Consulting Engineering: Beyond Technical Work

The Career Insider Series is designed to connect early-career engineers and students with experienced professionals through small-group, interactive conversations. The series focuses on sharing practical insights into engineering careers, day-to-day work, and the skills needed to grow in the profession.

As part of its launch, the first four sessions of the Career Insider Series are open to the public. Future sessions will remain accessible to all, with complimentary registration available to OSPE members.

This session explores how the role of consulting engineers has expanded beyond technical work into areas such as client engagement, strategy, and project leadership. Hear from experienced professionals as they reflect on how their careers have evolved within consulting environments. Participants will engage in speed mentoring conversations through rotating breakout rooms.

Time: 1:00 PM-2:30 PM

John-Paul Violante P.Eng

John-Paul Violante brings over 19 years of extensive experience in the Consulting Engineering Industry, specializing in various facets of Electrical Design. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with a diverse range of Clients across multiple Sectors, including Healthcare, Education, Commercial and Retail Facilities. His comprehensive understanding of these Industries allows him to deliver tailored Electrical solutions that meet the unique needs and regulations of each individual Client and broader Sector.

In his role as an Electrical Engineer, John-Paul is actively engaged in every Phase of his Projects, from the initial Conceptual Design to the successful completion of Construction. His hands-on approach ensures that he maintains a thorough understanding of each Project's requirements at all stages, which is critical for seamless execution. During the Design Phase, he meticulously incorporates every detail into the Project, ensuring that all components work harmoniously together. This diligence is especially beneficial when designing critical building systems, such as advanced lighting solutions, sophisticated lighting control mechanisms, efficient electrical distribution networks, reliable fire alarm systems, and equipment coordination strategies. By prioritizing detail and coordination, John-Paul consistently delivers high-quality, efficient Designs that enhance the functionality and safety of the built environment

Yoland El Hajj ITS

Yoland El Hajj is an Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Designer at Arcadis with a background in electrical and transportation engineering within the consulting field. She specializes in designing and implementing smart mobility and ITS solutions that improve transportation efficiency, safety, and connectivity in modern urban environments. She holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Ryerson University ‘20) and a Master of Applied Science (York University ‘22) in biomedical and electrical engineering. Beyond her technical work, Yoland is an active leader in the engineering community and serves as President of the Society of Women Engineers Toronto for the 2025–2026 term, where she advocates for diversity, mentorship, and professional development for women in engineering