Jason Alfke, B.Comm, Engineering Licensee
This month The Professional Edge chats with Jason Alfke, B.Comm, Engineering Licensee
Tell us about your personal and professional background. Where are you from? Where did you attend university?
I was born in Calgary, AB. I attended the University of Alberta in Edmonton to obtain my Bachelor’s degree in commerce. The University of Alberta offered a crossover program with the engineering faculty and this is where I was first introduced into the world of engineering.
Why did you choose to go into engineering?
It wasn’t until I started my oil and gas career that I was introduced to the role an engineer had in the industry and it was much later in my career when I had completed the requirements to hold a license.
Did you have any engineers in the family who influenced you?
None at all. The focus was the family business, which ultimately led me to pursuing a business degree.
What was your first job after university? Where was it and what was your role/title?
I worked in the family trucking business throughout university and for a few years after I convocated. It was an invaluable experience and exposed me to many challenges and disciplines that were not covered in a job title.
What do you feel has been your single greatest accomplishment?
It was a pretty proud day for me when I obtained my engineering license. I’ve been involved with large scale oil and gas operational budgets, large projects and my work scopes are high level. It has been a very good match with my business degree, as my engineering role is more administrative at this stage of my career.
What is one goal you’d still like to accomplish during your career?
I’ve been incredibly lucky to participate in technical events, as well as industry committees. The constant desire to keep improving current practices will never grow old with me. I follow a few key principles in all of my projects and will always take the time to make them more efficient. This is especially important to me as I review other projects that have grown bigger but have struggled with efficiency or accountability. Ongoing training, project optimization and regulatory guidance will continue to be the backbone goals of my career.
What are your interests outside of work? What do you do for fun?
After work you can find me chasing after my three kids and supporting their sports and hobbies. For me, I like to golf and watch hockey or catch up with friends over a pint.
What is your favourite vacation spot? What makes it special?
My summer spot is Salmon Arm, B.C. Mountain lakes and a moderate amount of people, lots of sunshine and, of course, the Shuswap Pie Company.
My favourite winter getaway is Costa Rica, with its diverse regions providing a variety of food, culture, ocean, mountains, rainforests, volcanoes. My kids’ favourite pastime while vacationing is releasing baby sea turtles.
Do you have a favourite book or movie?
It has to be 1980s and 1990s comedies, but it’s so hard to name just one. I’m a fan of most of the James Bond movies, the Die Hard series and the Ballers series.
What do you do for continuing professional development?
Outside of the work component, keeping up with oil and gas innovations and new technologies is easily second on the list. It’s especially rewarding when these innovations are actually implemented and the opportunity to optimize is presented. There is never a shortage of directives to review or keeping up with regulatory changes. Currently, I am self-studying the project management professional program and prepping to challenge the exam.
Who has had the greatest influence on your life and career?
I’ve been extremely fortunate to work with some solid engineers and business people alike. I also enjoy learning from my fellow peers as well as the individuals that I have mentored. It’s amazing what an extra set of eyes on a project can bring, especially if they are inquisitive.