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BY HEATHER FRANTZ
Public Relations Coordinator
Ian Squires, P.Eng., joined APEGGA in 1994. He received his
bachelor of engineering degree from Memorial University of
Newfoundland.
Mr. Squires has been employed with Optima Engineers in
Calgary since May 2001. His work experience has included projects
in Newfoundland and British Columbia. He also spent a year
at Syncrude with Colt-Cosyn.
Ian is currently the vice-chair of the APEGGA Calgary
Branch Executive Committee and is past chair of the Calgary
Branch Meetings Committee. He has also volunteered his time
to help out with the Outreach program and Iron Ring ceremonies.
Why did you join APEGGA?
Although I don't believe that we called it mobility back in
1994, one of my reasons for joining APEGGA was to facilitate
my future ability to be easily registered in other jurisdictions,
as may be required for whatever projects I may find myself
working on.
As an engineer, how do you contribute to APEGGA?
I think I contribute primarily by believing in my profession
and in the value of being a professional engineer. Our professions
are vital to the public and APEGGA is our united public voice.
By participating, talking with other connected professions
and simply by doing good work, we all raise our profile.
Why do you volunteer with APEGGA?
Someone has help organize the professional development sessions!
It has been more than a bit of work to help coordinate the
variety and types of luncheons and professional development
sessions which are held. But it has been rewarding to see
both the general attendance at the luncheons and PD evenings,
as well as the feedback from the participants, improve over
the last few years.
What value do you get from being an APEGGA volunteer?
Being connected with what's happening within the organization,
as well as with other volunteers and active members, is very
valuable. I have more access to knowledge and fantastic networking
opportunities than I would have otherwise.
Is there a person or persons who have been helpful in
your development as a professional?
There have been several notable people. Ron Labey, P.Eng.,
Marty Gaulin, P.Eng., Phil Barker, and Mike Hylton, P.Eng.,
were about the best mentors a person could hope to meet during
their early career. And just when I thought I was getting
things figured out, Mike Smyth, P.Eng., (APEGGA president)
and Bob McTague (honorary APEGGA member) at Optima Engineers
have been great mentors and supporters. Those guys continuously
raise the career bar and then help me figure out how to get
over it.
What are your other hobbies and interests?
Golf and patios in the summer. Flames games and perhaps a
bit of flying in the winter.
And at least one vacation a year.
What is your favorite book?
The Ingenuity Gap, by Thomas Homer-Dixon. A fascinating read.
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