Ben Almond | Vice-président et directeur général

Ben Almond

Vice President and General Manager

Jacobs

Created On: September 12, 2019
Sector:
Engineering
Education Pathway: University
Related School Subjects:
Math,  Physics,  Science,  Technology & Engineering

Learn About My Career

Ben Almond is the Vice President and General Manager of Jacobs.

I was born/grew up in: Thunder Bay Ontario, Canada

I now live in: Vancouver, BC

I completed my training/education at: University of Manitoba, Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering degree.

I spend the bulk of my time working with a team to understand their challenges and barriers and working to solve them. I spend a lot of time listening. I analyze various data to understand how the business is doing and make adjustments when needed. I don’t live a day without working on and solving a problem. It’s not always a technical problem but it takes the same process as solving a technical problem. I like to get data and understand it but not get bogged down in the data - I like to be decisive and make decisions. I have many personal interactions and try not to use email.

I started with a focus on sports and a passion to figure out how things work. The passion to figure out how things work led me to engineering. But, I didn’t enjoy highly technical work because I missed the deep team engagement. I took chances to take on new opportunities outside my comfort zone.

I take the most pride in the success of the team and working with them to solve the hardest challenges. It is also exciting to have a view of how our cities work and operate.

Our business impacts the communities we touch and makes them better and improves the environment. My engagement in professional organizations and the community also impacts individuals. I am a board member of the Rick Hansen Institute. Within the Jacobs team I work to help others be successful and grow their careers by providing opportunities and support.

I still like to be outside. Fishing, hunting, and biking. I volunteer in the community and the Rick Hansen Institute. It is where I get my stress relief and enjoyment.

Be open minded and agile. Take on new challenges especially if outside your comfort zone - it will result in personal growth and even more opportunities.

What I do at work

I spend the bulk of my time working with a team to understand their challenges and barriers and working to solve them. I spend a lot of time listening. I analyze various data to understand how the business is doing and make adjustments when needed. I don’t live a day without working on and solving a problem. It’s not always a technical problem but it takes the same process as solving a technical problem. I like to get data and understand it but not get bogged down in the data - I like to be decisive and make decisions. I have many personal interactions and try not to use email.

My career path is

I started with a focus on sports and a passion to figure out how things work. The passion to figure out how things work led me to engineering. But, I didn’t enjoy highly technical work because I missed the deep team engagement. I took chances to take on new opportunities outside my comfort zone.

I am motivated by

I take the most pride in the success of the team and working with them to solve the hardest challenges. It is also exciting to have a view of how our cities work and operate.

How I affect peoples’ lives

Our business impacts the communities we touch and makes them better and improves the environment. My engagement in professional organizations and the community also impacts individuals. I am a board member of the Rick Hansen Institute. Within the Jacobs team I work to help others be successful and grow their careers by providing opportunities and support.

Outside of work I

I still like to be outside. Fishing, hunting, and biking. I volunteer in the community and the Rick Hansen Institute. It is where I get my stress relief and enjoyment.

My advice to others

Be open minded and agile. Take on new challenges especially if outside your comfort zone - it will result in personal growth and even more opportunities.

When I was a student I enjoyed:

  • Music
  • Physical Education / Health
  • Science
  • Other: Hockey

When I was a student, I would describe myself as someone who:

  • Brought People Together
  • Always wanted to be outside
  • Liked helping people
  • Played on a sports team
  • Enjoyed working with my hands
  • Liked reading
  • Wasn't sure what I wanted to do
  • Engaged in activities such as fishing
  • Learned Best by Doing

Related Topics

Architecture Business Careers Construction Engineering Management Mechanical Engineering

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