IronRingGirls Podcast

Advancing Accessibility in the Engineering World

Cassandra, a mechanical engineering graduate (UNB class of 2024) and project EIT with New Brunswick’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, shares how she began losing her hearing six months into her first year and took nine years to finish her degree. Cassandra explains how hearing loss affected her experience in getting her engineering degree, and how she found the right way to graduate (with honours) and find a great job in the field. She used her experience to advocate for systemic accessibility changes, including launching an accessible testing space in UNB’s engineering building that became permanent, and promoting broader inclusive design. Her advice: you’re on your own timeline.

Architecture Engineering Degree & Getting Hired

Mashkura, an Architectural Engineering student at the University of Waterloo, shares exactly how she landed six co-ops, got hired in California, built confidence on site, and learned to negotiate, network, and save early. If you want clarity and momentum in your engineering career, this episode will change how you move.

Mental Health, Miss Universe, and a Career in Cybersecurity

In this episode, Samantha shares how she went from studying mechatronics engineering at TMU to becoming a senior cybersecurity consultant at PwC — and now, a finalist for Miss Universe Canada. We talk about what it’s really like to pivot your career into a new field, how to handle imposter syndrome when you’re the only woman in the room, and why confidence outside of work can change everything inside of it. Samantha also opens up about her work with the Canadian Mental Health Association and the importance of protecting your wellbeing in high-pressure careers. Whether you’re curious about cybersecurity, chasing your next big career move, or just trying to find your footing — this episode will remind you that strength isn’t just technical. It’s mental, emotional, and deeply human.

Authentic Leadership, Maternity Leave & Career Growth in Engineering Consulting

In this episode, Mina sits down with Shahrzad, a senior building envelope specialist and associate at one of Canada’s largest consulting firms, to talk about her path from civil engineering grad to shareholder. Shahrzad shares how she built her career in building sciences, the soft skills that helped her move into leadership, and the realities of consulting — from networking as an introvert to managing performance reviews. She also opens up about navigating maternity leave in a male-dominated industry and why finding your authentic leadership style matters more than ever. Whether you’re just starting out or eyeing your next promotion, Shahrzad's story is packed with advice you can use to grow your own engineering career.

Getting hired in “Big Tech” with a Niche Engineering Degree

Keeley studied Geomatics and Geodesy engineering at the University of Newbrunswick (UNB) and received a diploma in technology management and entrepreneurship as well. For work she took a different route than the majority of graduates from her program and UNB. Now she's a product manager for a “big tech” company called Trimble inc, which supplies technology (equipment and software) to the construction, survey, transportation, MEP, IOT, agriculture and maritime industries. In this episode, Keeley talks about how she used her resources to land a job in a Big Tech company with a niche degree. She also gives great communication examples that have helped her land her current role.