Career Growth at ISL: Tanveer Singh Bhandal

Tanveer completed his Applied Science degree at the University of British Columbia, specializing in Civil Engineering, with a minor in Commerce from the Sauder School of Business. His academic background reflects a blend of technical training and business understanding that supports his multidisciplinary work at ISL.

What inspired you to pursue this field?

“Growing up in Metro Vancouver introduced me to a public realm that integrated urban cores and rural farmland, expansive shorelines with mountain views and a local economy supplemented by tourism and recreation. In the years leading up to university I knew that I wanted to be involved in an industry that shaped the urban fabric that I grew up around.”

While his original goal was landscape architecture, researching programs and career paths helped him recognize the importance of gaining hands on experience in construction and urban spaces. That realization led him toward civil engineering for his undergraduate studies and into the engineering co op program, where his career direction began to take shape.

Through work terms in the municipal sector, Tanveer was introduced to the planning, design, and delivery of infrastructure projects and the collaborative environments that supported them.

“I really enjoyed being a part of multidisciplinary teams and learning about the client consultant relationships that underpinned our projects.”

Encouraged by mentors, including senior students and industry professionals, Tanveer was advised to explore consulting before graduating. Through his mentor network, he was introduced to ISL, where he completed two work terms before joining the municipal team full time after graduation.

“I am always grateful to my mentors and the senior leaders at ISL for supporting me at the onset of my career.”

What’s one career milestone you’re proud of?
“Talking about what we do at ISL, answering students’ questions at events, and connecting with our industry’s upcoming talent is a rewarding experience.”

Today, Tanveer continues to collaborate with professionals across ISL while mentoring team members and supporting their growth and opportunities

What’s kept you at ISL all these years?
“For me, it’s the projects, people, and potential. No two days are alike, and the range of projects keeps me in a zone of constant growth and learning.”

Tanveer values the collaborative environment at ISL, where teams connect as professionals, colleagues, and friends, and culture is shaped through shared learning. Since he joined, ISL has continued to grow, with cross team and regional collaboration becoming the norm and new projects and technologies emerging across Western Canada.

When supporting the professional development of junior staff, Tanveer draws inspiration from the managers who helped shape his own career.

“Listen, be available, and schedule time to check in.”

By creating space for open conversations, hands on learning, and regular check ins, he helps team members take ownership of their growth while aligning individual goals with broader team outcomes. That same mindset carries into the advice he offers to those looking to build a long term career at ISL.

Any advice for employees looking to build a long-term career here?
“Stay curious. What we work on, how we do it, and why things are done in a certain way will continue to change.”

Approaching work with curiosity, Tanveer believes, creates space for learning, innovation, and long term success, both personally and as a team.