As a Geotechnical Engineering student intern, I had the opportunity to work on large-scale mining projects and implement the engineering design process to solve real-world problems. This experience allowed me to practice and refine my technical skills while developing a more analytical approach to problem-solving.Some key highlights from my term include: • On-site experience with the geotechnical site investigation team at a gold mine in New South Wales, where I gained valuable fieldwork insights. • Gaining proficiency in industry-standard software, including Slope/W, MUK3D, and Global Mapper, which boosted my digital literacy and confidence in tackling complex challenges. • Mentorship from my team, who consistently encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone, explore technical theory, and apply it in practice. I’m very fortunate to have been part of such a tight-knit community in the Australia office, where I felt a true sense of belonging. Additionally, meeting and learning from other visiting BGCers made this a unique one-team international experience.This co-op has been an invaluable learning opportunity, and I’m excited to apply the skills and knowledge I’ve gained as I continue my studies and career in geotechnical engineering.A big thank you to the team at BGC Engineering for their support, trust, and guidance. I look forward to the next steps in my journey!

As a University Lecturer at a public university in Vietnam, I have had the privilege of broadening my horizons and gaining valuable insights into the global landscape of education. In my role, I design and lead engaging lectures for university students, while working closely with local staff to help nurture students into global citizens.In addition to teaching, I am actively collaborating on research related to top-base structural foundations with the Faculty of Civil Engineering. Our project focuses on improving the bearing capacity of shallow soft soils for construction purposes, aiming to drive innovation in geotechnical engineering.A key aspect of my academic work here is fostering cultural diplomacy and strengthening the ties between Canada and Vietnam. By establishing meaningful connections and promoting cross-cultural collaboration, I aim to contribute to the development of a more interconnected global academic and professional community.

This role marked my first experience working internationally, and it provided a valuable opportunity to expand my understanding of global perspectives within an intercultural academic environment. I had the privilege of leading my own research project focused on designing an automated fluidized sand bed to advance research in vibratory pile driver technology.Throughout this experience, I developed strong self-management and self-discipline skills, setting and achieving milestones while independently overseeing my project’s progress. Leading my own research required me to earn the trust of my supervisors, demonstrating the ability to take initiative, be proactive, and exceed expectations in driving the project forward.

As a Field Archaeologist assisting with archaeological surveys across Northern British Columbia, I had the opportunity to work closely with First Nation representatives on cultural heritage preservation projects. This experience gave me a deeper understanding of Indigenous cultures and their contributions to heritage conservation.Working in the remote wilderness of Northern Canada, I adapted to challenging environments while applying my earth sciences background to conduct sub-surface testing. This role enhanced my technical skills and helped me better understand the connection between archaeology and environmental science.Spending long days in the British Columbia forests was a unique and rewarding experience. It pushed me to build mental resilience and the ability to work effectively in difficult conditions. From navigating swamps to surveying for archaeological signs, I learned valuable lessons in perseverance and problem-solving. I also honed my bush navigation skills, using traditional maps and compasses, as GPS devices were often unreliable in the dense vegetation of boreal forests.This fieldwork experience has solidified my interest in technical fieldwork, and I’m eager to continue pursuing opportunities in this area.

During my time at SRK Consulting as a student intern, I had the opportunity to contribute to a wide range of projects across the globe, including the Faro Mine Remediation Project and the La Salitera Las Cuevas Dam Project. These experiences provided invaluable exposure to the engineering consulting field, allowing me to collaborate on complex, large-scale projects and gain hands-on experience in a professional environment.This exposure to diverse projects played a key role in helping me refine my career path and sparked a strong interest in geotechnical engineering. It inspired me to seek further opportunities in this field and build on the technical skills I developed during my internship.