1. YO U N G P R O F E S S I O N A L S & S T U D E N T S C O R N E R
got lucky at the WEAO
Conference two years
ago. Months of prepar-
ing applications, utiliz-
ing industry contacts,
networking at every event
possible all over Ontario
all came to a close during
the WEAO conference,
where I met a key contact that eventu-
ally led to my current position in the
water industry at Black & Veatch. A
month earlier, I had met the right person
to introduce me to this key contact – but
that alone would not have been enough.
I was preparing, listening, and learning
at all times, and I still am.
Prepare. Figure out what you want,
before you start. Is there a company you
are interested in? See if an employee is
presenting, or if they have a booth at
the OPCEA Exhibition. Is there a piece
of technology you have been wonder-
ing about? Make the connection and
visit the OPCEA Exhibition and find
out how it works. Just want to make
new connections and have fun? Do not
be afraid to join in all the social events
during the three days. There is a wealth
of knowledge, expertise and inspiration
at the WEAO Conference – make sure
I GOT LUCKY AT THE WEAO CONFERENCE
Alison Chan, Vice Chair, WEAO Young Professionals Committee
you know where to find it. We have an
amazing Young Professionals (YP)/stu-
dent program designed just for you!
Listen. Stand out from the many
who are seeking the same thing as you.
By listening, you can focus fully on
your partner, avoid interrupting, and
show your interest. Listen, don’t just
hear, and take note. You want to build
relationships, not just make another
connection on your LinkedIn profile.
Be authentic and considerate by being
yourself and respectful of people’s time.
Do not ask for a job, ask for advice.
You do not want a new connection to
feel pressured or ambushed. Remember,
build relationships, and they will help
you when they can; and certainly help
them if you can as well.
Learn. Hundreds of professionals, an
extensive OPCEA Exhibition, great tech-
nical sessions, and more, are all available
during the WEAO Conference. There are
numerous opportunities to learn. The
easiest way to do this is to ask questions.
Go to technical sessions – do not be shy
about asking for more information, or
another explanation. Learn about other
professionals – how did they get into the
water industry? What do they love most
about their job? What advice can they
offer for a student/YP? People’s career
and technical experiences and expertise
are invaluable. Take advantage.
The last two years have been an
adventure, and it would not have been
possible without some of the most pas-
sionate people I have ever come across.
I mean really, who else gets this excited
about wastewater and its ‘pootential?’
I have made some of my closest friends
through WEAO, and I am proud to
say that the WEAO YP Committee is
not just a volunteer committee, but
also a group of friends that share the
same passion. I would like to thank
the WEAO YP Committee as well for
an amazing 2013/2014 year, and to
the last two WEAO YP chairs (June &
Alvin), who have inspired and provided
leadership to the future water leaders
of Ontario, and beyond. I am excited to
transition into this role for the 2014-
2015 year. Do not forget to say hi to us
at the #WEAO2014 Conference!
Alison Chan
obtained her
master’s degree
in environmental
engineering from
the University of
Guelph, and is now
a project engineer
in training (EIT) with Black & Veatch
in Markham, Ontario. After hours,
you can find her on one of her many
bicycles, or on a climbing wall.
You want to build relationships,
not just make another connection
on your LinkedIn profile.
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