kamal pohar engineers the perfect career

Kamal says she's lucky. She "fell into" a perfect career path by coming to BCIT. After earning a BCIT diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology (Mechanical Design Option), she completed a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Victoria, and now she's not only a mechanical engineer, she's also an assistant instructor at BCIT.

Her father is an engineer and set a strong, positive example for Kamal and her family, and she chose to follow in his footsteps. After looking into different programs, Kamal decided that BCIT was the place to begin her training.

"I wanted a job after I graduated and BCIT had a good reputation," she says. "Instead of starting off with the math, like many schools do, the BCIT Mechanical Engineering Technology program shows students how math is used on the job. Students are given a chance to experience what it is like to work in industry."

Her career path has taken her to positions in product testing, programming, design, sales and more. "I can pick and choose jobs based on the full spectrum of possible work environments," says Kamal. "I can work independently, in groups, and have a hands-on job that lets me be very creative. I'm no artist, but I use math, science and computers as tools to solve problems and seek creative solutions."

Because her skills are in demand in a number of industries around the world, Kamal can take her career on the road to small towns and big cities, she is portable. She thinks more women should look at careers in technology - Kamal has financial security, intellectual stimulation and many options because of her training, not to mention pride in what she does. "There is no good reason why women do not pick careers within technology… I feel like I won the lottery."

It is a great time to be an engineer in B.C. "Industry is so good and busy right now that it feels nice to have a job and have companies approaching and recruiting me."

"Engineers help advance technology and our society, increasing our standard of living. I am proud to be 'behind the scenes', problem solving and helping society reach new heights. I have an interesting and fulfilling job with a wide variety of opportunities. What more could I ask for?" says Kamal.

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