Career Services

This Q&A series offers an opportunity for the Western Engineering community to learn more about the incredible staff across the faculty and the outstanding work they do.

Meet the Career Services team located in the Spencer Engineering Building, Room 2092.

careers-team

The Career Services team supports Western Engineering students through career planning, exploration, and development, enhancing their career readiness and helping them achieve their professional goals. We take a student-centred approach by offering individualized advising, career-focused workshops, and experiential learning opportunities. We also manage the faculty’s co-op programs and collaborate with employers to build strong industry partnerships. Through these efforts, we contribute to Western Engineering’s commitment to providing an outstanding student experience.

-- Kyle Reid, Manager – Career Services and Experiential Learning

Team Members

Administrative Assistant

Stacy Dinel

Career Services Officer – Student Specialist

Monique Haan
Vince Reis
Daniela Lopez

Career Services Officer – Employer Specialist

Ishitaa Dua
Brian Ruple
Kayley MacGregor

What do you enjoy most about your work at Western Engineering?

Kyle Reid: I love witnessing those moments when a student takes pride in an accomplishment, gets genuinely excited about learning something new, or has an “aha” moment, realizing how their classroom learning connects to real-world problems. I see it in conversations with co-op students beaming about the impact they’re making at work, in student teams returning from competitions with a hard-earned trophy, and with students sharing their excitement after an inspiring conversation with an employer. Seeing these moments reminds me of the meaningful impact our work has in helping students grow, succeed, and confidently take their next steps.

Can you share a personal accomplishment or milestone you're proud of outside of work?

Stacy Dinel: One personal accomplishment I'm especially proud of is qualifying for the Boston Marathon. It’s not easy balancing full-time work and raising four kids. Finding time to train wasn’t easy, but I became an early morning person to fit in my workouts. Running is what keeps me balanced. It’s taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of making time for personal goals. I genuinely believe it makes me a better parent, co-worker, and person overall. I recently came across a post where a woman said she wished she could ask job candidates if they’re long-distance runners because runners are accustomed to embracing challenges. I couldn’t agree more.

Brian Ruple: I recently bought my first house — it’s definitely a work in progress getting everything organized and sorted, but an exciting next step and something I’m really looking forward to making my own. It’s been a big milestone and a good challenge outside of work.

Can you share a fun or interesting fact about your hometown or where you grew up?

Monique Haan: I grew up in Strathroy, and Cuddy Farms (supplier of turkeys) put us on the map, as they supplied the turkeys for McDonald’s. Additionally, we had the annual Turkey Fest, now renamed to the Strathroy Hometown Festival.

What's a challenge you've overcome that has shaped who you are today?

Vince Reis: As a first-generation immigrant from Brazil, I faced the challenge of navigating university and career decisions without a roadmap. Going through this process alone taught me the importance of perseverance and the value of the support that university staff can provide. In my current role as a Career Services Officer – Student Specialist, I draw on that experience to ensure students feel guided and empowered as they take on their next steps. I strive to be the kind of support I once relied on as a student.

Ishitaa Dua: One of the challenges I’ve overcome since moving to Canada is public speaking. At first, presenting in front of groups or meeting new people at networking events was intimidating. I believe the best way to overcome a challenge is by tackling it head-on, so I took the lead by delivering workshops, hosting events, and engaging with professionals in my field. Each experience boosted my confidence and deepened my knowledge, enabling me to connect with diverse audiences. This journey has helped me grow into a more adaptable professional who confidently embraces new challenges.

What's your go-to way to unwind or relax after a busy day?

Daniela Lopez: After a long day, I love escaping into fictional worlds, especially fantasy novels. There’s something magical about getting lost in a story and following unforgettable characters. This year alone, I’ve read 20 books, and I’m always on the lookout for the next one!

What's the most memorable travel experience you've had and why??

Kayley MacGregor: I would say my trip to Tanzania and Kenya was my most memorable. The nature and wildlife are breathtaking, the people are very kind, and the food is amazing and flavourful.