EMI Fellow, Rachel, joins the rest of her project team deliberating onsite in Rwanda.
In 2019, EMI Canada joined three other EMI offices for the launch of the EMI Fellowship Program, a two- to three-year early career development program for young design professionals. The Fellowship program offers in-depth professional experience, as well as mentorship, to move Fellows closer to their professional goals. It also offers a spiritual development component, including Bible and theology coursework through an accredited Christian university, and intentional discipleship.
Our vision for EMI Fellows is that they be professionally competent and spiritually mature, that they may be influencers in the Church and in the design profession worldwide.
Our first EMI Canada Fellow, Rachel Su, had this to say about her journey to an EMI Fellowship:
Q: Tell us about your professional journey to date and how your path initially crossed with EMI.
Rachel: I was introduced to EMI when I was casually describing my dream job to a friend. She suggested I look at EMI because they do exactly what I was describing. In 2017, I joined EMI as an intern and was part of a project trip to Rwanda.
Q: What drew you to the EMI Fellowship Program?
Rachel: After my internship, I wanted to continue working at EMI; however, there wasn't a position for my career stage. As an engineer-in-training interested in non-profit work, the Fellowship was an answer to prayer, meeting my interest in gaining consulting experience and my hope to contribute to improving the lives of those who are vulnerable.
Q: Now that you're in the midst of the program, what parts of it are you most looking forward to or passionate about?
Rachel: It has been such a blessing to work with and listen to more experienced designers share their knowledge accumulated from their years working on EMI projects. I am excited and hopeful to become better equipped to serve client ministries as I continue to learn from our diverse teams and projects.
Since onboarding to full-time engagement with EMI Canada, Rachel has been involved in various projects, assisting with civil water and wastewater design, drafting, auditing survey boundary information, and helping project leaders with project management. She's also taken part in Fellowship activities, including online Bible school courses and cohort video calls twice a month to discuss faith topics. She has enjoyed getting to grow and learn in a diverse group of early professionals through this unique program.
EMI Fellow, Rachel, visiting a school in Rwanda.