Gurleen Gang: Building bridges with international students through mentorship

Engineering can be a challenging field for new grads to crack, especially for students from abroad. That’s why Gurleen Gang offered a helping hand.

Based in Kelowna, Gang is a civil team lead and project engineer at Ecora Engineering and Environmental Group. He has volunteered for UBC since January 2022, including as a mentor for UBC Okanagan’s Global Pathways Career Program, which helps international students make the leap from their studies to their careers.  

In this Q&A, Gang explains why he chose to volunteer for this program, what he unexpectedly gained from doing so, and why he encourages others to get involved.

Why did you feel it was important to become a mentor for Global Pathways?

Becoming a mentor for Global Pathways was important to me as it aligns with my passion for supporting and guiding young professionals in their career journeys, particularly in engineering. The opportunity to share my experiences and insights, and to help others navigate the challenges of starting in a competitive field, is incredibly fulfilling.

I was also once an international student, from Kenya, before obtaining permanent residency and eventually attending university as a local student. That transition gave me a deep, personal understanding of the unique hurdles international students face when entering a new country. From navigating unfamiliar academic and workplace cultures, to building a social support network from scratch, to dealing with financial pressures, and even managing feelings of isolation or uncertainty about the future — these are real and often overwhelming challenges.

Having gone through a version of this journey myself, I’m able to empathize with the students I mentor on a meaningful level. I understand how important it is to have someone who can guide you, validate your experiences, and help you see a path forward. That’s why mentoring through Global Pathways felt like a natural and purposeful way for me to give back.

What have you found most memorable, significant or impactful about volunteering for this program?

A particularly impactful experience was mentoring a young engineer who was transitioning from academia to industry. Witnessing their development, from being unsure and tentative to becoming confident and skilled in their role, underscored the transformative power of mentorship. It’s gratifying to see tangible results in the mentees’ professional growth and their increased confidence.

How do you feel you have professionally or personally benefitted from volunteering for UBC?

Volunteering for UBC has enriched my professional life by expanding my network and exposing me to fresh perspectives and ideas.

For example, one mentee introduced me to a more collaborative approach to technical problem-solving that was emphasized in their academic experience abroad — where peer-led design critiques and interdisciplinary teamwork were common practice. This was different from the more siloed, hierarchical environment I was used to in the industry. Their approach inspired me to rethink how I facilitate team collaboration within my own project teams. I started implementing more open and inclusive design discussions where everyone, regardless of experience level, was encouraged to share input. It’s been rewarding to see how this shift not only improved project outcomes but also empowered junior team members to contribute more confidently.

Another mentee shared their struggle with the Canadian job market, particularly with networking and self-promotion — skills that weren’t emphasized in their home country, where job advancement was more merit- or exam-based. We had deep conversations about the cultural differences in hiring processes and how navigating the “hidden job market” here often requires a proactive and personal approach. Through that dialogue, I became much more aware of my own cultural biases and how certain professional norms in Canada may unintentionally exclude or discourage talented individuals from diverse backgrounds. It motivated me to be more intentional in how I support and advocate for inclusive hiring practices within my own organization.

Personally, I’ve found these exchanges both humbling and energizing. They remind me that mentorship is never a one-way street — it’s a space for mutual growth, empathy, and reflection. Being exposed to new ways of thinking has helped me grow not only as an engineer and leader, but as a more compassionate and globally-minded individual.

Is there anything that has surprised you the most about volunteering?

The most surprising aspect has been the extent of mutual learning. While my role is to guide and teach, I often find myself gaining insights and learning from the experiences and fresh ideas brought by the mentees.

One example that stood out to me was a conversation with a mentee who had a background in civil engineering in a country where public infrastructure projects are deeply tied to community input from the outset. They described how, in their experience, engineers would often participate in town hall-style meetings even before conceptual design began — essentially co-creating with the community. That really made me reflect on how, here in Canada, community consultation often comes much later in the process, sometimes after major decisions have already been made. It challenged me to think about how we can shift that timeline to be more inclusive and proactive in the projects I lead, and I’ve since tried to initiate earlier engagement in a few of my own municipal designs.

Another memorable moment was a discussion around managing cultural identity in the workplace. A mentee shared how they struggled with whether to adjust their accent or use a more “Canadian-sounding” name on their résumé — just to get callbacks. It opened up a powerful conversation about unconscious bias, representation, and authenticity in professional spaces. That moment made me reflect more deeply on the subtle challenges international professionals face and how we, as mentors and leaders, need to advocate for greater inclusivity and cultural sensitivity in the workplace.

This reciprocal nature of mentoring has been both unexpected and deeply rewarding — it’s helped me grow not only as a mentor but also as a more self-aware and empathetic professional.

What advice would you give to UBC alumni who are considering volunteering for UBC?

To those considering volunteering, I would advise that they view this as an opportunity to not only give back but to also enhance their own personal and professional growth. The experience is incredibly enriching, broadening your perspectives and deepening your connections within the community. It’s a commitment that pays dividends far beyond the time invested.