Seneca RED Fall 2021 Alumni Magazine - 39
GIVING
BACK
1,350
Number of donors who
generously supported Seneca
Birkbeck Family Bursary
Sharing a passion
for computer
science
AS VICE-PRESIDENT OF Software
Engineering at SPS Commerce,
Paul Birkbeck has had a long
and accomplished career in
technology. However, his initial
path to success wasn't so direct.
Mr. Birkbeck started at Seneca
after working dozens of jobs
that he didn't enjoy. He
concluded that he would need
more education in order to
have a fulfilling career and
decided to pursue computer
science - a passion he'd had
since he was 13.
" I used to sneak into my
dad's office and use his
computer to program on all
night, then sneak back into
the house in the morning, " he
said. " I loved coding, and so I
thought a career in technology
would be great for me. "
Now an established
executive, Mr. Birkbeck has
created the Birkbeck Family
Bursary for students in the
School of Software Design &
Data Science who have financial
need and are overcoming
obstacles. He specifically set a
GPA requirement of 2.5 because
he knows that students may
face barriers that get in the way
of achieving top grades.
Whether it's due to learning
disabilities or working while in
school, he wants to encourage
students to persevere and
complete their education.
Mr. Birkbeck understands
financial challenges firsthand
and was fortunate to receive
bursaries that helped him continue
his education. Because of
the financial challenges he
faced as a student, Seneca's paid
co-op program was a major reason
for his decision to attend.
Remembering his positive
experiences, he hires co-op
students every semester at SPS
Commerce. While he knows
they may take more time
to complete tasks, he makes
sure to treat them as equal
members of the team, providing
a valuable work term that
may lead to a career at the
company afterwards.
Working in technology, Mr.
Birkbeck's world is constantly
evolving, and being comfortable
with and excited by
change is how he knows he's in
the right career.
" I appreciate change because
it's the opportunity to adopt
improved technologies and processes, "
he said. " I'd rather try
new things and fail than not try
anything and just stay in a bubble.
The bubble won't last. "
Mr. Birkbeck attributes the
career he's been able to build to
the educational foundation in
computer science he received at
Seneca. When speaking with
his four boys, he always emphasizes
the expectation that they
pursue some kind of education,
whether it's college, university
or a trade.
" I've had a fantastic career in
technology, " he said. " I have
absolutely zero regrets, and it
started with making that decision
to go to Seneca. "
To learn more about supporting Seneca
students by creating your own award,
bursary or scholarship, please contact Katie
Colvin at katie.colvin@senecacollege.ca
Picture above: Paul Birkbeck
RED 2021
39
PHOTO: IAN PATTERSON
Seneca RED Fall 2021 Alumni Magazine
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Seneca RED Fall 2021 Alumni Magazine
Seneca RED Fall 2021 Alumni Magazine - Cover1
Seneca RED Fall 2021 Alumni Magazine - Cover2
Seneca RED Fall 2021 Alumni Magazine - 1
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