Recruitment

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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 Recruitment Team at the Spencer Engineering Building, Room 2081, Western University.

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As a student recruitment team, we play a crucial role in attracting and enrolling students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Our work ensures prospective students receive the correct information and support throughout their application journey. The team engages with prospective students through outreach efforts such as school visits, fairs, and online campaigns, guiding them through application requirements and processes. They work to attract and support applicants, review and assess qualifications and run targeted initiatives, like campus tours, webinars and onboarding support, to encourage offered students to accept.

-- Patricia Guzzo
Recruitment Manager

Team Members

  • Phil Holley, Recruitment Coordinator
  • Karina Koren, Administrative Assistant
  • Celine Nanan, Recruitment Coordinator

Engineering Communications (EC): What do you enjoy most about your work at Western Engineering? 

Patricia Guzzo: I really enjoy the opportunity to connect with students and help them make well-informed decisions about their higher education journey. Whether it’s through attending the Ontario University Fair, leading initiatives like our new recruitment podcast, Beyond the Nuts and Bolts, or collaborating with faculty and industry professionals, I find it incredibly rewarding to contribute to such a renowned and inspiring environment. Western Engineering is home to some of the most dedicated and driven students I’ve had the privilege to work with, and seeing them grow and succeed makes this work truly fulfilling.  

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

Phil Holley: Portstewart is a beautiful coastal town in Northern Ireland, known for its stunning scenery, rich history, and laid-back seaside charm. One of its most famous attractions is Portstewart Strand, a two-mile stretch of golden sand managed by the National Trust, popular for surfing, walking, and even driving along the shore. This breathtaking beach also served as a filming location for Game of Thrones, appearing in Season 5 as the Coast of Dorne. At the heart of the town is the Promenade, a lively waterfront lined with cafés, restaurants, and ice cream shops, offering spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. Portstewart Golf Club, founded in 1894, is home to one of the most scenic links courses in the world and has hosted prestigious tournaments like the Irish Open. Just a short drive away lies the world-famous Giant’s Causeway, making Portstewart an ideal base for exploring Northern Ireland’s rugged north coast. Historically, the town was a popular seaside retreat for wealthy Victorians looking to escape the city, a charm it still retains today. Its small but picturesque harbour is the perfect spot to watch the sunset or enjoy fresh seafood, rounding out the town’s timeless appeal.

EC: Can you share a fun or interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know?

Karina Koren: One interesting fact about me is that I spent many of my childhood summers in Ukraine, where I was fully immersed in the culture. My parents immigrated to Canada in the early 90s, but made sure to preserve their heritage and culture. As a result, my sister and I became fluent in reading, writing, and speaking the language at a young age. I'm incredibly grateful to be able to communicate with many family members and grandparents who don't speak English.

EC: Are there any books, movies, or TV shows you're obsessed with?

Celine Nanan: A book that resonated with me is Start with Why by Simon Sinek. It explores how organizations can create lasting impact, build meaningful relationships, and achieve sustainable success by prioritizing and clearly communicating the "why" behind their actions, rather than focusing solely on the "how" or "what." This insightful and inspirational book has drawn on the actions of large organizations to give us lessons on fostering trust, driving innovation, and achieving long-term success, all built around the central idea that "success is not about what you do, but why you do it.