In Part I of our engineering series, Exploring the Passion Behind Engineering Excellence we explored the “Why” behind our engineers’ passion for their work at CAE—how curiosity, creativity, and the desire to solve real problems shape the backbone of our company.
The truth is there’s no single route. The journeys are as varied as the people themselves, full of twists and surprising turns. In this month’s HR Pulse article, we will share candid stories from two of CAE’s engineers, highlighting the lessons they have learned along the way, and offer some practical advice for anyone charting their own path in engineering.
When we sat down with our engineers, we didn’t just ask for their job titles or LinkedIn timelines. We asked something deeper: “How did you get to where you are today?” It’s a simple question on the surface, but the answers revealed rich, layered journeys—full of career pivots, moments of doubt, unexpected mentors, breakthroughs, and countless small decisions that shaped their paths. We wanted real stories—the ones that don’t fit neatly into a resume but define a career.
Alia Shah’s journey into engineering began in childhood, shaped by her experiences wandering museum halls and tagging along with her father at NASA. Her curiosity wasn’t a fleeting spark—it was, as she puts it, “a perpetual flame.” She was always drawn to solving problems, though early on she imagined a future in medicine or biomedical engineering.
Her direction shifted in college, where she discovered a deep interest in systems-based design and aerospace engineering. That passion led her to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.S.E.) in Aerospace Engineering, along with a Minor in Mathematics from Texas A&M University.
During her time at university, teamwork played a pivotal role in shaping her skills and mindset. Her senior capstone project was a defining experience: “Working in a team where everyone puts 100% of themselves in every day… I could never forget that.” It taught her that engineering is not just about technical knowledge — it’s about collaboration, communication, and consistency.
After graduation, Alia joined CAE USA, where her first day was filled with nerves. “An industry-level application of what I’d learned in school was simply out of my scope,” she admits. But what helped her bridge the gap between theory and practice was mentorship. “I had wonderful mentors to guide me… I tried to find connections between what I learned and what I needed to work on.”
She quickly realized that even with a strong academic background and prior industry experience, challenges were inevitable. “Hurdles occur regardless of the environment,” she says. “Taking a different approach to every problem and staying consistent helped me get through.”
At CAE, Alia continues to rely on collaboration across adjacent teams to navigate the steep learning curve. She’s also learned to balance work, friends, family, and personal time—an ongoing challenge, but one she meets by showing up every day and embracing progress one step at a time.
Mentorship remains a cornerstone of her growth. “Engineers all conduct tasks in different ways, and the way certain programs or codes are written is subjective. Having a mentor sped up my understanding. Without feedback, it’s impossible to know whether you’re growing or what you can do to improve.”
Matthew Kolb’s journey into engineering began in an unexpected place: cheat codes. As a kid, he was fascinated by how Action Replay codes worked for Nintendo DS games. That early curiosity about how things functioned behind the scenes sparked a deeper interest in technology and problem-solving.
When it came time for college, Matthew initially pursued astronomy—driven by a love of the stars and inspired by his uncle. But the reality of the coursework didn’t match his expectations. “I was struggling and not enjoying my classes… having everything planned out from the start of college just isn’t possible. Roadblocks and detours happen,” he reflects.
That detour led him to computer science. Though it wasn’t his first choice, it quickly became a passion. “I’m glad I committed to it, as I get to spend every day working on things that I enjoy,” says Matthew. He went on to earn a B.S. in Computer Science and a B.S. in Mathematics from Central Michigan University.
During college, Matthew acquired valuable experience working on a critical group project. He stepped up to support his peers, going above and beyond to help the team succeed. That moment solidified his understanding of collaboration and the importance of taking ownership—skills that would become central to his professional identity.
Matthew’s first professional step into engineering came through a Co-op position at CAE USA. His first day was a whirlwind of nerves and orientation videos, but it quickly turned into a valuable learning experience. Early challenges taught him resourcefulness and persistence—traits essential for any engineer.
As he transitioned into a full-time role at CAE, Matthew found his rhythm. He connected with his team, adapted to the work environment, and saw firsthand how collaboration accelerates growth. He credits his teammates as a major source of support during tough times and continues to prioritize teamwork and ownership in his role today.
From cheat codes to software engineer Matthew’s journey shows that engineering paths aren’t always straight—but with curiosity, adaptability, and support, they lead to meaningful and rewarding careers.
What stands out in these stories isn’t just the technical milestones, it’s the habits and mindsets that made the difference:
If you are early in your career or even just thinking about engineering, here’s what these stories offer:
As we reflect on the diverse paths our engineers have taken, one message rings clear: growth is rarely linear, and success is built on a foundation of curiosity, resilience, and relationships. CAE Vice President of Airlift & Tankers and Tampa Site Manager, Nick Coucoules, embodies this truth. His journey is marked by pivotal moments, hands-on learning, and the guidance of mentors who helped shape his trajectory.
Nick’s advice is both practical and relatable: never hesitate to ask for help and never stop learning. Whether you’re just starting out or leading a team, the best engineers—and professionals—are those who remain students of their craft.
He also shares a powerful reminder: “How you do anything is how you do everything.” This principle transcends technical skill. It’s about how you show up—in interviews, solving complex problems, and everyday tasks. Your consistency, attention to detail, and integrity form the foundation of your personal brand. And in environments where people are always watching, these qualities matter.
Nick encourages us to lead with confidence, stay grounded in humility, and always know our audience. When passion meets intentional action and self-awareness, you’re not just fulfilling a role, you’re shaping a meaningful career.
Hear more from Nick: “One thing I love about working in the defense industry is its connection to the mission," Nick Coucoules, Vice President, CAE USA | LinkedIn
So, how did our engineers actually get to where they are today? Through curiosity, grit, and a relentless drive to solve real-world problems. Their journeys are as diverse as the technologies they build—but each one is powered by a passion for learning and a commitment to making a difference. Whether they started in aerospace, software, or something entirely unexpected, they’ve all carved out paths defined by growth, collaboration, and innovation.
Stay tuned to our next HR Pulse article, where we’ll dig into the tools and habits that help our engineers stay at the top of their game.
