FOURTH YEAR UNDERGRADUATE
Jodie Chau—General Contractors Association of Toronto Award
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Jodie Chau—General Contractors Association of Toronto Award
About the Award
General Contractors Association of Toronto Award:
For overall excellence and a demonstrated interest in project management is presented to four, fourth year students.
Academics & Extra-Curriculars
I first initially chose to study in TMU’s Architectural Science program due to the plethora of opportunities and pathways that the program offers within the AEC industry. I have received a well rounded education in my first 3 years at TMU and was able to discover my passion for project management. As such, I pursued a PM co-op position and am currently in my last year in the project management concentration.
In my current studies, I am gaining valuable knowledge and skills to become a successful project manager. I am learning key concepts such as life cycle costing, scheduling, and risk management. As well as learning to use industry standard softwares including MS Project and Autodesk Navisworks. These classes are taught by Professors who have years of industry experience. They share plenty of stories filled with wisdom and insight to us students.
For my PMT studio class, we are creating a design proposal for a TMU student housing project. This is completed in a group and has allowed myself and my peers to learn time-management and how to work collaboratively.
Outside of the classroom, I love participating in extra-curriculars when I can find time in my busy student schedule. One of my favourite memories at TMU was participating in TimberFever! This was an amazing experience to work together with other architecture and engineering students all across Canada to construct one rapid competition. I also had the opportunity to work on a design-build called, Protest in the Park. I collaboratively submitted a design proposal and then proceeded to join the build team to construct the winning team’s design.
Co-op Experience
TMU’s Architectural Science program has allowed me the opportunity to gain experience through the co-operative education program. With TMU’s wonderful guidance and industry connections I successfully gained the position of Project Manager Trainee at North York General Hospital’s Capital Planning & Redevelopment Department. There, I gained valuable hands-on experience working in the industry in a healthcare setting and further developed my passion for project management. I faced challenging situations while learning how to manage a team of contractors and engaged stakeholders to lead a project to completion.
I gained exposure to both capital projects and smaller scale redevelopment projects with teams of diverse backgrounds. From contractors, engineers, and architects to healthcare consultants and clinical teams!
Construction Project Management Career Goals
Throughout my time at TMU I have fully embraced my architectural education and developed interest in mixed-use projects and urban planning concepts of a more walkable city. In my future career I wish to contribute to these ideas and shape the built environment to be one that is enjoyable to all.
Reflecting back on my time at TMU, every day has presented new challenges and learning opportunities. I am so grateful for all of my growth that has been made possible thanks to this program and all the wonderful colleagues I have met along the way. I have gained life long knowledge and life long friends here.
Looking towards the future, I am so excited to enter the industry upon graduation! My time in the Architectural Science program has allowed me to develop key skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, and communication that I am confident will serve me well in my career.
General Contractors Association of Toronto Award:
For overall excellence and a demonstrated interest in project management is presented to four, fourth year students.
Academics & Extra-Curriculars
I first initially chose to study in TMU’s Architectural Science program due to the plethora of opportunities and pathways that the program offers within the AEC industry. I have received a well rounded education in my first 3 years at TMU and was able to discover my passion for project management. As such, I pursued a PM co-op position and am currently in my last year in the project management concentration.
In my current studies, I am gaining valuable knowledge and skills to become a successful project manager. I am learning key concepts such as life cycle costing, scheduling, and risk management. As well as learning to use industry standard softwares including MS Project and Autodesk Navisworks. These classes are taught by Professors who have years of industry experience. They share plenty of stories filled with wisdom and insight to us students.
For my PMT studio class, we are creating a design proposal for a TMU student housing project. This is completed in a group and has allowed myself and my peers to learn time-management and how to work collaboratively.
Outside of the classroom, I love participating in extra-curriculars when I can find time in my busy student schedule. One of my favourite memories at TMU was participating in TimberFever! This was an amazing experience to work together with other architecture and engineering students all across Canada to construct one rapid competition. I also had the opportunity to work on a design-build called, Protest in the Park. I collaboratively submitted a design proposal and then proceeded to join the build team to construct the winning team’s design.
Co-op Experience
TMU’s Architectural Science program has allowed me the opportunity to gain experience through the co-operative education program. With TMU’s wonderful guidance and industry connections I successfully gained the position of Project Manager Trainee at North York General Hospital’s Capital Planning & Redevelopment Department. There, I gained valuable hands-on experience working in the industry in a healthcare setting and further developed my passion for project management. I faced challenging situations while learning how to manage a team of contractors and engaged stakeholders to lead a project to completion.
I gained exposure to both capital projects and smaller scale redevelopment projects with teams of diverse backgrounds. From contractors, engineers, and architects to healthcare consultants and clinical teams!
Construction Project Management Career Goals
Throughout my time at TMU I have fully embraced my architectural education and developed interest in mixed-use projects and urban planning concepts of a more walkable city. In my future career I wish to contribute to these ideas and shape the built environment to be one that is enjoyable to all.
Reflecting back on my time at TMU, every day has presented new challenges and learning opportunities. I am so grateful for all of my growth that has been made possible thanks to this program and all the wonderful colleagues I have met along the way. I have gained life long knowledge and life long friends here.
Looking towards the future, I am so excited to enter the industry upon graduation! My time in the Architectural Science program has allowed me to develop key skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, and communication that I am confident will serve me well in my career.
