Job candidates are defined by more than a degree

When engineering companies search for a perfect candidate, they’re looking for people with education, character and the ability to adapt to a wide variety of circumstances.

Fredericton-based Evan Charles, 27, has proved to be one of those people. Charles has just accepted a full-time position with the Canada Border Services Agency in the nation's capital, demonstrating a willingness to uproot himself that’s vitally important when the economic climate varies greatly across the country.

“There are many job opportunities in Saskatchewan and Alberta,” says Susie Grynol, director of public affairs and business practices at the Association of Canadian Engineering Companies in Ottawa. “Many of our firms are not downsizing — in fact they are expanding, and they can't find enough people.”

The job seeker’s specialization can affect one's chances of finding a job, too. “There is a decline in mining and new construction,” says Janet Sinclair, director of communications and engagement at the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia. “But there are still positions available in computer engineering and high tech fields.”

Grynol is seeing a boom in the field of energy, oil and gas.

The third invaluable factor in the job search is the candidate's experience and qualifications. For instance, Charles has a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, has worked in Canada, Thailand and Cambodia, and was employed by organizations ranging from Australian NGOs to Canadian Armed Forces. He was even hired by the Cambodian government to write a proposal for landmine clearance in order to request funding from the European Union. He is currently completing his master's degree at the University of New Brunswick.

“I tell everyone to travel if they can, because it is a fantastic opportunity to build experience,” he says.

According to Grynol, consulting engineering is another quick way of gaining experience, especially for recent university graduates.

Candidates with professional memberships have an added advantage too.

John Plant, executive director of the Engineering Institute of Canada, says that many career seekers often ask whether it is worthwhile to be a member of a technical society.

“The answer is yes, especially if you get involved,” says Plant, who is Kingston-based. “By being a volunteer, you showcase your quality to other professionals.”

The final key to finding a perfect job is the ability to network and communicate effectively, which Samina Hashmi describes as a quality that “spreads like a wildfire.”

Hashmi is the director of leadership, culture and organizational learning at Engineers Without Borders Canada. Three years ago she was recognized by the Women's Executive Network as one of Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women.

“We spend so many hours in our work environment that it is the responsibility of the interviewee to find a job that aligns with their core values,” says Toronto-based Hashmi. “By being aware of what you want and being confident, you are in the driver's seat of the networking process.”

While working on his undergraduate degree, Charles completed a year-and-half-long co-op placement with the Canada Border Services Agency in Ottawa.

“I networked a lot outside the office,” he says. “For example, we often played hockey on the weekends and I built strong friendships with many of my colleagues.” They stayed in touch and a full-time opportunity at the agency has led to Charles’ career move.

And once a job is secured, the future is bright.

“Prospects for advancement definitely exist,” says Grynol. “Many baby boomers are nearing retirement and firms are looking for middle managers. Frankly, our industry is going to get through these hard economic times, and it's important that we plug through and get some work done.”