Entrevistas ACICG - Ing. Lorena Perdomo López | Ing. Omar Salcedo Uriza.

Summary

Lorena Perdomo López, a cadastral and geodetic engineer, shares her inspiring journey of working in Canada and her career's growth. She discusses the importance of geomatics in urban planning and the impact of engineers on society. Emphasizing the value of learning multiple languages and taking career risks, Lorena also highlights the increasing presence of women in engineering, encouraging them to pursue opportunities in the field. Her work in projects related to water quality improvement and urban planning serves as a testament to the social value of her discipline. She urges young professionals to embrace innovation, education, and the future potential of their careers.

Takeaways

• 😀 Lorena Perdomo López is a Colombian engineer who specializes in cadastral and geomatics engineering in Canada.
• 😀 She initially chose engineering without knowing about cadastral engineering but became passionate after learning about it through a friend.
• 😀 Lorena’s career covers diverse fields like astronomy, satellite imagery, cartography, law, data science, and real estate.
• 😀 Her work in improving water quality for small water providers in Colombia was a memorable achievement.
• 😀 Another notable project she worked on was the Vil en K-Minute project in Sherbrooke, Canada, focusing on urban planning and smart cities.
• 😀 Lorena is proud of her work because it positively impacts communities, enhancing lives through technology and urban planning.
• 😀 She advises future engineers to embrace opportunities, learn languages, and fearlessly pursue their dreams.
• 😀 Lorena highlights the rapid growth and increasing potential of the cadastral and geomatics field, especially with emerging technologies like AI.
• 😀 She emphasizes the value of education, particularly from public universities, and encourages dedication to one's studies and career.
• 😀 Lorena notes the increasing representation of women in engineering, with a growing presence in leadership positions and improvements in gender equality.
• 😀 She encourages women in science and engineering to keep pushing boundaries and transforming the industry with their contributions.

Q & A

What inspired Lorena Perdomo López to pursue a career in geomatics and cadastral engineering?

Lorena was inspired to pursue a career in geomatics and cadastral engineering after a conversation with a friend who was working as a cadastral engineer. This sparked her interest, especially in how engineering could combine with technologies like satellite images and astronomy to address real-world challenges.

What was Lorena's initial impression of geomatics and cadastral engineering before studying it?

Lorena initially didn't know much about geomatics or cadastral engineering. Her friend’s explanation opened her eyes to the possibilities in the field, which includes combining various disciplines such as mathematics, technology, and law.

How did Lorena handle the transition from Colombia to Canada in terms of her professional career?

Upon moving to Canada, Lorena found that despite her qualifications, she had to complete additional certifications to meet the country’s professional standards. This was a challenging but rewarding process, leading her to eventually become the only geomatics expert in her team.

What was the most fulfilling project Lorena worked on early in her career?

One of the most fulfilling projects Lorena worked on early in her career was improving public utility services in small communities, particularly water sanitation, which had a direct positive impact on people's lives.

How does Lorena view the role of women in the engineering profession?

Lorena has observed a positive shift in the role of women in engineering. While the field was once dominated by men, she is now seeing more women in leadership positions, and she encourages young women to pursue their passions and challenge traditional gender norms in technical fields.

What advice does Lorena have for students starting their journey in geomatics and cadastral engineering?

Lorena advises students to learn languages, take risks, and make the most of their education. She emphasizes the importance of being multilingual and encourages students to embrace challenges and seize opportunities that come their way.

What does Lorena consider as the essential skills or knowledge for new students in geomatics?

Lorena considers foundational knowledge in spatial databases, cartography, and the use of technology as essential for new students in geomatics. These areas are crucial for bridging theoretical knowledge with practical application.

What are the future prospects for professionals in cadastral engineering according to Lorena?

Lorena believes that the field of cadastral engineering has a bright future, especially with advancements in technology like artificial intelligence. There is a growing demand for skilled professionals in the field, particularly in regions like Quebec, where there is a shortage of qualified geomatics experts.

Why does Lorena emphasize the importance of language skills for students in the engineering field?

Lorena stresses the importance of language skills because in today’s globalized world, being multilingual opens doors to more opportunities, especially in international or cross-border engineering projects where communication is key.

How does Lorena view the impact of her work on local communities?

Lorena finds deep fulfillment in her work that directly impacts communities, particularly in public utility projects that improve living conditions, such as water sanitation. She sees her work as a means of contributing to societal development.