National Engineering Month Spotlight - Aldridge Hangdaan

Aldridge Hangdaan - Electrical Designer

National Engineering Month Employee Spotlight Series

For National Engineering Month 2023, we are celebrating our incredible team of Engineers, EITs, and engineering professionals with the intention of raising awareness of the different career opportunities available, and providing advice for those just setting out on their career journey.

Today’s spotlight shines on one of our Electrical Designers, Aldridge Hangdaan!

What is your role?

I am an Electrical Designer on the Mission Critical Team, working with engineers and project managers to design data centres and other facilities that support clients such as telecommunications and internet service providers, cryptocurrency traders, banking institutions and transit operators such as the TTC.

What made you want to pursue this career?

I was always interested in math and science in elementary school, though I didn't have any idea how I would turn these interests into a career.  I took part in various science projects that piqued my interest in the electrical field and I wanted to explore how I could create a positive impact on the environment.

Then in Grade 9, I joined my high school's robotics club. We competed in an international high school robotics competition which introduced me to many of the basic concepts behind engineering design and development. I was intrigued by the concept of having a challenge and figuring out which possibility would work best to solve it. The different levels and types of engineering sparked my interest and inspired me to pursue engineering at university.

What is one thing you wish people knew about your job?

I was never aware of just how crucial communication is to this industry. While in University, the focus was mostly on developing your technical skills, rather than emotional intelligence skills such as communication. From coordination with architects, vendors and your team during the design phase, to communicating with the contractors & with the client during close-out procedures, communication can single-handedly make or break a project.

What are you most proud of in your journey so far?

When I first joined the firm fresh out of university, I couldn't shake the feeling of being an imposter. I knew I had the technical skills, but I wasn't sure how to apply them in an industry that was completely new to me. Eventually, I was able to take on a project and act as the project manager for the first time. I got to experience the many aspects of this role and encountered quite a few "lesson learned" moments. The greatest moment for me was performing the final site visit to see the design go from an AutoCAD drawing to a real end product for the client. 

How has your team supported you in your career growth?

I was surprised to see just impactful strong mentorship and proper management is to the development of a new graduate. I felt that in my first few months at Quasar, I grew more than I did in my entire previous work placement & university. Anyone from my immediate Team Lead all the way to upper management is, and continues to be, willing to take the time out of their packed day to answer design questions and even explain how the business/industry works. 

How would you describe the working culture?

The working culture is only as strong as the teams you work with. At Quasar, we have strong team members from top to bottom, from management to EITs. The "open door policy" management provides relieves the anxiety and stress a new hire may have. Friendly, client-oriented, and motivated would be the best way to describe the culture here. 

Any pieces of advice for new engineering students and those early in their careers?

While in university, I wish I had taken part in more extracurriculars and student groups. These provide opportunities to develop soft skills and further your ability to coordinate with others, all while in an environment where there are fewer repercussions when a mistake is made. As an early career, don’t be afraid to ask questions, not everyone has it all figured out and that’s the beauty of it all. You learn and grow as you keep moving forward so put yourself out there and get involved!