Foundational: Jules’s co-op journey with JDI

Through a co-op placement at Atlantic Towing, Jules Wilson has found a solid foundation upon which to build a future career.

The fourth-year mechanical engineering student at the University of Windsor, specializing in environmental engineering, is working as an engineering assistant this co-op term. Originally from Ontario, Jules recently moved to Saint John, N.B. for their final co-op placement.

“If I were to describe my time with J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) or my co-op placement in one word, I’d say foundational,” said Jules about their time so far with Atlantic Towing. “JDI does a very good job of setting the foundation for co-op students to grow the rest of their career.”

This is Jules’s second term with JDI. Their first term was as a production engineering student at Irving Shipbuilding in Halifax. Now they’re working as an engineering assistant with Atlantic Towing’s asset management team. Jules says the two roles couldn’t be more different, which they see as a strength.

“No career in engineering looks the exact same,” Jules said. “Sometimes it’s better to just pick a direction and figure it out from there.”

With the asset management group, Jules is working on various projects with the business while also developing skills that will help further their career. These include conducting environmental impact assessments and learning the importance of pacing and prioritizing when handling multiple projects, all while thinking outside of the box.

Jules had not originally planned to pursue engineering, finding the path intimidating. But after encouragement from a mentor, they took the leap. That decision led to discovering the adaptability, problem-solving and broad opportunities the field offers. Because of this, Jules encourages other students not to fear uncertainty. 

“If you don’t know what you want to do, just pick the best option and you can change later. Even if you spend an extra year, you’ve still learned what you don’t like, which is progress.”

As they work to chart their career path moving forward, Jules said they value the wide range of experiences they’ve had and the foundation their JDI co-op placements have provided.

Are you interested in a full-time or student position? See our openings here: http://careers.jdirving.com/