Patrick Simmonds

About me

I was born/grew up in: Ajax, Ontario

I now live in: Toronto, Ontario

I completed my training/education at:  Ryerson University - Electrical Engineering

What I do at work

My key activities involve reviewing the quality of engineering work plans and helping to design telecom infrastructure. There are many specific STEM concepts that are important for my role every day. These are communications theory, electrical circuit theory, multiplexing, modulation, and fibre splicing. I also have to use civil engineering standards specific to Toronto.  We give direction to technicians using heavy equipment to dig in the roadway.

Problem solving is a huge part of civil engineering projects. We have to come up with a practical, cost and time efficient solution to provide services to customers. My background in engineering has taught me how to solve complex problems. I have developed the ability to break down a problem logically and then figure out which part needs to be solved first. I work as part of a big team, which is always working together.

My career path is

This is not what I would have expected when I graduated high school. After I completed my engineering degree, I worked as an intern for Bell’s power team. Here I worked on traditional and wireless communication.  I enjoyed the work and learned new things as I worked on different projects. Working on different teams and developing an understanding the psychological elements in teams helped me pair social skills with the technical skills I built in university. This has helped me progress in my career and get to where I am today.

In my immediate family, there are four engineers including myself. My brother-in-law is also an engineer. Being around this many engineers while I was growing certainly had a big influence my career decision making.

I am motivated by

It is great when a plan comes together and a solution we have designed fixes an issue. The most interesting aspect to me is the creative problem solving to reduce cost and delay for projects. It is motivating to be part of a team that helps the company roll out new age technology and services such as 5G or Fibre to the Home. Solving complex problems and learning new information also keeps me motivated.

How I affect peoples’ lives

I help build access to the Bell network for customers.  It is very fulfilling to provide these services for our customers.  I also enjoy working on something new that will help grow the business.

Outside of work I

I coach a peewee AAA hockey team as my hobby. I played competitive soccer and hockey though out elementary and high school.

My advice to others

Begin to learn basic coding. I am not a huge coder, but it is necessary today. Secondly, combine multiple advanced skills rather than be an expert in one.