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    May 1, 2025
    Becca, Bachelor of Science in Engineering Student

    Meet Becca: My Most Memorable Experience as a UCalgary Student!

     

    My name is Becca, and I am currently in my third year of the Bachelor of Science in Geomatics Engineering at the Schulich School of Engineering. Two years ago, while completing the common core first year of the engineering program, I had no idea what Geomatics Engineering was, let alone that it would become my first choice for a major. I attended the program placement fair hosted by the Schulich School of Engineering, which serves as a platform for first-year students to meet current students. 

      

    My roommate Maddie and I

    After talking with the students, I realized that Geomatics Engineering checked every box for me. I was drawn to the open-endedness of the program, which offered two main paths: one in the cadastral concentration, providing opportunities to work outside as a land surveyor, and another focused on the tech industry, particularly in navigation systems. Additionally, the enthusiasm from the students about the professors, their excitement about the coursework, and the variety of internships available—ranging from working on autonomous vehicles to collecting data on the ocean environment in Greece—led me to go from not knowing what the program was to considering it as my first choice by the time I left their booth. Two years later, I was behind the same booth where I first learned about Geomatics Engineering, and I had the chance to share my experiences with others!  

      
     

    Once you've completed your common-core first year in engineering, you'll build on the foundational skills gained in courses like math, physics, statistics, and design, and begin to specialize in Geomatics Engineering. In the early stages, you'll take courses in GIS systems, land surveying, coding, and statistics. As you progress through the program, the curriculum delves deeper into specialized topics such as satellite positioning, photogrammetry, geodesy, and advanced surveying techniques.
     

    An added bonus to the program is the Geomatics Engineering Student Society, which provides multiple opportunities for student involvement. This society is an incredible way to connect with others in the field and participate in fun events like ski trips, hikes, and even dodgeball (Go Geo Monkeys!). The society also organizes the Geomatics Exposition each February, which brings together companies looking to hire students for internships, summer jobs, and post-graduate positions. This year, we had nearly 30 companies attend, offering a great opportunity for students to network and connect with potential employers.

    Geo Monkeys Dodgeball Team!

    My Summer Job Surveying on Vancouver Island

      

    One of the best things about Geomatics Engineering is how quickly you can apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to real-world situations. For example, I connected with a company at the Geomatics Exposition that led to my summer job as a survey assistant on Vancouver Island. I had the opportunity to gain valuable technical skills while working on beautiful Indigenous lands along the coast. This experience allowed me to see firsthand how the concepts from my courses translate to practical work and deepened my understanding of the land’s significance. It also gave me a fresh perspective on my studies and solidified my passion for the field.

    Something else that has significantly enhanced my university experience is the support I’ve received through scholarships for Geomatics undergraduate students. Receiving these scholarships has allowed me to focus more on my studies and extracurricular involvement without worrying as much about financial stress. I’m especially grateful for the support from the Tecterra Geomatics Engineering Scholarship. Beyond that, UCalgary has many other scholarships available, which I highly encourage future students to explore.

    Overall, I am incredibly grateful to be in the Geomatics Engineering program at the University of Calgary. I have learned so much, both in the classroom and through experiential learning opportunities. This has helped me discover areas I am passionate about pursuing for my career and connected me with a wonderful community of people. 

    Hear more from Becca and about Geomatics Engineering on our Choose UCalgary Podcast!  


        


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