Arran Sutherland

CFIS Alumni Insights: Lessons Learnt, Best Yet & What's Next

March 2022

In this alumni spotlight, Arran Sutherland '17 shares an academic and professional achievements. Currently stationed as a Field Coordinator at PCL Construction, Arran's trajectory post-graduation has been marked by notable contributions to pivotal infrastructure projects. In this spotlight, Arran shares insights into his academic pursuits, professional endeavors, and the enduring lessons gleaned from his time at CFIS.

Where are you now?

I recently graduated from the University of Ottawa in December with a BASc in Civil Engineering. I was fortunate enough to be offered a full-time position with PCL Construction after completing my final COOP work-term with them last summer. I am now working as a field coordinator on the construction of a new central heating and cooling plant in Ottawa. The new plant is part of the Government of Canada's Energy Services Acquisition Program (ESAP) which is a project dedicated to the modernization and greening of heating and cooling processes in government buildings throughout Ottawa and Gatineau.

What are your future plans?

I hope to be part of some of Canada's most interesting projects and start working towards getting my P.Eng. 

What is your greatest accomplishment since graduating from CFIS?

Other than finishing my degree during a pandemic, my greatest accomplishment is having already been part of some incredible and important construction projects. Specifically, working on the Centre Block and East Block Rehabilitation Projects on Parliament Hill are definite highlights. Being able to see different areas in these historic buildings that are typically not accessible to the public was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. 

What is the greatest lesson you've taken from CFIS?

The greatest thing I learned at CFIS was the importance of staying informed and being an active member of society. We can learn so much more when we are either aware of or understand different perspectives. Through programs such as the travel studies program, CFIS exposed these varying perspectives and showed us how we fit into the global community.