As a UBC Okanagan alum, Abdullah shares his journey from student to engineering professional, sharing the major role his co-op experience played in shaping his career.
- Employer: JDS Energy & Mining
- Degree: Bachelor of Applied Science
- Program:
- Campus: Okanagan
Can you share your journey as a UBC student?
Abdullah Abusamak graduated from UBC Okanagan in 2023 with a degree in Civil Engineering and a Minor in Management. Transitioning into university was challenging, as he had completed his high school education in Arabic, making it difficult to adjust to English terminology and coursework.
Despite the initial hurdles, he credits the support from family, professors, TAs, classmates, and other university resources for helping him adapt. Through perseverance and hard work, he ultimately graduated with distinction, ranking among the top in his class.
What did you enjoy about studying at the Okanagan campus?
For Abdullah, the tight-knit community at UBC Okanagan played a key role in his experience.
The smaller campus fosters stronger connections. You'll frequently meet with and interact with people, creating a more engaged community. Professors are accessible, allowing for meaningful discussions and guidance on course content.
Beyond academics, he also appreciated Kelowna itself. “Whether it’s summer by the lake or winter on the slopes, Kelowna offers year-round experiences for every lifestyle.”
Abdullah also immersed himself in extracurricular activities, using them as an opportunity to expand his skills and network. He served as the VP External for the Innovate Design Sustain (IDS) Club, helping drive campus sustainability initiatives. As the undergraduate student representative on the School of Engineering’s Safety Committee, he worked alongside postgrad students, faculty, and staff to improve lab safety. Additionally, he participated in Jump Start and Create, UBC Okanagan’s orientation programs, as a student leader for three years.
How did co-op shape your career?
Abdullah took a strategic approach to co-op, aiming to gain experience in three key areas: consulting engineering, construction site work, and municipal/government projects. He successfully completed co-op terms in all three, gaining invaluable insights along the way. "Gaining experience in each field provided me with the foundational knowledge to understand my goals, the opportunities each field offers, and the key factors for success.”
His co-op experiences provided a well-rounded perspective on the engineering industry. Working with Government bodies (clients), consulting firms (designers), and contractors (executors) gave him valuable insight into stakeholder collaboration and project execution. Working in different sectors “offers a unique perspective and a deeper understanding of industry needs. As you enter the job market, you’ll bring valuable insight into how different industries operate and what they expect, giving you a competitive edge in any field.”
Beyond technical skills, co-op helped Abdullah build valuable professional connections. His second co-op term was with JDS Energy & Mining–the same company he works for today. During his co-op experience on an earthworks project at a mine site, he discovered his passion for the mining industry. He was inspired by the company’s strong culture, its people, and the industry’s dynamic nature. Through this experience, he gained valuable insight into JDS’s approach—delivering projects efficiently, within budget, and with a strong commitment to safety.
He encouraged students to recognize the opportunities that co-op positions can unlock.
I understand the job market can be competitive, but in Canada -- especially in the mining industry -- co-op hiring and rehiring often happen through connections. Skilled professionals are in high demand, and if you perform well, stay adaptable, and show a strong willingness to learn, employers will be eager to bring you back.
What does your current role look like, and how does your civil engineering background help?
Today, Abdullah works as a Civil EIT at JDS Energy & Mining, balancing office and site work to support clients in developing and executing efficient mine construction projects. “The most rewarding part is seeing the impact you make—creating value, supporting colleagues, and driving real progress alongside good people.”
His civil engineering background has been a strong asset in his daily tasks, where knowledge in earthworks and civil design plays a crucial role in mine site development.
What non-technical skills did you gain from co-op?
Through co-op, Abdullah developed three key skills that have been instrumental in his current role.
- Time Management: In school, you manage your own schedule, but in the workplace, you must navigate strict deadlines while coordinating with multidisciplinary teams across different time zones.
- Taking Responsibility: The quality of your work matters—clients value its impact, and others need to be able to build on it.
- Communication: Engineering projects involve multiple stakeholders, and poor communication can result in delays and inefficiencies.
Co-op provides a hands-on opportunity to develop these skills. Abdullah advises students to “build a strong foundation now, so when you graduate you're prepared to launch a successful career.”
What final advice do you have for students?
When asked for his advice to current students, Abdullah kept it simple: “Do co-ops, and do as many different, unique co-ops as possible.”
Looking back, he firmly believes that co-op was one of the most valuable aspects of his university experience.
I was often asked weather co-op was worth it, and I always responded 'Give me one good reason not to do co-op, and I'll listen'. In my view, there aren't any reasons not to do co-op.
