Name: Sandhya Devkate
Program, Concentration: Master of Engineering, Civil Engineering
Grad Year: 2024
Sandhya Devkate is a UBC Okanagan MEng graduate, Civil Engineering EIT, Project Management Professional (PMP®), and Tech Steward, who thrives at the intersection of engineering, problem-solving, and innovation.
She is passionate about transportation infrastructure, community-driven projects, and sustainable urban planning. From optimizing road networks to integrating smart city solutions, she enjoys projects that make a real-world impact.
Having worked on public infrastructure projects, stormwater management, and blockchain-driven solutions, she believes in the power of engineering to connect communities and drive meaningful change. When she’s not managing projects, you’ll find her exploring BC’s landscapes, perfecting her photography skills, or experimenting in the kitchen.
Tell us a bit about yourself
Civil engineering isn’t just my career, it’s part of my story. Growing up, I watched my father, a municipal civil engineer, breathe life into blueprints and transform ideas into reality. It’s this legacy of community-driven engineering that inspired my own journey into the field. Whether it’s designing resilient infrastructure, tackling urban mobility challenges, or figuring out how to carry all my groceries in one trip, I love finding solutions. I’ve been fortunate to work on impactful projects like the Saint George Rainway Project in Vancouver, where I got my hands dirty (literally) turning a city space into a vibrant, rain-friendly oasis.
Saint George Rainway Project in Vancouver
Outside of work, I’m an adventure-seeker and lifelong learner—hiking, paddleboarding, and dabbling in drone photography. If you see a drone buzzing over a BC mountain, it’s probably me (still perfecting the “not crashing” part).
Sandhya at UBC Okanagan
What drew you to UBC Okanagan and the School of Engineering?
I was drawn to UBC Okanagan because it offered more than just an education, it provided an experience. The emphasis on hands-on learning and opportunities like co-ops meant I could apply my knowledge in real-world settings. Plus, studying in beautiful British Columbia, surrounded by mountains and lakes, wasn’t just inspiring it was the perfect backdrop for an engineer who loves both nature and design. It felt like the ideal place to grow, both academically and personally.
What was the most rewarding aspect of your time at UBCO?
The people and the experiences. Engineering is challenging, but the camaraderie, teamwork, and occasional engineering humor (yes, it exists) made it an unforgettable journey.
Whether it was collaborating on group projects, gaining hands-on experience through labs and co-op placements, or learning from passionate professors who connected theory with real-world applications, every moment felt like a step toward creating something impactful.
How did the MEng program prepare you for your current/future work/research/study?
The MEng program gave me a strong foundation in both technical and practical aspects of civil engineering. It prepared me to tackle real-world challenges by bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and hands-on application. The focus on project-based learning, coupled with opportunities to collaborate with industry experts, taught me the importance of teamwork, critical thinking, and adaptability.
Why did you decide to join the internship?
For me, the internship was all about return on investment. It was a chance to apply everything I had learned, gain real-world experience, and see tangible results from my efforts. As an international student, the internship was a perfect opportunity to gain valuable experience in the Canadian work culture, which is essential for integrating into the professional landscape here. Having this experience is a significant advantage for anyone looking to establish themselves in the field.
How did the internship help you advance your career / achieve your goals?
Sandya in front of Vancouver City Hall during her internship
The internship with the City of Vancouver was a pivotal moment in my career. It not only allowed me to apply my technical skills but also helped me build a solid foundation in project coordination, stakeholder management, and municipal infrastructure planning. This experience opened doors to my role at Stantec, where I worked on diverse community-driven projects that further honed my ability to deliver impactful solutions. From there, I transitioned into my current role with the BC Public Service. The internship was instrumental in shaping my career trajectory, giving me the experience and confidence to take on progressively responsible roles while contributing to meaningful projects.
What did the professional development opportunities mean to you?
Professional development opportunities were a game-changer for me. Through workshops and mentorship, I learned how to navigate real-world challenges and connect my academic knowledge with practical solutions.
Networking events gave me the chance to meet inspiring professionals and mentors who encouraged me to push boundaries and embrace growth. UBCO’s industry nights allowed me to connect with professionals who shared their experiences and insights, giving me a clearer picture of the diverse paths within civil engineering.
The Tech Stewardship course resonated deeply. It taught me how to approach engineering with a sense of responsibility and a commitment to creating sustainable and impactful solutions. These experiences helped me transition seamlessly into roles like my work at City of Vancouver, Stantec, and now with the BC Public Service where I collaborate on community-driven projects.
Shadya and colleagues at the City of Vancouver landfill site
What advice do you have for incoming students to the MEng program?
Embrace the journey and make the most of every opportunity. Don’t just focus on academics—get involved in co-ops, internships, industry networking events and more. These experiences will give you invaluable insights and connections that textbooks alone can’t provide.
Take advantage of industry nights and professional development workshops, they’re great for understanding the field and finding mentors who can guide you. Don’t shy away from challenges; growth happens when you step out of your comfort zone. Also, don’t underestimate the importance of building relationships with your peers.
Collaborate, share ideas, and learn from each other. Building relationships is one of the most rewarding aspects of the program.
Finally, keep an open mind, stay curious, and remember that every step, big or small, contributes to your personal and professional growth.
What do you like most about your current role or career path?
What I love most about my current role at BC Public Service is the tangible impact of my work. Every project I contribute to has the potential to improve how communities connect and thrive. I also enjoy the diversity of challenges my career path brings. Each day is different, and every project offers a new opportunity to learn, grow, and collaborate with incredible teams. Working in the public sector has allowed me to engage with projects that directly benefit communities, which is deeply fulfilling.
What are your future aspirations?
I want to work on projects that truly make a difference whether it’s improving transportation networks or creating spaces that bring people together. I hope to grow into a role where I can mentor young engineers and inspire them to think about solving real-world problems. At the same time, I’d love to explore innovative ideas and learn from global infrastructure projects.
Anything else you’d like to include?
To current or future MEng students: Enjoy the ride, it’s a wild one! Say yes to challenges, even when they feel intimidating, and don’t be afraid to ask questions (even the ones that seem “basic” we’ve all been there). Build connections with your peers and mentors; those relationships will be just as valuable as anything you learn in class. And remember, it’s okay to make mistakes—that’s where the real learning happens. Above all, trust the process and know that every small step you take brings you closer to making an impact in the world!