b'BCBEC FOUNDATION AWARDS PROFILEBCBECFOUNDATION AWARDS PROFILE:Hyejoo KohBy James PetersH yejoo Koh graduated from the British Columbiajobsites and allowed us to witness real people doing real work Institute of Technology (BCIT)in 2019,on construction sitesnot just practical theory. Thats one of earning her masters degree in Building Science.the real assets of this curriculum, especially for those students Her natural enthusiasm, coupled with herwho are not construction-minded in the beginning. Even for academic record, prompted her instructors tomeI have a background in chemical and material engineering ensure she applied for BCBECs Education through my BCIT studies, I was well prepared to work for a Foundation Award before graduating. Hyejoo received thecompany that I really enjoy working for. award that same year. Shes currently a Project Manager at Sense Engineering, working from the Vancouver branch onBE: Tell us about the company you work for. What do you do building envelopes, primarily for residential structures. for Sense Engineering?BCBEC Elements: What qualities and characteristics do youHK: Ive been with Sense Engineering for four years now and think provided the judges with a clear choice for honouringI love it. Most of the time I design specifications, including you with the Education Foundation Award?drawings and details for building envelopes. I do two different kinds of work: retrofitting design work for existing buildings Hyejoo Koh: I think it was my passion and keen interest inand creative design work for new construction. That also means the building sciences that impressed my professors at BCIT.working with a lot of different stakeholdersclients, architects Because I found the subject matter so interesting, I alsoand municipalities. participated in extra-curricular studies, such as many BCBEC-sponsored seminars and workshops, and I volunteered for manyBE: What did earning this award mean to you personally? Has industry-related causes as well.it helped your career?BE: What did it mean for you to receive this award? HK: The award has helped me greatly. I received it before I got the job with Sense Engineering, so it certainly didnt go unno-HK: I was very happy to receive the award. Its always grati- ticed on my resume. It wasand still isan acknowledgement fying to know that others recognize your hard work and yourfrom your peer group that youre on the right track. authentic interest in the material. I think academic and recogni-tion awards of this kind are importantan acknowledgementBE: Do you have any advice for people entering the building that you were doing a good job and youre not alone. Withoutscience industry based on your experiences? question, receiving the award gave me a real boost HK: I think its so important to find your passion. Find the thing in confidence.that keeps you interested and motivated and if youre lucky, youll BE: How did your studies and courses prepare you forwant to go to work. Natural enthusiasm will always be recog-working in the industry? nized in one form or another. If you like what youre doing, other HK: The Building Engineering and Building Science coursespeople will see thatand thats true even if youre notwere very intense but also provided the students with an oppor- winning awards.tunity for hands-on work experience. In addition to classroomFor more information on BCBEC Foundation awards, nomination studies, our instructors encouraged students to visit the physicalcriteria and how to apply, visit bcbec.com/bcbec-foundation/awards.FALL/WINTER 2022 21'