My Stantec Story: Building a career in project management with Melin Karabulutoglu

What do you enjoy most about your role?

Being a project manager allows me to engage with a variety of people daily, which is one of my favourite aspects of the job. Additionally, working in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines and making sure the work runs as smoothly as possible is very satisfying. My position constantly encourages me to maintain discipline and challenges me to be competent in handling a variety of tasks and individuals at the same time. I have gained a huge amount of confidence in the way I communicate with project team members and clients which further encourages me to take on more and bigger responsibilities.

How has your personal and professional development been supported at Stantec?

After receiving my bachelor of arts in fashion design, I worked in the fashion industry and my interest in sustainability grew significantly. As a result, I decided to specialise in the subject and work in the field for a few years. Changing industries has not been easy, and I had no idea what to expect when I walked into Stantec, but thanks to everyone around me, my transition to this sector has been smooth and easily adaptable. I can see clearly now that working for a company that is committed to doing the right thing for communities and the environment was the right decision for me. I am so lucky to have wonderful colleagues who have been supporting and encouraging me since the beginning of my Stantec journey. I can ask plenty of questions and learn from many individuals around me ready to assist whenever I need.

I have worked on several projects that have stimulated my curiosity in a variety of disciplines. I had no trouble expressing my interests to various colleagues, who assisted me in discovering numerous other opportunities for career advancement within the organisation. The chances for growth and exploration available to graduates are quite motivating and helpful, both for those who are unclear of their career goals as well as those who just wish to explore different fields. I think this is one of the huge advantages of being part of Stantec.

What has been the standout project for you during your time at Stantec?

The one project that has made me excited is a brand-new one we just started working on for one of our Water clients. We have been working on this for a while aiming to get the proposal to a level where all client requirements will be met at high standards within the right timelines. It’s been a challenging start as the scope kept getting bigger than expected. Yet, because of this, the engagement of many different disciplines in this project such as ecology, archaeology, and heritage, etc., became essential, and I was able to learn even more.

Throughout the course of this project, I was entrusted with numerous tasks where I could demonstrate what I had learned and understand how various disciplines interacted to make such large-scale projects successful. Projects always present problems, but when you're this invested in your job and encounter exciting projects like this one, you work even harder to ensure everything goes according to plan and get the most out of the project for your own growth.

What are your ambitions for the future at Stantec?

As my enthusiasm for environmental and sustainability-related work expands, I'd really like to investigate my options to get more involved. I've already begun a discussion on this within my team and the wider team, and everyone has been very supportive. Especially coming from a different career background, I really want to challenge myself to learn a bit more about environmental disciplines and hopefully be able to develop a deeper understanding of them all to benefit my future projects.

What are your passions outside of work?

Outside of work, I frequently spend my time salsa dancing and climbing. I enjoy taking part in both activities since they are quite energising. In Bristol, there is a lovely community I have met through these activities, which provides a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and make friends.

Why should others join the Stantec team?

It's a great place to launch your career in whatever field or position you want to pursue—the Stantec culture is designed to encourage and foster an atmosphere where you are taken care of.   

At Stantec, we put people first, and for Melin, that means support from her colleagues as she explores and shapes her developing role within the organisation. If you want to start your career at Stantec, visit Graduates & Apprentices to find out more.