After my fourth year, I joined Walters Group, a structural steel fabricator and erector, as an estimating co‑op student, and it’s where I’m currently employed. Before joining, I knew little about the structural steel world, but quickly discovered that Walters had contributed to many high‑profile projects and offered opportunities to work on meaningful projects. As an estimator, I worked on a wide range of commercial, industrial, infrastructure, and renovation projects across Canada and the US. I learned about the bidding process, how to develop accurate cost estimates, and the factors that impact a project’s budget. My first major estimate was the Massey Hall revitalization in Toronto, an exciting and overwhelming introduction to bidding on landmark projects.
After graduating, I continued estimating and worked on projects such as the David Geffen Hall restoration at Lincoln Center. This was my first real introduction to our New York installation team and clients. I quickly learned that the New York market is demanding, fast‑paced, and full of strong personalities, but also incredibly rewarding, offering the opportunity to work on projects that push the limits of what’s possible to build.
