Employee Spotlight – Mike Davies
- June 27, 2022
- 1:56 pm
When Mike Davies started with BGC the entire company had the same headcount as the current Calgary office. Mike Davies joined just after the opening of BGC’s Edmonton office and has been based there ever since. Over Mike’s 16 years with BGC he has had the opportunity to wear many hats including as Safety Manager, Edmonton’s Office Manager, and now along with his project roles, he is part of our management team focused on operations and the people side of our business
Mike grew up in Terrace, British Columbia, surrounded by nature which stoked his love for outdoor adventures. After completing his undergraduate studies at the University of Victoria, he decided to “temporarily” move to Edmonton to get some experience and ended up completing his Masters studies at the University of Alberta. His path to becoming an Engineering Geologist wasn’t something that was clear in his mind from the start. He knew he loved being outside and was also always enjoyed sciences and he considers himself lucky to have found his way to a job that combines both.
How long have you been with BGC and what do you do here?
I started with BGC in September of 2006 and I am a Geoscientist as well as part of the leadership team focused on recruiting and supporting our Administration Team.
How would you describe your job to a class of Kindergartners?
My 6 year old saw me working from home a lot over the last 2 years and will pretend to be me. She’ll type on an imaginary keyboard and will say “I’m talking to my friends”. I think it is hilarious and also pretty accurate.
What is your favourite thing about working at BGC?
It is “talking to my friends”. I have the opportunity to work with a great group of people, some of whom I’ve worked with since I started with the company and others who have started more recently. Over my time here I’ve noticed that whether or not you’ve been her 1 month or 16 years, you’re part of the team. I also think I’m lucky that we get to work on stuff that interests us, we are driven by working on things we find challenging or interesting.
What is the one piece of advice you’d give to new hires at BGC?
You’ll learn pretty quickly that we’re in a people business. You’ve got to connect with people that includes your coworkers and clients.
If you could switch jobs with someone in BGC, who would it be and why?
Some of the Steep Creek Geohazards folks. I grew up in a mountain town and started in mountain geomorphology. I think it would be fun to spend some time working on those projects, including the field work part.
If you could have an unlimited supply of one thing, what would it be?
Bikes, or maybe time. With a family, a job that challenges me, and many things I want to do in my free time, I think some extra hours in each day would be great.
What fictional place would you like to visit?
The galaxy far far away. Big Star Wars fan. I’d love to be able to go to all the different plants in the Star Wars universe.
If you had to listen to one song for the rest of your life what would it be?
Anything from the mid-90s grunge era.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Be involved, take opportunities when they come. The only way to know if you like something or if you have strengths in a particular area is just to get involved. That’s the way to be successful. You don’t learn by being stagnant.