About Couch Technical Journey - Infilysis : one on one career coach

Experience spanning engineering, finance, business development, and digital growth systems.

Your guidance is led by a senior engineering and project management professional with 10+ years of hands-on industry experience, working across large-scale private and government infrastructure projects in Canada.

10+

Years Experience

$26B+

Project Exposure

10+ years of experience in engineering and project management
Worked on multi-billion-dollar infrastructure and capital projects
Most recent involvement on federal nuclear projects valued at over $26B
Senior Specialist experience with the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) a federal agency
Strong background in:

Hands-on experience across multiple departments and project phases, including:

Site-based engineering and construction teams
Design and engineering coordination
Procurement and tendering departments
Project controls and reporting
Collaboration with external cost consultants and stakeholders
Finance department exposure, worked with CPAs, budget tracking, and direct reporting to Director of Finance and CFO on cost performance and forecasts

This cross-functional exposure provides a full lifecycle understanding of how large projects are planned, approved, funded, executed, and controlled.

Experience spans a wide range of high-impact sectors, including:

Federal & Provincial Government

Infrastructure & Transportation

Nuclear Facilities & Waste Management

Power Plants & Energy Infrastructure

Railways & Transit Systems

Automotive Manufacturing Plants

High-Speed Rail & Transit Expansions

Pharmaceutical & Industrial Plants

In Canada, direct involvement includes major projects with Metrolinx and multiple Ontario Line and government infrastructure initiatives.

Also supported commercial, financial, and digital initiatives alongside technical project delivery.

Worked within the finance department supporting financial operations and reporting. Collaborated closely with Financial Controllers and worked alongside the Director of Finance and CFO.

Key Experience Includes

Experience supporting business development and sales activities with client interaction and commercial coordination.

Involvement in digital initiatives supporting business growth.

Areas of Exposure

Hardik Patel, PMP® Project Controls | Cost Engineering | Scheduling | BIM | Coach

EDUCATION

May 2010 – Jun 2014
🇮🇳

L.D. College of Engineering (GTU), India

Bachelor of Engineering (Civil Engineering)

Built strong fundamentals in construction engineering drawings, quantities, construction methods, site coordination, and execution sequencing.

Construction Basics

Civil Engineering

Execution

MTech

Jul 2014 – May 2016
🇮🇳

CEPT University, India

MTech in Construction Engineering & Management / Project Management

Upgraded from engineering into project management + project controls with deep tool learning. Focused on planning, cost management, risk thinking, and structured project delivery.

Project Management

Project Controls

Planning & Cost

Developed schedules, WBS, and delay analysis using Primavera P6
Managed project timelines and dependencies in MS Project
Adopted BIM mindset with Revit and ArchiCAD for model-based coordination
Leveraged advanced Excel for project controls, reporting, and data analysis

This combination strengthened my planning, cost management, and risk assessment skills, giving me a structured approach to deliver complex projects successfully.

ACADEMIC PROJECT

Jul 2014 – Dec 2014
🇮🇳

Thaltej Gurudwara Underpass (Ahmedabad)

Conceiving & Development Project

Worked on technical feasibility, economic viability, design alternatives, and scheduling/monitoring approach.

Feasibility Study

Design Alternatives

Scheduling & Monitoring

SITE PROJECT

Jan 2015 – May 2015
🇮🇳

sardar-sarovar-dam_650x400_51505615652-min

Sardar Sarovar Dam, Kevadiya

Execution Study Project

Hands-on learning through site visits: material management, safety, QA/QC, equipment handling; understanding pier construction and radial gate provisions.

Site Execution

Material Management

Safety & QA/QC

INTERNSHIP

Jun 2015 – Jul 2015
🇮🇳

Statue of Unity, India

Mega EPC Execution Internship

Gained exposure to large-scale EPC execution, focusing on scheduling, coordination, contracts, stakeholder communication, and BIM-schedule integration.

EPC Execution

Scheduling & Coordination

BIM Integration

Reviewed Primavera schedules for progress tracking and planning
Coordinated multi-stakeholder activities across EPC teams
Assisted in contract administration and documentation
Learned BIM-schedule integration practices for efficient project delivery

RESEARCH

Jan 2016
🇮🇳

ROIBIM Project, India

BIM Adoption ROI Analysis

Created a structured approach to calculate Return on Investment (ROI) of BIM adoption to help decision makers quantify benefits beyond testimonials and case studies.

BIM ROI

Decision Support

Process Optimization

FREELANCE PROJECT

Feb 2016
🇮🇳

Adani Gas Ltd.

Gas Pipeline Construction Scheduling

Prepared and maintained MS Project schedules for pipeline work, focusing on logical sequencing, progress tracking, and practical construction scheduling delivery for client needs.

