Meet Amelia Bai

Amelia Bai earned her Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Toronto. She is currently a Senior Consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers. In her free time she enjoys outdoor activities, cooking and jigsaw puzzles.

When did your love of STEM begin?

With both of my parents being engineers, I definitely had the spirit since I was a kid. My earliest memory dates back to when I was 5 and tried to disassemble an old-fashion sewing machine because I was so fascinated by how fast it can spin! It wasn't a successful project as my mom stopped me just in time, but the curiousity stayed and grew. Over the years, I had a great passion in trying to understand how things work in this world.

What is the best part about working in the field of STEM?

What I really love is problem solving. Each time faced with a challenge, I know it will be a nerve-racking but also greatly rewarding experience. With each problem I solve, I know I have made a difference to the client, the users, sometimes even the public! The sense of achievement and joy is beyond word. Moreover, there is always something new for me to learn and push my boundaries. It never gets bored!

What advice would you give young women interested in a career in STEM?

Embrace changes. It's a good thing to focus on one direction and dive really deep, but do keep in mind that we live in an ever-changing world. You will be amazed by how transferable your skills are in STEM. If you see an opportunity or you find yourself interested in other areas, go for it. Be the change you want to see.