CSChE president and U of C professor Uttandaraman Sundararaj moderates “How to Manage your Career in a Recession,” a panel discussion which took place at the University of Calgary on Jan. 17, 2017. 
Photo credit: Brittany Bishop 

January 31, 2017

On Jan. 17, 2017 the University of Calgary’s Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering (CSChE) student chapter, in collaboration with the Calgary CSChE local section, the Calgary Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) local member group and the U of C Chemical and Petroleum Engineering Graduate Students’ Association (CEGSA) held a special discussion panel entitled “How to Manage your Career in a Recession.” This event was free for CSChE, IChemE and CEGSA members and featured experts from the oil and gas, petrochemical and consulting sectors.

Panelists included Trican Well Service president and CEO Dale Dusterhoft, Encana Corporation vice-president of supply management services Vineeta Maguire, NOVA Chemicals leader of technical services Sarah Marshall and Phillips Consulting principal Gerry Phillips. CSChE president and U of C chemical and petroleum engineering professor Uttandaraman Sundararaj guided the panelists and audience members through several discussion topics, including: career success in difficult economic circumstances, career options for chemical engineers, early career path advice for students and the importance of networking.

The event, sponsored in part by the CSChE Student Chapter Grant Fund, drew more than 90 student and industry participants. “Overall, the panel was a great opportunity for students to learn about their future careers, network with industry members and gain some crucial advice and mentorship,” says CSChE Calgary student chapter president Mariya Shtil. “It gained excellent feedback with requests for the chapter to hold similar events” in the future, says Shtil.