Alumni Spotlight: Alice Brais

This interview was conducted by TECHNATION, and the article originally appeared on TECHNATION's website as part of their Career Ready Program success story series.

Background & Motivation

Alice’s academic journey was anything but ordinary, marked by unique challenges and new paths in the world of engineering.

After earning her Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from McGill University, she took a brief pause before diving into a Master’s in Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture at UBC in Vancouver.

Despite studying remotely due to the pandemic, Alice was determined to gain practical experience in her field, which led her to a co-op opportunity with Robert Allan Ltd. Through UBC’s co-op portal, she connected with the company, and after just a few weeks, she realized it was the perfect fit.

“I didn’t choose UBC solely for the co-op program,” Alice explained, “but it was a huge plus. The experience opened doors that would have otherwise been difficult to access, and it set me up for long-term success. The co-op experience wasn’t just about fulfilling academic requirements; it was about exploring my career options and determining what I truly enjoyed.”

The hands-on work at Robert Allan Ltd gave her a glimpse into the real-world applications of the theory she had studied. It was an opportunity to test her skills in a professional environment, collaborate with seasoned engineers, and dive deeper into the complexities of tugboat design – a niche area she hadn’t initially expected to be so passionate about.

Internship Experience & Professional Growth 

As she immersed herself in her role, Alice quickly began honing her skills and taking on projects that would define her future in naval architecture.

During her time at Robert Allan Ltd, Alice was introduced to the core skills of a naval architect, including weight estimating, stability analysis, and drafting. However, what truly stood out was the unique opportunity she was given to lead a major project – a feasibility study on fuel cells for tugboats. This project allowed Alice to dive deep into research and make a meaningful contribution to the company.

“I was able to combine the research skills from my master’s program with the practical challenges of working in the field,” Alice shared. “It was nerve-wracking at times, but ultimately so rewarding. I worked on the project for a few months and ended up producing a 20,000-word analysis. It was a pivotal moment for me and one of the reasons I was offered a full-time position.”

The project not only showcased Alice’s abilities but also made her the go-to person for fuel cell knowledge within the company. It’s a role she continues to embrace today, even as she balances multiple responsibilities in her day-to-day work.

Looking back, Alice reflects on how this project marked a turning point in her career, allowing her to grow professionally and solidify her place within the company.

Current Role & Aspirations

As Alice continues to grow in her career, her role has expanded in exciting ways.

Today, Alice excels in her full-time role as a naval architect, applying the skills she honed during her co-op. From stability analysis to 3D modeling, she’s involved in a range of projects, including serving as the company’s expert on fuel cells. Her days are dynamic, balancing technical responsibilities with environmental initiatives like calculating the company’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Looking ahead, Alice sees herself moving into project management or a business-oriented role, where she can oversee larger projects and work closely with clients. While the exact path is still unfolding, she’s confident that her growing skill set will lead to rewarding opportunities in the future.

Advice for Students 

Reflecting on her journey, Alice has valuable insights to offer for students considering an internship.

Alice’s biggest piece of advice? Go for it. She believes that internships are an invaluable opportunity to gain hands-on experience, test the waters of a potential career, and discover what you truly enjoy. Her advice to students during their internships is to embrace every opportunity:

“Internships give you a glimpse into your future field, and sometimes they help you realize whether or not it’s the right fit. Say yes to as many things as possible, even if they scare you. That’s how you grow,” 

Alice also emphasizes the importance of professionalism: responding promptly to emails, being approachable, and maintaining a positive attitude can make a big impact on your experience and future career.

Finally, Alice encourages students to view internships as a time for exploration and growth. “It’s a chance to learn more about yourself and your abilities. Be open to new experiences, and don’t be afraid to take risks—you never know where they might lead.”

The Path Forward 

Having already made a significant impact at Robert Allan Ltd, Alice is eager to see where her career will take her next. She remains open to new challenges and opportunities, confident that her experience and skills will continue to guide her forward. “The past few years have shown me that being adaptable and saying yes to new things can lead to incredible opportunities,” she shared.

While Alice is unsure of the exact direction her career will take, she envisions herself moving into project management or perhaps stepping into a more client-focused role. She’s excited by the possibilities ahead and is committed to continuing her growth within the company.

Ultimately, Alice believes that staying curious and flexible is key to long-term success. “The best opportunities often come when you least expect them, so it’s important to keep learning, stay open, and embrace whatever comes your way.

ABOUT TECHNATION

TECHNATION is a national industry association that represents leading technology companies in Canada. Through its Career Ready Program, TECHNATION connects students with meaningful work opportunities, helping to build a skilled and diverse workforce for the future.

ABOUT TECHNATION’s Career Ready Program

Funded by the Government of Canada’s Student Work Placement Program, TECHNATION’s Career Ready Program supports businesses by financing their decision to hire a student for a work-term placement while providing access to an entire Work Integrated Learning (WIL) ecosystem. This in turn creates a rewarding opportunity for the student to apply their learning in real-world settings and puts them on a path to a bright career.