ASET Technology Alberta Summer 2019 - 6

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Q&A with Don Wilson,
ASET President
Don Wilson, C.E.T., MBA, DBA, MIEEE
What specifically attracted you to the
leadership role of ASET president?
When I started out with ASET as a councillor, I marvelled
at the ability of its presidents to perform in ways that enriched ASET membership. This included their advocating for
changes to provincial legislation to recognize the scope of
practice of ASET members, engaging with peer national and
international associations, and advancing the development
of a national accreditation organization at a time when the
existing system was plagued with dogma and dysfunction.
Observing their work was amazing to experience and a little
intimidating. When I accepted the nomination as president,
it presented a personal challenge to me: to contribute like
the presidents before me with the goal of adding to the value
of being an ASET member.

What are your priorities as ASET president?
My priorities are value, equity and progress. Value is the premier element of ASET's work that council, staff and stakeholders strive to meet in order to increase membership value - not
only the value intended by ASET but also what is perceived
by our members. It's also important that the communities in
which we serve see clear value in the protection of the public
interest that ASET ensures by certifying ASET members and
holding them to the highest possible standards.
Equity is the filter we must use when making decisions that
create value for our members, weighing their needs along
with that of the general public and others impacted by their
work. Our provisions for voting and other membership processes must be highly attuned to the changing geography
and demographic of our ASET members.
In terms of progress, we must move forward as an organization while being mindful of the lessons and accomplishments
of the past. This includes not only an understanding of local
issues, but a renewed commitment to working with supporters and stakeholders - sometimes with conflict or discomfort.
The best interest of our membership and stakeholders, and
the assurance of public safety are paramount in our work.

6 | SUMMER 2019 | TECHNOLOGY ALBERTA

Further education has obviously been critical in
enabling you to bridge from a C.E.T. role to other
demanding career positions. What other benefits
did this education offer you?
In the late 1980s, it was difficult if not near impossible to find
a bridging program for a diploma in engineering technology
(C.E.T.) into postgraduate education. I was required to take
an alternative path, utilizing college and university programs
and specific courses to allow me to apply to a master's program and later a doctoral degree in business administration.
Thankfully, this is no longer the case. I have been privileged
to participate in recent changes at the institutional level that
make it easier to pursue higher education with a technology
diploma.
A major achievement in the last decade has been the advent of the NAIT BTech program that bridges technologists
to master's degrees (e.g. technology, business) offered in
Canada or internationally.
Benefits that I have experienced by pursuing higher learning include: an ability to learn and apply theoretical education to today's business challenges; preparedness for
change in new roles within the organization and on behalf
of the stakeholders I serve; the ability to stand out amongst
the competition - whether that means getting new business
from a customer or a new job from an employer seeking the
strongest candidate.

Were you mentored in your career and did you
mentor others? Can mentorship make a significant
difference in the career arc of an engineering
technology professional?
I was fortunate enough to have been mentored by several
respected managers who were influential in my career. They
imparted the kind of knowledge, skills and advice that you
don't get from a textbook or the processes we follow in our
daily roles. At that time, mentorship - at least for me - was
an informal process. Now it's a progressive, growing model
for those for whom it works.

ASET Technology Alberta Summer 2019

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