#NextGenRVA – Project Management: From Engineer-in-Training to Project Manager

Growing up, Alejandra did not have a clear understanding of what engineering entailed. What she did know was that she enjoyed math and science, and those interests naturally guided her toward an engineering career.

After attending an open house at Western University, she quickly connected with both the campus and its engineering program. Following her graduation from Western’s Civil Engineering program, Alejandra joined RVA’s Structures & Tunnels group as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) in 2019.

Starting her career at RVA as a junior team member exposed her to a wide range of responsibilities. She contributed to structural design, drafting, site reviews, condition assessments, and project coordination. It was during this early stage of her career that she discovered a passion for project management.

Alejandra primarily works on multidisciplinary rail and transit projects, overseeing projects from initiation to completion. Her role involves coordinating teams across disciplines and ensuring deliverables are completed on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with project requirements.

When managing a project, she focuses not only on technical requirements but also on the people affected by the work. With much of her work taking place within active rail corridors and Toronto’s downtown core, considerations such as constructability, public impact, and stakeholder concerns play a critical role in project delivery.  “When you’re working in these environments, it’s important to understand how the work affects everyone involved,” she explained.

One of the projects she currently manages is the Oakville GO Station Renovations project. RVA was awarded the design contract for several station improvements. As Project Manager, Alejandra is responsible for ensuring that the client’s scope requirements are delivered in accordance with their standards and within budget. The project has also provided valuable experience leading a large internal multidisciplinary team while coordinating with a range of external subconsultants. “This project has given me the opportunity to work with a large project team and strengthen my coordination and team management skills,” she said.

Like many professionals in the industry, Alejandra regularly navigates evolving regulations, changing project requirements, and shifting team dynamics. Her approach is rooted in adaptability, clear communication, and collaboration.

“Working collaboratively and transparently to address challenges has proven successful throughout my career,” she explained. “I rely on both my own experience and the expertise of the people around me to find solutions.”

She has also witnessed significant changes in the industry, particularly in how technology is transforming the way projects are delivered.

“At RVA, we adapt our designs to enable innovative construction methods, and I believe this will continue to be a major change in our industry,” Alejandra said. “When I started my career at RVA, many processes were still heavily paper-based and much of the collaboration happened in person. Since then, I have seen firsthand the shift to a more digital environment, from our in-house proposal and project record protocols becoming fully online to the early integration of artificial intelligence tools into our systems.”

Beginning her career during a period of rapid workplace transformation also helped Alejandra develop new ways of collaborating. Working with teams across Canada strengthened her ability to coordinate projects virtually and adapt to evolving methods of project delivery.

Looking back on her career, Alejandra credits much of her growth to mentorship. “Having someone you connect with, learn from, and look up to can make a tremendous difference, especially when they’re in a role you’d like to reach yourself.”

Throughout her time at RVA, she has benefited from both formal mentorship opportunities and informal guidance gained through day-to-day project work. “I would encourage young people to say yes to opportunities and try everything,” she said. “You never know which role you will enjoy or what will resonate with you. Saying yes increases your chances of finding a niche that you’re passionate about, or at the very least helps you discover what you don’t enjoy.”

By remaining open to opportunities, embracing change, and learning from those around her, Alejandra has built a rewarding career managing complex infrastructure projects while continuing to grow as a leader within the industry.

About RVA

At R.V. Anderson Associates Limited (RVA), we’re a community of thinkers, innovators, and collaborators who combine human ingenuity with technology and experience to deliver sustained outcomes that make a difference. We are an employee-owned community with an award-winning culture carrying forth a proud legacy of 75+ years of engineering excellence, which has grown to a thriving organization of diverse professionals. We work together across geographic, functional, and business lines to deliver dynamic solutions that are based on trust and informed decision-making. At the core of our brand is our values connecting people, projects, and planet.

For more information, please contact:

Andrea Musina
Marketing Communications Manager
marcom@rvanderson.com
www.rvanderson.com