Connor Chow, a Saskatchewan Polytechnic Bachelor of Construction Management (BCM) graduate, is the only Professional, Gold Seal Certified (P.GSC) owner’s construction manager in Saskatchewan. This is the highest standard of excellence in the construction industry.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without Sask Polytech’s BCM program,” said Chow. “It gave me the skills needed to advance my career and allowed me to continue working throughout my studies. Ultimately, it allowed me to become one of only a few professional Gold Seal certification holders in Canada.”
As a young adult, Chow dreamed of becoming a professional architect. While he hasn’t reached that goal (yet), he has accomplished so much more. Over the past decade, he has diligently built the foundation of a remarkable career and is now the national manager of construction projects at Western Surety Company.
Chow started his career journey at Sask Polytech. Growing up in Moose Jaw, Chow was familiar with the institution and enrolled in the Architectural Technologies diploma program. After completing the diploma, Chow worked full-time as an architectural technologist at Stantec and a project manager at Walker Projects. Realizing that more education was the key to reaching his career aspirations, he continued his studies with Sask Polytech, completing the Applied Project Management certificate and BCM degree.
“The logical way isn’t always the best way; invest in what interests you and see what happens.”
– Connor Chow, Western Surety Company
“I have three credentials from Sask Polytech,” said Chow. “Sask Polytech has been beneficial to my career. It’s been a fantastic local resource for me and a great place to learn.”
Chow was the first student to sign up for what, at the time, was Sask Polytech’s new BCM program and was a part of the first graduating cohort. The BCM degree program is unique in Saskatchewan, offering students the opportunity to earn an after-diploma degree with an additional two years of study. The program was developed in response to industry needs and combines practical multi-faceted skills with theoretical knowledge and technical training.
After completing his Sask Polytech credentials, Chow continued his education to achieve a Master
of Architecture.
“It’s a significant undertaking to become a professional architect; the education and time required to become one is much more significant than most people realize,” he said.
In addition to his studies at Sask Polytech, Chow studied at Montana State University-Bozeman and received an Environmental Design minor equivalent. He also obtained a certificate in Construction Law from York University and has completed his Master of Architecture degree from the University of Calgary.
“As I made my way through my education, my career priorities shifted. The role I’m in right now is complex and multi-faceted. You need knowledge in a number of areas to be successful,” Chow said. “I spent a significant amount of time to tie it all together, and in the end, it’s worked out very well.”
As the national manager of construction projects at Western Surety Company, Chow oversees and manages large-scale construction projects in distress across the country.
“This involves planning and coordinating all aspects of the construction process, including budgeting, scheduling, procurement and resource allocation. The role requires business aptitude, technical knowledge and understanding of specialty insurance, as well as the ability to work closely with architects, engineers, contractors, consultants and lawyers. The role requires the knowledge to lead at the table and then put on the steel toe boots and manage the completion of work on site.”
In addition, Chow ensures that projects meet both contract and quality standards.
“(Chow) has been a welcome addition to our claims group. With the enhanced expectations now required in Canadian surety claims handling, (his) construction experience and communication skills with various stakeholders have been paramount in our success,” said Scott Donald, president and CEO of Western Surety Company.
The P.GSC from the Canadian Construction Association is the construction industry’s most trusted, valued and reliable certification for construction management professionals. P.GSC credentials demonstrate commitment to the construction profession and expertise through education, experience and competency. The P.GSC demonstrates excellence, professionalism, high standards and trustworthiness.
“Ultimately, I was able to achieve the P.GSC designation through my years of experience, in co-ordination with my continuing education over time. Sask Polytech’s BCM played a significant role in this process. The journey to this conclusion wasn’t straightforward, but a lot of pieces came together to create something quite significant over a number of years,” said Chow.
In addition to the P.GSC, Chow also holds industry certifications as an applied science technologist, project management professional, leadership in energy and environmental design accredited professional and is a member of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada.
“Right now, I find myself in a niche industry managing solutions for complex projects. It’s been a strategic undertaking to get here. I have no regrets about the career path I took. I’ve achieved a lot in a short amount of time,” said Chow.
“We developed the program with working professionals in mind. The program is offered outside traditional business and school hours, and includes a mix of on-campus courses and self-directed online learning. Remote learning options are available.”
– Ahmed Hosni, Saskatchewan Polytechnic
Chow is an excellent example of how career goals can change over time. His advice for other students looking to achieve big things?
“The logical way isn’t always the best way; invest in what interests you and see what happens.”
Flexibility is an integral component of the program, says Ahmed Hosni, BCM program head.
“We developed the program with working professionals in mind. The program is offered outside traditional business and school hours, and includes a mix of on-campus courses and self-directed online learning. Remote learning options are available.”
“BCM is a great option for anyone in the construction industry looking to move into a leadership role,” said Chow.
Learn more about Sask Polytech’s BCM program at saskpolytech.ca/BCMdegree.