ISL Young Professionals – Rashmi Fernando

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 Rashmi Fernando, an Administrative Support for the Langley office. Rashmi has been with ISL for almost 3 years now. 

Rashmi Fernando

Rashmi Fernando

Administrative Support

What is your role at ISL?

I’m part of the Admin Support team here at ISL, and my main role is to keep the Langley office running smoothly. From managing the day-to-day operations to helping team members with their project needs, I’m the go-to person when things need to get done. Whether it’s organizing, coordinating, or just being a friendly face around the office, I’m here to help. You could say I’m the behind-the-scenes ninja making sure everything flows seamlessly. Oh, and I always make sure there’s coffee — that’s a crucial part of office happiness.

What was the path you took to get to where you are today? (School, volunteering, work experience, networking, ect.)

My journey started in Sri Lanka, where I completed a Bachelor’s degree in International Business Management. After gaining three years of experience in the business sector, I made the life-changing decision to move to Canada in search of new opportunities and challenges. Once here, I pursued and completed a Master’s degree in Business Administration, which gave me a broader global perspective and helped me adapt to a new professional landscape. That journey eventually led me to ISL, where I’ve been able to combine my education, international experience, and passion for supporting others in a fulfilling role.

What skills have you developed since joining ISL?

Since joining ISL, I’ve really expanded my skills in organization, multitasking, and communication. Being in an admin support role means I’m constantly juggling different tasks and supporting various teams, which has taught me how to prioritize effectively and stay adaptable. I’ve also gained a better understanding of project coordination and office management tools, and I’ve grown more confident in solving problems on the fly. Most importantly, I’ve learned the value of teamwork and how small efforts behind the scenes can make a big difference in helping projects run smoothly.

What are some of your ISL highlights? 

Some of my favourite moments at ISL have been planning and taking part in all the fun events we do! I’ve helped put together theme days, office games, and even larger staff events across BC. It’s always great to see people laughing, connecting, and just having a good time outside of their usual work.

One big highlight was Staff Dev, where teams from all over Canada came together. I didn’t organize it, but being there and experiencing the excitement and teamwork made it really special.

I also love planning the small, fun touches, like handing out chocolates with a love note on Valentine’s Day, setting up a matcha bar for St. Patrick’s Day, or hosting a popcorn-filled game night. These little things bring people together and make ISL a fun place to work.

What has been your favourite project to work on to-date?

While I don’t usually work directly on projects from start to finish, I really enjoy being part of the support system that helps bring them to life. Every project I assist with is a little different, whether it’s helping with coordination, organizing resources, or just making sure things run smoothly behind the scenes. One of my favourite parts is seeing a project come together, knowing I played a small (but important!) role in making it happen. It’s like being the backstage crew at a show — you might not see us, but the performance wouldn’t run the same without us!

What’s your favourite thing about what you do in your position at ISL?

I love that my job is all about people and keeping things fun and organized. I get to support different teams, make sure the office runs smoothly, and bring some good vibes to the day. One of my favourite things is planning fun activities like theme days, office games, snack breaks, and big events across BC. I enjoy being the person who adds a little extra joy to everyone’s workday. No two days are the same, and I love being the go-to person who helps make it all happen.

What’s one hobby or interest people might not know about you?

Honestly, life can get pretty busy, so I don’t have a lot of time for hobbies, but if there’s one thing I’m really good at, it’s sleeping. I could literally go for hours! Also, here’s a fun little fact: I’m not a fan of flowers in general, but I absolutely love sunflowers. There’s just something about them that brightens my day.

Any advice for students or new grads entering the industry?

My advice would be to stay curious and open-minded. The beginning of your career is all about learning and growing, so don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek out new experiences, and build your network. Also, be patient with yourself — every step, even the small ones, is an important part of your journey. And finally, find ways to enjoy what you do and connect with the people around you; building positive relationships can open doors you didn’t even know existed.

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