by Amber Sandhu
Raised in a single-parent household, Lindsay Benjamin knew university was always the next step after graduating secondary school. “No matter what, that was how my mom and I approached things growing up,” says Benjamin.
“She helped provide me with a lot of opportunities, even if she wasn’t immediately certain how we would achieve them. We always made it work through savings, and my part-time job as well.”
Lindsay earned a $1,000 Future Aces Scholarship in 2002. The Leaside High School alumna pursued her post-high school journey at the University of Waterloo, choosing Urban Planning as her program of study. Gaining experience from her time in the Co-op programs, coupled with undertaking research for her Masters, Benjamin knew this is what she enjoyed but wasn’t sure what shape her professional life would take.
Benjamin began work at a research centre at the University of Waterloo before accepting a position as a Cultural Heritage Planner for the Region of Waterloo for four years. She then moved into the private sector, working for a small Archaeology firm before joining a global engineering firm during the pandemic.
She is currently working full-time at Archaeological Research Associates Ltd. (ARA) as a Heritage Project Manager. After working for over a decade with her colleagues who she considers family, she appreciates the firm’s work ethic and high standards when managing cultural heritage projects across the province.
‘It feels more soulful, and I really respect the quality of the work they are doing in the industry and their approach. This is precisely where I hoped to be mid-career.”
Looking back at her accomplishments, she highlights key moments in her life she has never forgotten—the first being completion of her Master’s degree.
“I am still proud that I completed my Master’s while working full-time,” she says. “Sometimes I forget what an effort that was, and I am really proud that I persevered despite the challenges.”
Her Master’s degree led her to earn a professional designation as a Registered Professional Planner (RPP) from the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) and Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI), as well as becoming a Professional Member of the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals (CAHP), marking her expertise in the field.
Gaining technical expertise is another accomplishment she believes is helpful in the industry.
Having amassed many years of professional experience, Benjamin is also keen to give back, as a mentor.
“I enjoy it, it feels rewarding,” she says. “With 15 years of gained experience, it’s nice to share lessons learned with others entering the field, striving to find their place and sense of achievement.” Mentorship also helps her appreciate all that she has accomplished along the way.
As for advice for those entering post-secondary, Benjamin says, “When presented with an opportunity is equal parts exciting and scary—always say yes!”
She adds leveraging a professional network is also crucial in academics to tap into connections that may help open doors, and friendships, down the road.