Step behind the scenes of our company and meet five of our summer interns. Through this Q&A series, explore how they are helping to shape the future of engineering and consulting at CIMA+. As they share their experiences, challenges, and aspirations, you’ll discover how they are enriching our teams with their passion, commitment, and fresh ideas.
Our interns:
- Félixe Ouellet, Earth and Environment Co-op Student
- Tommy Gauthier, Infrastructure Co-op Student
- France Giguère, Mechanical Engineering Co-op Student
- Ethan Li, Transportation, Highway Engineering Co-op Student
- Chantal Ludeki, Energy and Resources, Renewables & E-Mobility Co-op Student
1. Tell us about your academic background and what led you to this internship at CIMA+.
Tommy: After finishing high school, I chose to start a college diploma in civil engineering technology at Cégep de Baie-Comeau. As my college studies progressed, my interest in a university degree continued to grow. That’s why I chose to continue with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi. During my university studies, I had the opportunity to do several internships to broaden my knowledge. CIMA+, a great company with an office in my hometown, immediately appealed to me. I applied for a position in the infrastructure and municipal engineering sector, a field I had already explored during my college internships, as I wanted to deepen my skills in civil engineering.
France: My background is far from linear. Over the years, my studies in various fields and my work experience have sharpened my interests. I obtained two college diplomas in humanities and pure sciences, as well as two technical diplomas in automotive mechanics and welding and assembly. This combination of skills eventually led me to my true passion: engineering. I’m currently studying mechanical engineering at Polytechnique Montréal.
My connection with CIMA+ began with the exceptional people who work here. After I asked my school for help, CIMA+ responded by awarding me a scholarship for my perseverance. This gesture touched me deeply and encouraged me to learn more about the company. In addition to their human approach, I also found CIMA+’s projects captivating, which prompted me to apply for an internship.
Ethan: I am currently entering my final year of my civil engineering degree at the University of Alberta. Part of what interested me in the world of civil engineering was being able to take part in the construction of infrastructure that people use daily. On top of that, when I saw the internship opportunity at CIMA+, I was excited by the chance to learn more about the engineering consulting industry and to have the opportunity to contribute to several interesting projects.
2. How did your integration go at CIMA+?
France: For me, acceptance and integration are essential when joining a new company. As soon as I arrived at CIMA+, I immediately felt at ease. Thanks to their warm welcome, I quickly felt part of the team, which I think makes integration much easier.
Ethan: My integration at CIMA+ was exceptionally smooth. A significant factor that contributed to this was the fact that my internship supervisor and colleagues had all been interns themselves. They understood my background and were instrumental in helping me transition gradually into the team.
Chantal: My integration at CIMA+ was fast-paced and highly hands-on. There was a wealth of information to absorb, but I felt genuinely supported from day one. The team made sure I felt like a valued member, which greatly contributed to my confidence as I navigated new tasks and responsibilities.
3. What struck you most about CIMA+ when you first arrived?
Félixe: What struck me most about CIMA+ was the size and scope of the company. Although I was already aware of the many areas of expertise and the number of employees, I really understood the scale of it all during my first days as an intern.
Tommy: What impressed me most at CIMA+ was the positive atmosphere within the team and the friendly relationships between my colleagues. This creates a very healthy and motivating working environment.
Chantal: What impressed me the most about CIMA+ upon my arrival was the strong emphasis on maintaining a balance between work and life. The supportive environment fostered by the team made me feel comfortable reaching out for assistance whenever needed.
4. Tell us about the project or responsibility that most motivates you in your internship.
Félixe: Recently, I had the opportunity to take samples at various points along several watercourses running through the Montreal Port Authority (MPA) property in Contrecoeur. This enabled us to assess the presence of various common contaminants, such as metals and sulphides, while analyzing various parameters that reflect the state of the water and its surrounding environment, such as pH and electrical conductivity. This work helps us to measure the impact of port activities on the waterways that flow into the St. Lawrence River.
Tommy: My internship is quite varied. I’m involved in site supervision tasks for various projects, as well as design-related activities. One of the projects I’m working on involves the design of several culverts. To do this, I carry out a hydraulic study of the culverts assigned to me in order to size them correctly. I use software to delineate the watershed, which is also essential for characterizing various parameters such as the slope, surface deposits, the length of the main watercourse and its gradient. Naturally, all design tasks are carried out under the supervision of an engineer.
