“The conceptual and technical foundations I gained at BCIT Computing are still relevant in IT today” – Brian Polydore
One of the first things I asked Computer Systems Technology (CST) Diploma grad Brian Polydore about was his credential, which he had been awarded in ’93.
“Yes, I graduated with an ‘Expert Systems, Artificial Intelligence’ – AI – specialization 30 years ago,” he assured me. “And I think AI is still in its infancy, but the road maps were laid out many years ago.”
He explained that the storage capacity, connectivity, and computing speed limitations at the time he studied at BCIT precluded the kind of AI advancement we’re seeing currently, but the framework was the same. He studied neural networks, a machine learning algorithm that uses interconnected nodes to process data and solve complex problems.
“But when I graduated, hiring managers did say: ‘AI? What are you talking about?’ Unfortunately, I was laughed at. Finding an AI-related programming career was non-existent.”
Decades later, computing foundations remain relevant
Now a Director of Digital Services at the Transportation Investment Corporation (TI Corp), Brian oversees the organization’s digital infrastructure. TI Corp is mandated to deliver over $15 billion in major infrastructure on behalf of the Ministry of Transportation and Transit. TI Corp also provides services to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport (TACS) to support the Collections and Research Building Project.
“The conceptual and technical foundations I gained at BCIT Computing are still relevant in IT today, the logic, the approach, the discipline,” says Brian. “My colleagues and co-workers are often surprised by my depth of computing knowledge, not just about the modern-day applications, but how these applications and algorithms came about.”
“Don’t be afraid to try new things”
Complexity brings challenges that can breed new thoughts and innovation. Brian’s career trajectory has been multifaceted, with many different roles across sectors: consulting, public sector (federal, provincial, and municipal), educational institution, telecommunications (smart electrical grid technology), biotechnology, IT infrastructure, and healthcare.
“I’ve taken on many different professional roles and found that the one I enjoy the most is managing projects,” explains Brian. He’s led the implementation of many major technology projects, where he values the meaningful connection to a real-world impact and working within a professional team environment. Notable areas are health care, major construction, IT services, and telecommunication.
Moving beyond IT services, Brian even took on the Segment Manager role responsible for stakeholder engagement for the Pattullo Bridge Replacement Project, liaising with the City of Surrey, business owners, utility companies, and other agencies as part of the project team. “Such multifaceted projects have many learning curves, but I’ve found it’s always exciting and rewarding to do something new and improve my knowledge and experiences,” says Brian. “And the general skills are more transferable than one might think.”
Giving back and staying connected
Brian recalls a time when things weren’t so easy. He travelled from Dominica in the Caribbean to Canada to start a post-secondary program in a new country and culture.
Adapting to a new educational system and the overall student culture and behaviours wasn’t easy. “Being an international student then, I always stood out in the classroom, hallways, cafeteria, gym, or auditorium—more visibility than I was accustomed to or wanted,” he admits.
It can be intimidating to be an international student,” he says. “So, when time permits, I participate in the Project Management Institute West Coast Chapter mentorship program to help new project managers and assure them that they will be okay in their professional career, one task at a time.”
He also enjoys conversing with BCIT co-op students when they are selected for a position in his organization.
“It’s good to stay connected to the next generation of graduates from BCIT; it makes me very proud.” – Brian Polydore
Thinking of the future
While the tech sector has overcome some impediments, Brian learned in the early 90s that increased processing speed and capacity are required to develop AI technology. Brian still sees challenges to overcome: “AI consumes a lot of computing power and needs a large amount of continuous data storage and analytics. Our current electrical power grids and data centres will be challenged to meet the demand.”
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