Name: Emily Labrakos Assunção
Program: Mechanical Engineering
University(s) / College(s) Attended: University of Toronto
Education / Degree(s): Bachelor of Applied Science
Current Job Title: Director – Eglinton Crosstown LRT
Current Employer: Metrolinx
Fun Facts About Me
Share one fun fact about yourself: I am a Wonder Woman admirer and love Star Wars, Star Trek etc. My role models growing up were Wonder Woman and Princess Leia. How could I not be an engineer?
The most inspiring engineer I know is ....... Because ........ ?: Leonardo Da Vinci. What I admire the most about him is the fact that he was an artist as well as an engineer. Leonardo did not limit his ideas and allowed himself to really think outside the box.
Profile Questions
Why did you choose to study engineering?: I chose engineering as my field of study based on teacher’s recommendation. I was good at math and a natural leader but did not have the confidence that I could study engineering. Between the support of my high school teachers and being enrolled in the TOPS program at MGCI I was encouraged and given the tools to succeed in engineering. Taking the Introduction to Design course in TOPS showed me what engineering was all about and thus my decision to study engineering
How do you apply your engineering degree to your current career?: I apply the tools that I was taught in engineering in my day to day life. I find I always strive to pick the most efficient and cost effective method. I view the pros and cons of an idea and make decisions accordingly. Time Management is the most useful skill I learned in engineering.
What do you love most about your career?: I love the ability to work with others to solve problems. The collaborative nature of engineering is what I enjoy the most. Meeting others and brainstorming ideas and coming up with solutions is something that being an engineer exposes you to on a daily basis.
What advice would you give to someone hoping to pursue a career in engineering?: Make sure you enter the discipline you are interested in and will give you the versatility you want. I picked Mechanical and now I am on my third career move. I worked in Automotive, Transportation and now in Construction.