Kanika Kapila is a Go Green global finalist and now a Schneider Electric employee in Canada. Aside from work and school, she enjoys rock climbing, swing dancing, skiing and photography.
Kanika shares her exciting journey from the Go Green challenge to joining Schneider Electric’s team in Canada.
Sharing her passion for green energy
Being a chemical engineering student at the University of Calgary, Kanika has always been fascinated by the oil and gas industry. She developed a huge interest in the green energy sector, particularly topics surrounding energy management, process optimization and creating a balance between the two industries to eventually lead our world towards sustainability.
To further her learning in this area of interest, she decided to pair up her chemical engineering major with energy and environment engineering. This allowed Kanika to get involved in many green projects on campus and with the city of Calgary.
"Just before I thought it was time to wrap up my final year of engineering, the Go Green challenge caught my eye. I knew I had to participate and share my passion for green energy on a global platform," explains Kanika.
Writing a business proposal to Schneider Electric
To enter the competition, Kanika's team had to write a business proposal to Schneider Electric. They had to explain their idea and how it can make their city greener and more sustainable.
"After hours of brainstorming and plenty of research, we proposed a design for a chemical process that would recycle greenhouse gas emissions released from the power plants and convert them into renewable products. The goal of our design was to reduce the overall carbon footprint of the power industry and decrease annual GHG emissions," explains Kanika.
"We did a detailed design and economic analysis to deem the process to be both technically and economically feasible. We submitted the business proposal and patiently waited for the results. I knew the competition was fierce. There were 20,000 applicants globally the year before! Therefore it was a total shock for me when we heard back from the organizers that our team was selected for the North American semi-finals and will be flying to Boston. I was on cloud nine and one step closer to the global platform," she adds.
Kanika was very excited to fly to Boston. Firstly, she had the opportunity to learn more about Schneider Electric and she was able to network with Schneider employees and learn about their career paths. They also had a tour of the Boston campus and learnt about fascinating technologies which had been implemented to make the building energy efficient.
"I was absolutely wowed after listening to the business proposals presented by our fellow semi-finalists," she said.
"Overall it was an incredible learning experience for me. Our team was placed second in the semi-finals. We were recognized as the only Canadian team that qualified to the North American regional finals. The Boston trip ended with great learning experience, achievements, great friendships and memories I will cherish forever."
Reaching the finals of the Go Green competition
"Just when I thought the Go Green chapter had closed another shocker came my way. I heard back from the Go Green organizers that our team made it to the finals through wild card entry. We were going to Atlanta to present our green idea. I couldn’t be happier," she says.
"We started preparing day and night, reworking on the design, getting feedback from our mentor and improving every bit we can. While that was happening we did our first debut on radio and live TV media interviews. It was nerve wracking to be interviewed by Ted Henley on LIVE TV. Above all, this was the most exhilarating part of my entire Go Green journey."
"After all the hard-work and a huge support from our mentors (Mighty thanks to Joe Morris and Melanie Smith) it was time to fly to Atlanta for the BIG event. Besides the competition I had the opportunity to attend the Innovation Summit where professionals from all over North America and Schneider Electric’s partners came," Kanika continues.
"I had an incredible amount of networking experience with the professionals, learn more about the company, its new product launches and mostly importantly EcoStruxture that can revolutionize the world of digitization. My Atlanta trip ended with a lot of memories from the time spent with the fellow competitors (I’d say friends), learnt about different cultures, incredible learning and networking experience from the innovation summit and travelling around the city. It was time to back to my work life and apply what I had learnt."
Starting her career journey with Schneider Electric
As Kanika's Go Green chapter with Schneider Electric was closing, her career with Schneider Electric was just starting.
"I couldn’t be happier to be part of Schneider Electric, a company that’s revolutionizing the world of digitization, empowering young professionals like myself and striving for a sustainable future," says Kanika.
She is currently part of the Commercial Leadership Program, a 3-year rotation program that’s designed to give new graduates 3 years of training in 3 different fields of business.
"The amount of support I’ve gotten from my manager and coworkers is incredible. I’ve learned so much that it excites me for more coming my way," she says.
Kanika is currently part of the Competency Center for motor control centers (MCC) in Edmonton. She gets to visit the manufacturing plant once a week to understand the working model and different components of MCCs.
"To be honest, I see myself going far with Schneider Electric. The company is giving me the foundation to learn, understand and apply to everything that I’ve been passionate about. My future goal is to be part of the environmental design teams at Schneider Electric to improve efficiency and optimize the processes to save the overall energy consumption," says Kanika.
"My journey started with this passion and I’ll continue to work on it with a company that has an exact same vision as I do."
An enriching experience with Schneider Electric
For Kanika, Go Green has been the most enriching experience of her life. She highly encourages students to take part in the Go Green competition.
"It is a great opportunity to develop skills like time management, technical report writing, team work and public speaking. And most importantly – being BOLD," says Kanika.
"Often, we hesitate and think that our design ideas are not significant, I felt the same. My advice is to believe in yourself and have courage to present your BOLD idea. In my opinion Go Green is an incredible global platform for young aspiring students. They can showcase their bold ideas, network with experienced professionals and pursue their passions," she adds.
"My biggest take away from the Go Green was to BE BOLD. DARE TO DISRUPT. BE INNOVATIVE and PURSUE YOUR PASSIONS. Today I’m proud to say my passion for working towards the betterment of our environment continues together with Schneider Electric."
Join ambitious women like Kanika at Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric seeks out and rewards people for being straightforward, open, passionate, effective and challenging the status quo. They want their employees to reflect the diversity of the communities in which they operate. They welcome people as they are, creating an inclusive culture where all forms of diversity are seen as a real value for the company. They are looking for people with a passion for success - on the job and beyond. Learn more about Schneider Electric's job vacancies.
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