Employee Spotlight: Meet Our New Geotechnical Engineer Intern, Johnathan McElhinney
At PRI Engineering, our team is our greatest asset, and we're excited to introduce you to our newest member. In this employee spotlight, we're pleased to welcome our new Geotechnical Engineer Intern: Johnathan. McElhinney. His impressive background makes him especially poised to make a significant impact at PRI Engineering.
Personal Background
Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to pursue a career in engineering?
Ever since I was young, I was always curious with how things worked. As I grew up I was constantly doing things like taking stuff apart to see how it works and then trying to put it back together. I really enjoyed working with my hands, and throughout high school worked a maintenance job where I got to see lot of different problems day to day and have to come up with solutions to keep the facility running. In high school, my strongest classes were the physics and math classes, so I figured engineering is where I can utilize my passions and skills most effectively. Throughout university I really enjoyed all the classes and all different aspects of civil engineering which made me feel I have chosen the right career path.
What was your educational journey like? Which institutions did you attend, and what did you study?
I went to Queen’s University where I studied Bachelor of Applied Science with a major in Civil Engineering. I graduated in spring of 2024 with first-class honors and a 3.94 GPA.
Professional Experience
Can you describe your previous roles and the type of projects you have worked on before joining PRI Engineering?
Crew Lead at ShedMan:
Responsible for managing a crew throughout the construction process of custom-made wooden sheds and garages.
Involved extensively in all levels of construction from the initial design phase, material procurement and coordination, to the final finishing.
Responsible for ensuring customer satisfaction through effective communication and coordination with clients, company office, and fellow crew members.
Head of Maintenance at Pickering Playing Fields:
Applied technical skills for regular maintenance of equipment and grounds to provide a safe work environment and positive customer experience
What specific skills or experiences do you bring to PRI Engineering from your previous roles?
I have gained a strong work ethic along with some knowledge of the construction industry, along with communication skills with fellow employees, clients and contractors.
Role at PRI Engineering
What is your current role at PRI Engineering, and what are your main responsibilities?
I am a Geotechnical Engineer Intern. My main responsibilities include assisting with data entry and analysis, performing various investigations and testing programs, supporting the planning, designing and overseeing civil engineering projects, and assisting with any requirements from the project manager.
Are there any projects at PRI Engineering that you are excited to be a part of?
Nothing in specific, but excited to see a wide range of projects and seeing what goes into different projects.
How do you see your role evolving within the company over the next few years?
I see myself being able to take on more responsibility as I become more familiar and comfortable with the various types of work. As I get more experience, I think I will become a reliable employee who can be trusted with whatever needs to be done.
Company Culture and Values
What do you believe is the key ingredient to a company’s success, especially in the engineering field?
I think that since the engineering field relies heavily of collaboration between many different parties, efficiently collaborating is key. This requires effective communication between all parties involved as well as utilizing individuals’ strengths when applicable.
If everyone involved is aware of what’s going on, and the right people are in line to address any potential issues, there is nothing the company can’t face.
What attracted you to work for PRI Engineering specifically?
The small size of the company was very attractive to me as well as the small town feel of the culture. I feel welcomed by all and have been given many opportunities already that I don’t think I would’ve if I were to have joined a large company. This company seems like a place that will value their employees and provide them with opportunities for professional growth.
Personal Interests and Hobbies
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies or activities that help you unwind from work?
In my spare time, I enjoy hanging out with friends and family. I like to live an active lifestyle, playing various sports such as ball hockey, ice hockey, and golf.
How do you balance your professional and personal life?
Sometimes I struggle with this, and will be thinking about stuff I did, or things that need to be done, outside of work time. I think it’s good to reflect on stuff like that but not overthink it and let it consume my life. I make sure to keep a balance by making time after work to do stuff that will take my mind off it.
If you have a bucket list, what’s your top 5 items you’d like to realistically cross off?
Travel to Europe.
Design/build my own house or cottage:
Go to a college football game in the states
Travel across Canada
See Zach Bryan concert live
Looking Forward
What are your professional goals for the next 5 years?
Get my P.eng
Gain experience and create relationships within the industry
How do you plan to contribute to the growth and success of PRI Engineering?
I am willing to learn anything necessary to become a valuable and reliable engineer.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role at PRI Engineering?
I am looking forward to learning about the industry and gaining valuable knowledge from the great team of employees here.