Each year, only a tiny fraction of APEGS members report their Continuing Professional
Development (CPD) requirements. This is a serious problem that undermines the integrity of our profession.
Name:
Connie Barsness, P.Eng.
About me:
My husband and I are celebrating 20 years of marriage in 2017. We live and farm on the family farm near Weyburn. I am a mother of four boys ages 22, 17, 14, and 12. This past summer, my husband and I helped coach the canoe and kayak team (which included three of our sons) at the Estevan Summer Games. Our team ended up winning a total of 16 medals at the games. A huge success for our team!
Job Responsibilities:
I am a senior engineer at Matrix Solutions. I work with a multidisciplinary team that provides environmental consulting services primarily within the oil and gas industry. I am responsible for the remediation team at the Weyburn office. I have been fortunate over the years to work with such a dynamic and energetic group.
What I do for CPD:
My activities fall in four main categories. On the formal side, I attend industry technical courses, internal training and internal short courses. Informally, I read technical journals, attend technical committee meetings and go to industry trade shows. In the presentation category, I presented a course at internal training short courses.
There is also a fun side in the participation category. I help mentor Members-in-Training at Matrix, present at career days and judge science fairs. I’m also on our school community council and have coached at the Saskatchewan Summer Games – all of which counts as continuing professional development!
How have your CPD activities helped you in your job:
Within our company we have annual “Training Days” where all members from the company get together at one location and attend technical courses in their field of specialization. Senior staff members both present and attend the courses to encourage discussion. It’s a great way for knowledge to be shared across the company.
Also, mentoring a Member-in-Training is a great way to increase your knowledge and competency. New members look at technical approaches with a fresh set of eyes and ask many questions. Being involved with Members-in-Training keeps me accountable to ensure that I am preparing young members to be technically competent. It’s also very rewarding to see their growth and development.