Guelph Grad Q&A: Abhinav Chatterjee
U of G Felt Like Home for International Engineering Grad
Abhinav Chatterjee graduated from the University of Guelph’s Water Resources Engineering program in 2021. From East Africa to India to Guelph, Abhinav Chatterjee’s educational journey was always driven by his goal to help build stronger and more sustainable communities.
Drawn to U of G for its interdisciplinary approach to engineering Abhinav credits the approachable professors and one-on-one support with helping him not only find educational success but to also making U of G feel like a home away from home.
Today, Abhinav works as a development associate in land development with Minto Communities Canada. He helps guide land parcels through the planning and engineering process, coordinating submissions to municipalities across southern Ontario and oversees site work such as servicing, grading and landscaping.
Continue reading to learn more about Abhinav’s inspiring journey.
Interview with Abhinav Chatterjee
Tell us about yourself and why you chose to study Water Resources Engineering at the University of Guelph?
I spent my early years of education between East Africa and India, the common thread between these two parts of the world was the abundance of natural resources and the ability of the people to extract the most value out of very rudimentary resources they have available. I grew up in places with very little resources and opportunities; I always wanted to get the knowledge to help make communities a better place to live. Studying at University of Guelph allowed me to pursue my passions about the preservation and conservation of the natural resource through applying engineering principles with a focus on an interdisciplinary approach.
I knew very little about Guelph before I moved here for University in 2016. I have visited many universities since then and I wouldn't want to be anywhere other than U of G, it is my home away from home. The people, food and nature, it always makes me feel at home.
What did you like most about your program? Is there anything in particular about the courses or professors that stands out to you?
The interdisciplinary approach, collaboration with other Engineering majors and physical sciences allowed me to broaden my horizons and change my perspectives towards problem solving. These are still fundamental skills I use to inform my daily life. The Professors are very approachable, giving you opportunities to have one-on -one sessions to understand concepts and apply them in the real works through labs.
Did you do co-op? If yes, tell us a bit about your co-op job and your experience.
Yes, I had my placements in Brantford at a Water Treatment firm, maintaining small drinking water systems across 140 schools in Western Ontario and then I worked at the Region of Peel at one of the largest Water Treatment Plants in Canada as a process engineering student. It was a great experience; I understood the value of my degree and the role of engineers in our society.
Where are you currently working and what is your role?
I work as a Development Associate - Land Development for Minto Communities Canada. My role is directed towards taking an acquired land parcel through planning and engineering stages of land development, which involves engineering submissions to Municipalities and Regions across Southern Ontario and overseeing the completion of site works such as servicing, grading, landscaping etc. I get to apply all the engineering principles of Civil and Water Resources Engineering to optimize Stormwater Management & Servicing, allowing us to save costs where applicable and make the homes we build more affordable for our future residents.
How did your degree and time at the University of Guelph help get you to where you are today? How do the skills and education you gained help with your current work?
All the extracurricular activities that I was involved in helped immensely in shaping who I am today. I gained my leadership skills by being involved with CEPS as their VP Social for 3+ years. I was able to shape my community by being an RA across 3 residences during my time, helping first-year students acclimate to the University and ensuring they have the best experience and get the resources they need.
My degree helped me in understanding the purpose of engineering in Canada, and how important it is to conserve our natural resources. This is a responsibility I take very seriously in my position, ensuring that we meet our housing targets by being as conservative of our natural resources and protecting the environment to our utmost abilities.
Most importantly, I found my family away from home at Guelph. The people I met on my first day at my suite in Leadership House are still some of my best friends 10 years into my life here in Canada. I was lucky enough to keep meeting amazing people throughout my tenure in Residence Life and CEPS, they are some of my best friends too.
What advice would you give someone considering the Water Resources Engineering program or applying to the University of Guelph?
This program combines the principles of Civil and Environmental Engineering, giving you the best of both worlds. Preparing you to be a consultant or work in conservation, broaden your horizons and opens doors for you.
Bonus Questions
Where was your favourite place to eat on campus and what was your go-to food order?
Creelman, I would usually go for the pasta
In your opinion where is the best place to study on campus?
Library, the 4th floor
What was your pre-exam ritual?
Group study sessions and quiz each other.
What are your top 5 favourite things about U of G?
- The People
- The Food
- Rec soccer
- The Arboretum
- The Gym