Noor Tajik, Engineering-in-Training

Please tell us about your personal background.

I was born and raised in Ontario, Canada. I was the first in my generation to be born in Canada, as my family immigrated from Pakistan. From Ontario, I moved to Saskatchewan in 2015. I studied at the University of Regina in Environmental Systems Engineering. In 2022, I began my engineering career in consulting.

Why did you choose engineering, and what is your area of specialty?

I chose engineering because I have a passion for implementing clean drinking water infrastructure in underserved communities. I believe clean water is a basic human right. Working in an area where I can learn about technical aspects to remediate this ongoing problem is highly beneficial to my research. I am grateful that my job allows me to learn about water and wastewater treatment, so I can carry that knowledge into what I am passionate about.

What are some of the most interesting, rewarding, and/or challenging experiences you have had?   

The most rewarding projects are not only specifically engineering or work related. Outside of work, I’ve focused on studying the gaps in infrastructure for clean drinking water in Canada, most of which are in remote and Indigenous communities. I also studied the policy and jurisdiction barriers that limit our ability to remediate issues as quickly as needed, through a project with Waterlution. More recently, I partnered with UN Canada- Regina chapter, where I visited a high school to teach youth the importance of water sanitation and treatment processes. While these projects go beyond the workplace, without my engineering knowledge, they would not be possible.

What have you appreciated most about your engineering journey?   

I have appreciated learning from my peers. There is so much knowledge around a room, and always being a student is something I encourage. There is never a time where I go to work and feel like I haven’t learned something new that week. Innovation and collaboration remain key aspects of engineering that continue to keep me excited and interested in this field.

Any mentors or role models you’d like to tell us about? What insight or wisdom did they impart?

If I were to mention a mentor who always guided me in finding purpose in my career, it would have to be my friend Simer. She always reminded me to work for a purpose. I have always held this advice close. As engineers, we serve a purpose to our community to ensure safety, better infrastructure and accessibility to mechanisms that aid human life. I come to work knowing my involvement on a project will contribute to a greater good.

What activities or interests do you enjoy outside of your professional pursuits?

Outside of work, I enjoy dancing. I have always maintained this hobby as it helps me express myself and connect to music and my culture. Ensuring I nurture my creative side always helps fuel my innovative side with engineering.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I would like to remind everyone to find something that brings them joy. For me, working towards my passion does this. As well, nurturing my creative side with dance. Never compromise joy. To be a good engineer, you cannot serve people without serving yourself first.