harder projects, and ask for help! There is almost always someone willing to lend a helping hand
Who would you recommend your company to?
Definitely. All of them except Limerick would be good for any type of UNB engineering student pretty much. Limerick is more for chemicals.
Name: Indya Michaud
Discipline: Civil Engineering
Company: Roy Consultants
Role: Engineering student, construction site inspections, GIS mapping, report writing, client meetings and consulting, culvert designs, flood prevention, watershed calculation.
What were some positive experiences you had?
The summer I worked, we had a huge storm in the city, causing many roads to collapse and flooding. Although this might sound negative, from an engineering perspective it gave us a lot of work and projects I wouldn't have worked on if that didn't happen. I got the chance to do many more site inspections and learn about culvert designs and flood prevention, which is not usually part of the job. I was able to work and learn a lot more on open-channel hydraulics and river flows which was so great! I also got to see the construction of a military emergency bridge, built in only two weeks!!!
What were some negative experiences you had?
Before our work picked up because of the storm I did not have much to do, unfortunately. Although I was following my supervisor with what projects they had, I didn't do much of my own work.
Another thing is that as a woman and student engineer, many contractors and clients didn't believe my judgments were correct, making it difficult to give out tasks to them on the work site, even though they usually came from my supervisor or the senior engineer of the company.
What did you learn at this company?
I learned how to design culverts and watersheds which I then had to work on in a class, facilitating my school work. I learned about design specifications and working with contractors, helping me in my construction courses.
Who would you recommend your company to?
I worked in the civil engineering department which was great, but they hire students in all engineering departments!
Name: Vincent Trudel
Discipline: Chemical Engineering
Company: Consultants MESAR
Role: Process engineering intern (engineering consulting), Redact preliminary engineering reports, study reports, and engineering submissions, Preliminary engineering design for water treatment systems, gaseous effluent systems, and piping systems, Survey processing plants.
What were some positive experiences you had?
This summer I had the opportunity to have some of the best engineering work experiences I ever had. My favorite part of the job was surveying industrial plants such as mineral processing plants and chemical manufacturing plants.
What did you learn at this company?
I learned a lot about engineering codes and standards that apply to the design of piping, HVAC systems, and environmental quality standards. I also learned about the way engineering consulting is carried out, the different steps of engineering design, and project management.
Who would you recommend your company to?
Absolutely! Engineering consulting is for all branches of engineering and I would highly recommend it to other students. Especially for those who enjoy diversified work environments and engineering design.
Name: Colby Arsenault
Discipline: Chemical Engineering (Specialization in Nuclear Engineering)
Company: Irving Oil
Role: I worked as a Process Safety Engineer at the Irving Oil Refinery. My responsibilities included preparing for and participating in Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) sessions, facilitating discussions, documenting the analysis, and creating reports to communicate risks and recommendations. I also supported safety measures like Fire Protection, Emergency Preparedness, and Incident Investigation. Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) is a systematic approach used to identify, evaluate, and control potential hazards in industrial processes, particularly those involving chemicals and other complex operations. The main goal of a PHA is to ensure that processes are designed, maintained, and operated in a way that minimizes risks to people, equipment, and the environment.
What were some positive experiences you had?
I appreciated being exposed to a wide range of concepts within the Oil and Gas industry, including safety protocols, refining processes, and risk assessment techniques, which greatly contributed to my technical and personal growth. I had the chance to tour various facilities within the company, which provided me with a firsthand look at different operations and the company's extensive supply chain. These tours were incredibly helpful in broadening my understanding of the industry and allowed me to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world practices.
What were some negative experiences you had?
The role did come with challenges. The high-stakes nature of safety protocols meant that there was often pressure to ensure accuracy and thoroughness. Additionally, working in areas such as Fire Protection and Emergency Preparedness required a great deal of attention and focus.
What did you learn at this company?
I gained valuable experience in Process Hazard Analysis, as well as in documenting and communicating risks effectively. I also developed my skills in teamwork and learned about the importance of adhering to rigorous safety standards.
Who would you recommend your company to?
This opportunity would be well-suited for students in Chemical Engineering who have an interest in safety engineering and risk assessment. It’s a great fit for individuals who thrive in structured, safety-conscious environments and appreciate working in a team that values mentorship and professional development.