In this employer spotlight, we speak with Lindsay Dow (Early Talent Lead, Canada) from Arcadis. Arcadis is a global design, engineering, and consultancy firm with over 36,000 employees worldwide. Lindsay shares insights on the qualities they look for in co-op students, and we hear from two previous UBC Applied Science Co-op students about their experiences working for Arcadis.
What does your company do?
Arcadis is a global design, engineering, and consultancy firm that is dedicated to helping our clients make sustainable project choices by combining digital innovation, expertise, and future-focused skills. With 36,000 people, we unite global expertise with local knowledge to tackle challenges such as climate change, energy diversification, and livable cities, improving quality of life through our presence in more than 30 countries.
Our presence in Canada stretches from coast to coast, where we deliver intelligent products and solutions, working on transformative projects such as the Fraser River Tunnel, Salay Prayzaan Solar Generation, Yarmouth Yards, and the QEII Halifax Infirmary Expansion.
What is the culture like at your organization, and how do you support the professional growth of your employees and co-op students?
The culture at Arcadis is built on collaboration, innovation, diversity, and a shared commitment to improving quality of life. Arcadis fosters an inclusive and supportive environment where employees and co-op students feel empowered to contribute, grow, and make a meaningful impact.
We aim to support the professional growth of our co-op students through:
- Hands-On Experience: Co-op students work on real-world projects alongside experienced professionals, gaining practical knowledge and insight into their chosen field.
- Learning Opportunities: Arcadis provides training and exposure to cutting-edge tools, software, and methodologies, preparing students for future careers.
- Networking: Students are encouraged to connect with colleagues across departments, building relationships that could support their long-term career aspirations.
- North American Internship Program: Co-op students in Canada are part of our North America wide Internship program. This includes a student specific orientation, an interactive webinar series, bi-weekly drop-in sessions, and an end of term presentation.
- Path to Employment: Exceptional co-op students often transition into full-time roles, as Arcadis values the fresh perspectives and energy they bring to the workplace.
What qualities or skills do you look for when hiring a co-op student?
At Arcadis, we seek co-op students who align with our vision as skills-powered organization. We look for individuals with a strong mix of technical expertise, collaboration skills, and a passion for learning. Some key skills would include:
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in tools like AutoCAD, Revit, GIS, or BIM, along with analytical and problem-solving capabilities relevant to engineering, design, or environmental roles.
- Communication and Teamwork: The ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams and convey ideas clearly.
- Sustainability and Innovation: A genuine interest in creating solutions that improve quality of life while addressing global challenges.
- Learning Mindset: Eagerness to gain hands-on experience, adapt to feedback, and develop professionally.
We value students who are driven, adaptable, and ready to contribute to impactful projects that make a real difference.
How do UBC co-op students contribute to your organization? Can you provide examples of the kinds of projects they work on or successes they’ve achieved?
Yazan was a Transportation Analyst Co-op Student with Arcadis in Vancouver in 2024 and then joined the organization full-time in Summer of 2024.
"My co-op experience at Arcadis was a turning point in my early civil engineering career. Being involved in projects of various scales gave me exposure to areas I hadn’t considered before and opened doors to new and exciting opportunities. Among the many projects I had the chance to work on, some of the most rewarding were those related to Light Rail Transit (LRT) and transit planning studies"- Yazan Hedaya (Civil Engineering, UBC, 2024)
Kelly was an Architectural Intern with Arcadis in Vancouver in 2023 and joined the firm full-time as an Architectural Designer in Spring of 2024.
“My internship at Arcadis as an architectural co-op student was a transformative experience that shaped both my personal growth and early career opportunities. I’m deeply grateful for the supportive environment, where I collaborated with talented professionals and gained hands-on experience that enhanced my design skills and confidence. Opportunities to actively participate in various Rezoning and Feasibility applications across the lower mainland resulted in rewarding experiences which laid the foundation for my current role as an architectural designer, and I’m truly thankful.” - Kelly Yang (Architecture, UBC, 2024)
What advice do you have for students interested in working at your organization? (This can include advice for applications, interviews, skills/knowledge to gain ahead of time, etc.)
For students interested in working at Arcadis, here are our top 5 tips:
- Research the organization- Understand our mission, values and the type of work we do to improve quality of life.
- Tailor your application- Customize your resume and cover letter for the role you are applying to. Highlight your relevant skills, experiences and projects that demonstrate your fit for the role.
- Network and connect- Engage Arcadis employees on LinkedIn or at industry and campus events for insights and advice.
- Interview Preparation- Practice discussing your technical skills and experiences and be ready for behavioural questions using the STAR (situation, task, action, result) method.
- Showcase your passion- Demonstrate enthusiasm for the industry and Arcadis' projects, while highlighting soft skills like teamwork and problem-solving.
