Nathan Johnson had plenty of exposure to civil engineering projects at the ground level before deciding he wanted to study engineering. His father works in highway construction, and during Nathan’s teenage years he took on labourer and grademan jobs amid his high school studies.
While working one summer after high school, Johnson’s supervisor asked him what was next for his career, then encouraged him to consider returning to school.
He first enrolled in a mechanical engineering program at a large college, but Johnson found he did not have the level of connection he was looking for with his professors. He transferred to St. Lawrence College here in Kingston and began a Civil Engineering Technology advanced diploma program.
As he neared the end of that program, one of his professors asked Johnson if he wanted to continue to degree studies. It was a path this professor had taken decades prior.
“Originally my plan was to complete the college program and start working from there,” he says, “but one of my professors told me, if you have the opportunity, you should pursue the degree because it'll open up so many more doors for you. Around that time, Smith Engineering announced its bridging program.”
Smith Engineering Bridge is designed for students who have completed or are completing a three-year advanced diploma program in Engineering Technology and wish to obtain a university degree in engineering. Assuming all criteria are met, students accepted into the program expect two additional years of study.
The transition window—which begins during the final year of college study—includes two online courses and then, after a summer session on the Queen’s campus, students enter third-year courses in the fall. The summer program includes topics like engineering design, chemistry, calculus, differential equations, programming, and discipline-specific course content. Civil engineering, in Nathan’s case.
As the summer term nears its conclusion, Johnson and the rest of the first Engineering Bridge cohort prepare for full integration into the Smith Engineering third year of study in Civil Engineering.
And he is already thinking longer term, about potentially completing a master’s degree in engineering as well as obtaining his Professional Engineer designation at the end of his undergraduate studies. Before that, he has tentatively lined up an internship placement with a local engineering consulting firm which he hopes will help shape his career path.
Reflecting on the yearlong journey from college diploma to full-time university study, Johnson says he has received plenty of support through the transition and looks forward to being a Queen’s student.
“I love the feel of being involved in a community and having people there who have the similar mindset as you.”
This article is relevant to the following Strategic Actions as defined in the Strategic Plan:
