Alumnus/Alumna profile

Ashfaq Chowdhury

BEng Mechanical Engineering 23
Works as a liaison engineer in aerospace

Faculty

Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science

Program

Mechanical Engineering (BEng)

Experiential learning

Co-op

Overall, the industry is shifting toward building aircraft that are not just faster, but also much more efficient, eco‑friendly and innovative.

Career questions with Ashfaq

What do you love most about your work, and what inspired you to pursue this career in the first place?

The aspect I enjoy most about my work is how closely I get to work with the aircraft. As a liaison engineering professional, I need to be prepared for anything: every day brings a new challenge and a fresh opportunity to learn something new about the aircraft. This dynamic environment keeps the work exciting and continuously pushes me to expand my technical knowledge.

Looking back, what skills have been the biggest game-changers in your career?

Building strong relationships has opened opportunities that I wouldn’t have been exposed to otherwise. Through networking, I was able to learn from experienced professionals and better understand different career paths within aerospace.

Collaborating with cross-functional teams, learning from colleagues on the shop floor and connecting with other engineering specialists has helped me solve problems more effectively and grow both technically and professionally.

How did Concordia prepare you for your career?

Concordia prepared me well by combining strong academic knowledge with practical experience. The Co-op program was especially valuable, as it gave me the opportunity to gain hands-on industry experience early on. Additionally, my student job as a Welcome Crew mentor helped me develop important soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is a standout memory from your time at Concordia?

My experience as a Welcome Crew mentor gave me the opportunity to connect with people from diverse backgrounds beyond engineering. More importantly, being able to guide new students and help them navigate Concordia’s services made me feel like I was giving back to the university for all the opportunities it gave me. That sense of contribution and community is what really stands out to me.

If you could give your younger self one powerful piece of advice, what would it be?

I would advise myself to get involved in university activities and be part of the community from day one. I’m grateful that I got involved in my later years: it made me realize how valuable those experiences are for personal growth, networking and building a sense of belonging. Starting earlier would have helped me develop connections and skills much sooner in my journey.

What’s the most exciting shift happening in your industry right now?

One of the most exciting shifts in the aerospace industry right now is the push toward cleaner and smarter aircraft designs. Companies are developing solutions like sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), electric planes and hydrogen-powered aircraft to reduce emissions and meet climate goals. At the same time, new concepts like blended wing body (BWB) aircraft are gaining attention because they can significantly improve fuel efficiency and reduce drag.