Welcome to ISL’s Young Professionals! We feature ISLers who are taking the engineering world by storm. Get to know what led them to their career path, what their day-to-day looks like and what they think sets ISL apart.
Meet Hanna Thai, a Community Engagement Strategist in our Calgary office. Hanna has been with ISL for 1.5 years.
Hanna Thai
Community Engagement Strategist
B.Sc., M.Sc.
What is your role at ISL?
Need to go public with your project? ISL Community Engagement has you covered! As part of the CE team, I support ISL projects by planning and implementing public engagement and tailoring engagement based on project scope and budget.
What was the path you took to get to where you are today? (School, volunteering, work experience, networking, ect.)
A combination of experiences through school, volunteering and work have gotten me where I am today however, I’ve never had much luck with networking.
What skills have you developed since joining ISL? ?
Being new to the consulting world, I learned a lot the past year on how to manage projects to meet client needs while also balancing best practices in engagement. I also learned more about getting accredited as an engagement professional.
What has been your favourite project to work on to-date?
I come from parks and LOVE parks so the favourite so far has to be Meewasin’s National Urban Park project in Saskatoon!
What’s your favourite thing about what you do in your position at ISL?
My job! I enjoy talking to people, getting a glimpse of their lives through our conversations, and seeing how our projects can improve their day-to-day.
What are some of your ISL highlights? (Cool projects, social events, charitable initiatives)
Highlights include:
- Cool projects: As mentioned, Meewasin’s National Urban Park project, Edson’s Housing Strategy, and Millar Avenue Shared-use Pathways Design and Engagement
- Social events: Watching Tanveer do his/Maria’s presentation at staff dev and proceed to improv another presentation quite well/poorly, depending on how you look at it.
- Charitable initiatives: Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada Fundraiser – We have some incredible athletes in the office!
What’s one hobby or interest people might not know about you?
I make a great aunt! I enjoy watching people’s kids or fur babies in my free time, saving me the commitment of having to have kids or fur babies of my own!
Any advice for students or new grads entering the industry?
Engagement is increasingly a part of ISL projects and training courses for engineers and planners are available through IAP2 Canada! The course provide the basis of what goes into the planning process and how to manage projects with engagement.
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