Featured Employee – Alan Dubois
Alan is an Engineer-In-Training (EIT) and Engineering Coordinator at RAM. He graduated from the University of Alberta with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. Alan has experience working in the field in both heavy civil and municipal construction environment in a variety of roles from Labourer to Field Engineer to Construction Supervisor and Assistant Project Manager. Alan’s recent project includes the Vancouver Airport Fuel Delivery Project where he is managing and assisting in communication between consultants and contractors.
“Since Alan joined RAM as Engineering Coordinator, he has become a key member of our Engineering group. He is very friendly and passionate about his work and willing to assist with the task on hand no matter how challenging the scope. In addition, Alan is very motivated and interested in learning in many areas of the project. I’m certain Alan will continue to grow to become an outstanding professional!” says Kaveh Jamshidi, P.Eng., PMP, Engineering Manager at RAM.
Tell us about your role at RAM? What do you like most about it?
As an Engineering Coordinator, I mainly assist our field engineers with technical matters such as RFIs, submissions, and anything else that may need input from the consultants. I work with the Design Engineers, Contractors, RAM’s document control, field staff, and commercial department amongst others. The best part of my role is being able to work with such a wide variety of people, which has strengthened my appreciation of everyone’s role at RAM.
What do you find most challenging at RAM?
Time management is a continuous struggle for me. With tasks coming in all the time with varying levels of importance sometimes I prioritize the wrong thing and I end up sending meeting minutes a few days late. It’s an area I’ve improved a lot in since starting at RAM but I’m not as good as I’d like be yet.
What is your favorite part about working at RAM?
I strongly feel that your co-workers make or break the job. You could have your dream job but if you don’t like your co-workers, it won’t be a very fulfilling. At RAM, I am fortunate to enjoy my job and also have colleagues that are amazing to be around both in and out of the work environment.
What advice would you give to recent new hires?
As an EIT, your number one priority should be to learn, you should always be expanding your skill set. This can be done by joining committees at RAM, attending lunch and learns, and asking to take on additional tasks.
What are 3 career lessons you’ve learned this far?
- Take the time to clarify: Whether you do this by recapping action items at the end of a call or asking for clearer directions, taking an extra minute to clarify can save lots of time down the road.
- Don’t suffer alone: If you are stuck on a task or feel you have too much on your plate to handle alone, reach out to a co-worker or your supervisor. There is always someone willing to lend a hand.
- Be Friendly: Being approachable and personable goes incredibly far in the industry. Taking the time to build a relationship with people from other companies is invaluable for the future.
What do you like to do on your days off?
My girlfriend and I recently have recently been watching Grey’s Anatomy on Netflix. We’re almost done Season 3… only 13 more to go!
Interested in joining RAM and learning more about our Members-in-Training program? Head over to our careers page to learn more.