Our Careers In Motion summer program continues to attract resilient students, such as Michelle! 

 Michelle Mudunge is an Engineering Assistant with Atlantic Towing Limited for the summer term.

Michelle Mudunge is pursuing a Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering at Memorial University, and she engages in the greater community as a member of the National Society for Black Engineers. When she arrived in Newfoundland and Labrador four years ago, Michelle founded a dance troop, which now performs across the province and has given her the chance to continue her passion for dancing. Michelle easily adjusts to new situations which has helped her make the move from her hometown in Harare, Zimbabwe to St. John's, NL and now Saint John, NB. She is spending her summer with Atlantic Towing, a leading marine service provider, where she is working as an Engineering Assistant. 

One of the core benefits of the Transportation & Logistics Division's Careers In Motion program is the opportunity to receive feedback from highly knowledgeable and experienced mentors. Michelle's mentor, Dan Vyselaar, is Director of Technology and Development with Atlantic Towing. Dan's support has helped her adjust to the new city and gain a deeper understanding of the company' naval architecture department.

Michelle Mudunge, pictured with her mentor, Dan Vyselaar

We spoke with Michelle about her experience in the summer student program (so far), and what she is most looking forward to:

Why JDI? 

“I knew J.D. Irving, Limited was a highly reputable company, especially among engineers. I saw an excellent opportunity to apply for a position through my school’s Co-op program and to come work at the heart of their operations in Saint John, NB” 

How do you apply your current skill set and expand upon new skills in your position as an Engineering Assistant?

“Working with Atlantic Towing has given me the chance to apply my Computer Aided Design (CAD) skills and practice using calculations I learned from school. I have also had the opportunity to gain experience in using new software, such as AutoLoad.”

What are you looking forward to this summer at work and in Saint John? 

“I am looking forward to boarding more harbour tugs and traveling to Newfoundland and Labrador to assist with the battery installation on the Atlantic Shrike. I really want to take advantage of the nature around here and visit as many beaches and parks as I can."

What's next for Michelle? The Careers In Motion program exposes students to JDI's transportation operations and offers them the chance to present to the key business leaders at the end of their terms. By highlighting the talent of students such as Michelle, there is an opportunity to fill talent pipelines and attract exceptional new graduates to the company. 

Interested in an opportunity? Visit careers.jdirving.com to explore our openings!