Construction Scheduling

MS Project

Pipeline Projects

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Jun 2016 – Nov 2017
🇮🇳

Shapoorji Pallonji Group

Deputy Manager , Planning Engineer (On-Site)

Started core industry career on large automobile manufacturing plant execution, gaining deep on-site exposure to structural steel works, coordination, productivity, and quality-driven construction delivery.

Site Planning

Industrial Construction

Structural Steel

Started core industry career on automobile manufacturing plant site execution, heavily focused on:

Executed structural steel fabrication and erection with major tonnage scope
Managed roofing, cladding, and industrial building construction requirements
Coordinated large on-site teams including engineers, cranes, equipment, and logistics
Controlled yard management and material tracking to support smooth execution
Monitored construction productivity and site progress on daily basis
Gained exposure to quality processes including welding inspections, radiography/NDT, and audits
Learned SAP ERP processes for material control and procurement tracking

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Nov 2017 – Jan 2021
🇮🇳

Shapoorji Pallonji Group

Deputy Manager, Tender and Project Controls

Moved to the regional office and worked across tendering, estimation, business development, and project controls, leading end-to-end bid delivery for complex industrial, infrastructure, and institutional projects.

Tendering and Estimation

Project Controls

EPC and Turnkey Projects

Tendering, Estimation and Controls

Led tender strategy and scope / RFP studies with risk-based thinking
Performed rate analysis, QTO, and BOQ preparation for competitive bids
Managed pre-bid RFIs, addendum reviews, and negotiations with multiple stakeholders
Coordinated procurement planning for major materials and sub-trades
Prepared vendor comparisons and negotiation support documentation
Developed Primavera P6 schedules, dashboards, and progress reporting frameworks
Applied project controls mindset across planning, tracking, and reporting
Gained exposure to contract administration including deviations, claims, EOT logic, and documentation discipline

SELECTED TENDER AND BID PROJECTS HIGHLIGHTS

500 KTPA Copper Smelter Plant (EPC), Mundra, Adani Enterprises (Mar 2018 – May 2018)
Canal, Cross Drainage, and Lagoon Lining, MSIL Hansalpur (Apr 2018 – Jun 2018)
SND Car Parking Phase III, MSIL Hansalpur (Apr 2018 – Jun 2018)
Civil and Structural Works, Fertilizer Project, HZL Vedanta (Jun 2018 – Aug 2018)
100 MLD Desalination Plant, Jamnagar, EPC Turnkey (Aug 2018 – Sep 2018)
High Speed Rail Terminal Building, Sabarmati, NHSRCL (Aug 2018 – Oct 2018)
IIM Ahmedabad Campus, Dormitories, Academic Block, and Sports Complex (Aug 2018 – Jan 2019)
Training Institute, Civil, Structural, MEPF, External, and Furniture, Vadodara (Oct 2018 – Feb 2019)
Surat Airport, Terminal Extension, AAI (Jan 2019 – Feb 2019)
Nayara Energy Township, EPC Lump Sum (Jan 2019 – Mar 2019)
JCB India Manufacturing Unit, Halol (Jan 2019 – Mar 2019)

EDUCATION

Sep 2020 – Apr 2021
🇨🇦

Seneca College, Canada

Postgraduate Program, Business Analytics

This phase marked a strategic transition into business and data analytics, aligned with the Canadian industry ecosystem rather than traditional project controls.

Business Analytics

Data Visualization

Decision Support

The program focused on:

Applied data analytics and business intelligence techniques for real-world use cases
Leveraged advanced Excel for data modeling, analysis, and decision support
Built Power BI and Tableau dashboards for executive-level visualization
Performed statistical analysis and data interpretation for business insights
Translated raw data into insight-driven decisions for non-technical stakeholders

This education strengthened the ability to communicate complex data clearly to stakeholders and laid the foundation for analytics-driven reporting and visualization used later across project controls, finance, and executive leadership environments

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

May 2021 – May 2022
🇨🇦

Hanscomb Limited, Canada

Cost Planner

Worked on large-scale Canadian public infrastructure and transit projects, supporting government-funded and privately delivered developments while strengthening expertise in cost planning, budgeting, funding compliance, and financial monitoring.

Cost Planning

Public Infrastructure

Financial Governance

Key Responsibilities and Skills Developed

Delivered cost planning and cost estimation from early concept stages through detailed design
Prepared and validated project budgets aligned with client, consultant, and funding requirements
Performed benchmarking and cost normalization using historical data and industry standards
Forecasted cash flow and progress-based cost tracking across project phases
Supported loan monitoring and funding compliance for infrastructure and capital projects
Built detailed Excel-based cost models, financial analysis, and reporting structures
Utilized Bluebeam for drawing reviews, quantity verification, and markup-based cost checks
Applied Swift and cost databases with structured cost breakdown methodologies
Implemented CSI MasterFormat and standardized cost classification systems
Gained exposure to qualitative performance-based estimating, conversion standards, and scope normalization
Coordinated closely with project managers, engineers, and stakeholders in regulated public-sector environments

MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE AND TRANSIT PROJECTS CANADA

Ontario Line, Leslieville Station, Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario
Ontario Line, Gerrard Station, Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario
Ontario Line, Queen Station, Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario
Ontario Line, Osgoode Station, Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario
Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, Royal York Station, Metrolinx
Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, Islington Station, Metrolinx
Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, Martin Grove Station, Metrolinx
Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, Kipling Station, Metrolinx
TTC Major Transit Control Centre, Toronto Transit Commission
TTC Wilson Yard, Toronto Transit Commission

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

May 2022 – Apr 2024
🇨🇦

ALTEN PROEX, Canada

Project Controller and Cost Controller

Worked on a large-scale pharmaceutical EPC project valued at over 700M, building deep expertise in technical project controls integrated with financial governance and executive-level reporting.

Project Controls

Cost Control

Pharmaceutical EPC

Project Context

End-to-End Project Controls

Finance Integration and Reporting

Collaborated closely on budgeting and reforecasting cycles
Planned cash flow and supported funding visibility
Prepared monthly cost reports for management approvals
Reconciled actuals versus forecasts with variance explanations
Managed accruals, WIP, and cost-to-complete reporting discipline

SAP and Digital Reporting Workflows

Risk and Controls Maturity

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Jan 2023 – May 2024
🇨🇦

Planning, project management and marketing with business people in meeting for research, strategy and goals with laptop. Growth, analytics and collaboration with employees in corporate office

College Instructor

Project Management

Worked as a Project Management instructor delivering applied, industry-oriented education to a diverse student base including IT, business, and non-engineering backgrounds, extending beyond traditional civil and construction professionals.

Project Management Education

Applied Learning

Leadership and Mentoring

Teaching Focus Areas

Delivered project management fundamentals covering lifecycle, scope, time, cost, quality, risk, and procurement
Taught IT project management and systems development life cycle concepts
Explained Agile project management principles with practical application
Introduced construction management basics for non-engineering students
Demonstrated scheduling and cost management using real-world project examples
Developed leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills

Instructional Approach

Explained complex project concepts in simple, practical language for mixed technical audiences
Applied real industry projects to connect theory with practice
Emphasized employability skills and decision making over academic theory
Guided understanding of project management across IT, construction, infrastructure, and business environments

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Apr 2024 – Jun 2025
🇨🇦

Nuclear Waste Management Organization

Senior Specialist, Cost Management and Estimation

Worked with a federally operated organization on Canada’s nuclear waste management program, supporting a lifecycle budget exceeding 26 billion dollars for one of the most complex and nationally significant infrastructure initiatives in the country.

Lifecycle Cost Management

Public Sector Governance

Capital Program Finance

Program Context

Supported Canada’s nuclear waste management program focused on long-term used nuclear fuel stewardship
Contributed to a first-of-its-kind national infrastructure program within a highly regulated environment
Worked on a lifecycle budget exceeding 26 billion dollars developed with multidisciplinary experts

Cost Management and Finance Integration

Collaborated within the Finance Department alongside CPAs on budgeting and forecasting
Prepared cost inputs and executive explanations for senior leadership and finance governance
Reported regularly to the Director of Finance and CFO on cost matters
Supported lifecycle cost estimation, escalation logic, and variance analysis
Developed and reviewed WBS-based cost structures aligned with engineering scope and schedule
Contributed to governance-ready cost documentation for a federally operated non-profit organization

Key Exposure and Learning

Worked within highly confidential, federally governed programs
Gained exposure to federal governance, compliance, and accountability frameworks
Supported public-sector financial planning, budgeting, and long-term forecasting
Developed understanding of long-term funding structures and financial controls
Operated as an engineer embedded within a finance team, contributing to technical and financial decisions

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

September 2021 – Present
🇨🇦

Infilysis

Career Coach

Provided one-on-one, personalized career coaching, guiding professionals across engineering, construction, finance, IT, analytics, healthcare, and multiple regulated industries toward successful career transitions and job offers.

Career Coaching

Talent Development

Job Market Strategy

Career Coaching and Outcomes

Delivered personalized one-on-one coaching across diverse professional backgrounds
Guided candidates into field-aligned professional roles across multiple industries
Supported entry into regulated and PR-supportive roles aligned with TEER 1 to 3 and NOC frameworks
Enabled transitions from survival jobs to professional careers without prior Canadian experience, licensing, or French language requirements

Roles and Industries Supported

Placed candidates into roles such as project coordinator, planner, project controller, estimator, and cost analyst
Supported careers in business analytics, finance, accounting, IT, and supply chain
Enabled placement across banking, healthcare, energy, nuclear, manufacturing, pharma, sales, and marketing sectors