Jay Alforque

The real opportunity now is not just deploying technology but helping organizations use it to transform how they operate.

Career questions with Jay

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

What I enjoy most is solving real business problems and seeing the direct impact of what we build. Early on, I realized I wasn’t just interested in engineering theory; I was drawn to how systems run companies. That pushed me toward Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and project management, where I could combine technical thinking with strategy and execution. 

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

The biggest shift came from developing communication and stakeholder-management skills. Technical knowledge gets you in the room, but being able to align teams, challenge assumptions and drive decisions is what moves projects forward. Also, learning how to simplify complex problems that’s has been a major edge. 

How did Concordia prepare you for your career? 

Concordia gave me a strong foundation in problem-solving and forced me to think critically under pressure. Engineering teaches you how to break things down logically, but more importantly, it builds resilience. You get used to figuring things out even when the answer isn’t obvious.

What is a standout memory from your time at Concordia? 

A standout memory would be working through intense project deadlines with classmates. Those moments where everyone’s tired, figuring things out last minute, but still pushing through together. That experience of pressure and teamwork is something I’ve seen repeated in every major project since.

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

Stop trying to have everything figured out early. Focus on building skills, not titles. The path will change and that’s where the opportunities are. 

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

The shift toward cloud ERP and data-driven decision-making is huge. Companies are no longer just implementing systems; they’re trying to become more agile and intelligent with their data. The real opportunity now is not just deploying technology but helping organizations use it to transform how they operate.

Feeling inspired?

• Get involved with student groups like the Canadian Society for Mechanical Engineer (CSME) or other student societies.
• Enhance your communication and stakeholder management skills through FutureBound’s skill-development workshops.
• Attend learning services workshops to learn how to effectively approach problem-solving and manage projects with tight deadlines.  
• Connect with Career Counselling & Education Transitions to start planning your career path.