Karan Virdi
Graduated from SFU in 2016
Major: Kinesiology
Degrees Received: BSc Kinesiology, MSc Human Factors and Ergonomics
Credentials: Project Management Professional (PMP) certificate
Karan is a Human Factors Specialist at Parsons Corporation.
Biography
Karan is a Human Factors Specialist at Parsons Corporation, an international engineering firm. Karan's expertise is in integrating human factors and ergonomics into the infrastructure design of capital projects such as Light Rail Transit (LRT) systems. He works with large teams of engineers to design systems and ensure that human factors and ergonomics are incorporated into the design process. After completing his BSc in Kinesiology at SFU, Karan pursued a MSc in Ergonomics and Human Factors from the United Kingdom. In 2020, Karan obtained his Project Management Professional (PMP) certificate. In his spare time, Karan loves to teach dance at a local dance studio. He also loves to travel and spend time outdoors.
QUESTIONS
1) What is your current position? What does a typical work day look like for you?
I work as a Human Factors Specialist/Lead at Parsons Corporation. Each day can be different but my most common activities are meetings with clients/engineers/specialists, reviewing designs, drawings, specs, and reports for ergonomics and human factors, writing technical reports, and project management.
2) How did your education in BPK influence your career?
Without introduction to ergonomics in BPK, I would not have discovered and pursued this career. I didn't discover ergonomics at BPK until 2-3 years into my degree and after I took my first class with Anne-Kristina Arnold, I loved it and decided this is what I wanted to pursue.
3) Who in BPK had an impact on you and why?
Anne-Kristina Arnold. She was my first ergonomics teacher and guided and supported me on my journey in pursuing further ergonomics education and employment.
4) What is your favourite memory of your time at SFU as an undergraduate?
My favorite memory is when I took my first ergonomics course and realized I knew what I wanted to specialize in.
5) What advice would you give to today’s BPK student?
Keep an open mind on where your career can go. Speak with your teachers about careers, working conditions, prospects, etc. Diversify your courses. Take courses with practical utility in the workplace and get work experience before you graduate.