"Don’t say no to opportunities and keep your mind open."
![Sarah Scheibelhut smiling](/sites/default/files/styles/max_480w/public/spotlight-images/2024-06/Sarah_headshot.jpg?itok=BAx-i9G2)
Sarah Scheibelhut, P.Eng.
- Degree: Bachelor of Applied Science
- Grad year: 2018
- Program:
- Campus: Okanagan
Job: Project Engineer, Solid Waste Services at Metro Vancouver
Tell us about your early engineering roles after you graduated in 2018.
My summer internships had been in Alberta’s oil and gas industry, and after I graduated I was hired as a Junior Engineer at FortisBC, which was great as it meant I could stay in British Columbia. From there I moved to Solaris MCI, an engineering consulting company that focuses on the energy industry. My official title was Junior Pipeline Engineer, but as is often the case in consulting companies, it was something of a hybrid position and I did project engineering work too.
I worked on the early design stages for the Okanagan Capacity Upgrade, including helping out with regulatory applications.
Although I was still in a junior role, I had a fair amount of responsibility coordinating with the other disciplines and doing some initial project scoping.
I also worked on the project engineering side for oil and gas facilities. I worked closely with intermediate and senior project engineers and learned a lot – from scoping and design to preparing drawings for construction. It was very fast-paced and I was contributing to a lot of different projects.
FortisBC Solaris MCI Okanagan Capacity Upgrade
![Engineering is a rewarding choice](/sites/default/files/styles/square_200/public/2024-06/whyeng-set18-square-logo-1080x1080.png?itok=P1i_ow7K)
What prompted your decision to start an MBA?
I’ve been moving away from the technical engineering path and leaning into the management and business side of things. Doing my MBA will help me gain the specific knowledge and skills to move into management and leadership positions.
How did you choose UBC?
I grew up in Calgary and was interested in moving away for university. I liked that UBC Okanagan was close to home and I loved the size and beauty of both Kelowna and the campus itself.
![UBCV and UBCO have something for everyone](/sites/default/files/styles/square_200/public/2024-04/whyeng-set6-square-logo-large.jpg?itok=2xloXU8k)
Any advice for others who are embarking on a career in engineering?
Don’t say no to opportunities and keep your mind open.
I noticed some people were sort of waiting around for the perfect job for intern or co-op positions or for their ideal job after graduation. I think it’s better to just try things out, gain some experience and learn as much as you can.