Ethan: The project that excited me the most during my internship was developing a life-cycle cost analysis for the local and collector roadways on one of our projects. This experience not only allowed me to apply the skills I learned in university but also provided me with the opportunity to deepen my understanding of roadway infrastructure.
5. What has been your most significant contribution to your CIMA+ internship so far?
France: Although I don’t yet have all the knowledge required to contribute fully to project supervision, I strive to learn as much as I can every day. Supervision involves interacting with many people, both on site and within the team. I think I have good skills in this area, and although I don’t see it as a direct contribution at the moment, it could become a valuable asset in the future.
Ethan: My most significant contribution so far during my internship has been working on several design reports and drawing packages. Through these projects, I was able to play an integral role in the design process, allowing me to leave a meaningful mark on my internship experience.
6. What’s the most valuable thing you’ve learned since starting your internship at CIMA+?
Tommy: During my previous internships, I held the position of site supervisor’s representative. Currently, as assistant to the office supervisor, I’ve seen how essential communication is between these two roles. So, the most valuable thing I’ve learned at CIMA+ is that good communication makes teamwork much easier.
France: Through my previous work experience, I had the impression that I belonged at the construction site. Working at CIMA+ has given me the opportunity to confirm this. I learned a great deal about the dynamics between the various stakeholders, as well as about everyone’s roles and responsibilities. CIMA+ transformed this impression into a real conviction.
Ethan: The most valuable lesson I’ve learned at CIMA+ is the importance of adaptability. As an engineering consultant, I interact with various clients, contractors, and other consultants across multiple ongoing projects. Consequently, it’s crucial to quickly adjust to different construction conditions while also communicating effectively with diverse groups.
7. Tell us about the support you’ve received so far in your internship (for example, through mentoring, valuable advice from colleagues or your internship supervisor).
Félixe: My colleagues and my internship supervisor are always very open to answering my questions and guiding me in my decision-making. I feel completely at ease asking questions, even ones that seem insignificant.
Some time ago, for example, I shared my apprehensions about a task with a colleague. In the course of our discussion, she offered me a different perspective on the issue that helped to ease my worries. This conversation really helped me to approach work with new tools adapted to my situation.
Chantal: I received valuable advice on software proficiency and career guidance to enhance my skills and experience within the field. Additionally, I received constructive feedback on improving my daily efficiency. I believe this mentorship has inspired me to strive to be my best self, both professionally and personally.
8. Would you recommend an internship at CIMA+ to other students, and why?
Félixe: Yes, I would highly recommend an internship at CIMA+ to other students, especially if this is their first internship. I particularly appreciated the guidance, attentiveness and support of my colleagues and supervisor, whatever the situation.
Tommy: I would definitely recommend an internship at CIMA+ to other students. On the one hand, the company offers various areas of expertise that enable you to acquire a wide range of knowledge. On the other hand, the staff values principles such as team spirit, excellence and integrity. These elements motivate me to encourage other students to do an internship at CIMA+.
France: This internship has been a very positive experience for me in terms of integration, self-esteem and acceptance. Every day, I feel a pleasant atmosphere and I feel good in my work environment. I think all employees should be happy with the company they work for, so I would definitely recommend an internship at CIMA+.
Ethan: A major reason I would recommend an internship at CIMA+ to other students is the opportunity to gain a comprehensive view of the engineering industry. During my internship, I was able to work with different teams, including project management, design, and construction. This experience allowed me to understand the various roles within the company and helped me clarify my career path for the future.
9. What are your post-study goals and how will this internship help you achieve them?
Félixe: I’m very interested in consulting engineering, and I’ve already had two great internship experiences in this field, in pluviometry and geo-environment. I’m lucky enough to be doing one last internship before finishing my studies, which will give me the chance to discover a third facet of the working world. I hope to start my career in a job that I’m 100% passionate about.
France: Confirming my interest in construction sites helped me define my career objective. As a result, I chose courses in building mechanics as part of my academic path. When I graduate, I’ll have a great deal of tools and knowledge in this field, in addition to the valuable experience I’ve gained from this internship.
Ethan: My post-study goal is to work immediately as an engineer-in-training, specifically in the transportation industry. Given the variety of subdisciplines within civil engineering, I was initially uncertain about my future direction. However, my internship at CIMA+ has allowed me to discover my passion for transportation engineering, and I hope to pursue this path in my future career!
Chantal: My post-study goal is to obtain my P.Eng. license and work in renewable energy, focusing on developing systems for the drafting and design process using AI. As I continue to build my skills, I also aim to apply them to my personal projects.