Name: Sandy Kemsley
Program: Systems Engineering
University(s) / College(s) Attended: University of Waterloo
Education / Degree(s): B.A.Sc., Systems Design Engineering, P.Eng (Ontario)
Current Job Title: Business process management consultant and industry analyst
Current Employer: Kemsley Design Ltd. (self)
Email: Send Email
Fun Facts About Me
Share one fun fact about yourself: I created a Twitter account for my cat, and she has over 600 followers.
The most inspiring engineer I know is ....... Because ........ ?: R.C. Harris, who designed the Prince Edward Viaduct (the bridge over the Don Valley in Toronto that carries subway trains on the lower platform). At the time of the design, he built in the support for the subway, even though the subway was not added for another 50 years, saving millions in retrofitting costs through his foresight. His ability to envision future requirements and design in a way that they can be accommodated more easily ("build for change") is inspirational in any engineering design.
Profile Questions
Why did you choose to study engineering?: I like to solve problems and make things work better.
What are your best memories of your engineering education?: My first work terms, where I worked at a mine in northern Ontario designing underground control systems. This helped me to make crucial connections between engineering theory and practice.
How do you apply your engineering degree to your current career?: As a consultant, I am often involved in large-scale IT strategy and technical architecture for my clients. My engineering skills help me to analyze and design on both a macro and micro level, and effectively communicate my ideas.
What do you love most about your career?: I have had the opportunity and skills to start three companies (one software product, one software development services, and now consulting) over my career, which has given me incredible freedom to choose the type of work that I want to do and the people with whom I work.
What advice would you give to someone hoping to pursue a career in engineering?: Stay curious: always be looking at how things work, and how to make them work better.