Rebecca Belch ‘19 applied to Mohawk College in search of a new career path. She was inspired by protecting the environment and turned that purpose into her vocation.

“I did a year of civil engineering in university and realized it wasn’t for me,” she says. “I learned about Mohawk’s Environmental Technician program, and opportunities that came from that drew me to where I am now.”

Mohawk’s Environmental Technician program delves into the protection of our environment through a scientific lens, focusing on the technology available to students and also teaches how the health of the environment relates to human health. Students learn about pollutants in every element and how to analyze, remediate and control exposure.

When it came down to it, there were two deciding factors for Rebecca to study at Mohawk.

“Mohawk covered many topics within the environmental field in this program. There was also the option for a year of co-op which was why I ultimately decided to go to Mohawk College,” she says.

With her work cut out for her, Rebecca began her new career pathway. As she progressed in her studies, she quickly found out what specific route she wanted her career to go in.

“Throughout the program, I was introduced to many related fields and decided I wanted to work within the water industry,” she says. “During my co-op, I discovered my passion for project management and [started] working towards becoming a project manager in the field.”

For her year-long co-op, Rebecca worked at the City of Hamilton, with one of the departments that specialized in water. She says it was an integral part of how her career has progressed to where it is today.

“My co-op at Mohawk exposed me to many water-related opportunities across the city,” she says. “It also gave me the opportunity to build connections throughout the city. Through my co-op placement, I was able to get the job I have now with Hamilton Water.”

Today, Rebecca works as a project manager with the City of Hamilton, in the same water department she’s worked in since graduation. Achieving her project management goal within five years is a remarkable accomplishment. Though this promotion is new, Rebecca says her employer prepared her for it every step of the way.

“My manager has been very supportive and offered a mentorship opportunity where I was able to lead a few projects. I got the experience that came in handy when the promotion was available. I now manage assets for the same department I’ve worked in for the last four years,” she says.

As one of Mohawk’s Future Ready Premium Employers, the City of Hamilton is a driven supporter of students and of strengthening the greater community, alongside the college. Over 500 Mohawk grads have been hired by the City, they partner with City School training and on numerous research projects and have also supported student awards for over 30 years.

It is said that when someone works at a job they're passionate about, they'll never work a day in their life. This anecdote is how Rebecca describes the environment in her workplace, through every role she has held to her current one.

“The culture and the people here are so great,” she says. “I enjoy the connections I have with my coworkers and that every day is different. It’s also fulfilling that I have led many initiatives that positively affect the environment.”

Rebecca’s journey began with a path she didn’t feel was right for her. When she discovered the right career that suited who she is, her whole life expanded. She is advising folks who’d like to follow in her footsteps to do the same.

Rebecca says, “Enter with an open mind and you will discover so many new jobs and opportunities that you may have never thought of. I am constantly learning new things and am exposed to new opportunities all the time.”