Dr. Tej Gidda

Dr. Tej Gidda, B.Sc. ’96, MA ’97, PhD ’06

Triple grad ’96 Bachelor of Science Engineering, ’97 MA, ’04 PhD

How has your job been impacted by COVID-19?

As a consulting firm, we always make sure we respond to our clients’ needs and take care of our people. This has always been our mentality, but of late, it’s been so much more important to hold true to our values and commitments. We are working harder, reaching out more, and being more mindful of the human dimension in this challenging time. I don’t mind working harder to make sure we take care of the human ecosystem in which we work. This is about people, and how we treat each other is everything.

How has your industry been affected?

I think we are seeing a mix of impacts. In the short term, there are concerns about existing and new projects. I think the economy will eventually receive stimulus to get things moving again, and that will require all hands on deck. While there is some uncertainty, we will all have to look forward to the activity that will inevitably manifest itself as things recover. I also think there will be a rapid recalculation in how we work, emphasizing work-from-home, which, as it turns out, is just fine and people can be very productive doing it

How do you stay busy or connected with family and friends?

I’ve taken up the electric guitar, and while I play it loudly, I also play it very badly. I yell at my neighbors across the street quite often, and occasionally they realize that I’m not angry at them. We have great participation in family calls using various forms of social media. In fact, I’m not sure we’ve ever connected so often. Same thing with friends. I must admit, though, I miss visiting the University of Guelph and the School of Engineering, and hope that at some point, I’ll be able to visit again. My best wishes to all the students who’ve had their education interrupted! You will get through this! And you will get jobs when you graduate, trust me!

What has inspired you the most in your community?

When you get down to it, it’s amazing how people have adapted so quickly to this tough time. It is more challenging for some, but most people are doing the right things by social distancing and refraining from travel, etc. But then so many others are making masks and hospital gowns at home, when they don’t have to. People have pulled together in order to take care of each other – what’s more inspiring than that? When it comes down to it, we banded together and did what was necessary, which quite reaffirms my belief in humanity.