Susan Sproule

MES President 1976-1977 BENG 1977 – Civil Engineering MBA 1997 – Business PhD 2003 – Management Science and Systems

What I Do
I worked in engineering and management for 20 years. I was involved in the planning, design and construction of telecommunications networks. When I left this work, I was leading a team of 80 engineers, managers, foremen, technicians and support staff.

Why Engineering?
I chose engineering because I liked math and science and I thought that engineering would leave more options open as far as career paths than a math or science degree would.

My Day At Work
As an engineer and manager, my day would typically consist of meetings and one-on-one consultations with people involved in our projects. These meetings could include company employees from other departments, engineers and managers from other utilities or municipalities, and customers or property owners affected by the projects. My work often included field trips to preview jobs, consult on jobs under construction, or inspect completed jobs.

The Best Part of Being an Engineer
I liked the new and different challenges posed by each new project. I enjoyed working as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

Proud Moments
Proud moments included graduating and receiving my iron ring, becoming a P.Eng., and representing other engineers on the Council of Professional Engineers Ontario.

Challenges
The engineering program at university required a lot of hard work, but there were fun times as well..

My Family
My father was an engineer and he supported both me and my brother when we decided to go into engineering and throughout our careers. From my mother I learned how to be independent and creative.

Dreams and Goals
I want to continue to find interesting work and interesting people to work with.
 
Inspiration
My father taught me the importance of always acting in an honourable and professional manner, to be open to new ideas, and to treat people with kindness and respect.

Hobbies
I have participated in a lot of sports (softball, volleyball, golf and curling) but recently have concentrated on sailboat racing. Sailboat racing requires teamwork and expertise (or at least competence) in a lot of different areas such as weather, mechanical systems, aeronautics, etc.  I have also helped to restore a couple of classic yachts, and have helped to build a fleet of radio-controlled model sailboats.

Want To Be An Engineer
An engineering degree will open a lot of doors. An engineering education teaches you critical thinking and problem solving skills that can be applied in any situation. Many engineers end up in upper management positions.

School Days
I studied Civil Engineering at McMaster University. In fourth year I was the President of the McMaster Engineering Society. Engineers have a lot of school spirit and I really enjoyed the social side of those undergraduate days. After working in engineering and management for 20 years, I returned to McMaster and completed my M.B.A. and my Ph.D. in Management Science and Information Systems.  I am now teaching in the Faculties of Business at both McMaster University and Brock University.