What happens when a forensic engineer decides to change careers?
They come to Niagara College to learn how to make beer. That’s what Geoff McLellan did when he decided to take the risk of carving a new — and entirely different — career path.
Here’s his story.
Name: Geoff McLellan
Hometown: While I grew up in Caledon East I would call Toronto my home. That’s where I fell in love with craft beer and where I decided to make beer my career. I am currently living in Kitchener.
Age: 37
Academic accomplishment: Dean’s Award winner, Canadian Food and Wine Institute, Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program (95% GPA).
How do you feel about receiving the Dean’s Award, achieving the highest GPA in your program?
I’m really honoured to receive this award. It was totally unexpected and I think a lot of credit for this has to go to everyone in my class. We all worked really well together and it would not have been possible for me to achieve the grades that I did without their support.
What motivates you to succeed?
I started the Brewmaster program with the goal of getting as much out of this opportunity as possible. I really enjoy learning and having the opportunity to learn about brewing made it so I was in a position to thrive.
What led you to study at NC and to your program specifically?
I came to NC because of the Brewmaster program. It’s so respected and also provides connections to breweries not only in Ontario but around the world.
List any other postsecondary credentials (diplomas, degrees) you have achieved as well, institution you graduated from and graduation year:
I have a mechanical engineering degree that I received in 2007 from the University of Western Ontario
Why are you passionate about your field of study?
Obviously with brewing, I love beer. I also really like that I can make a product that others like and I can see their enjoyment in having my beer. I also find it amazing that you can take four simple ingredients and make a product that has such a diverse flavour profile.
Do you have a specific career goal in mind?
My only goal is to be happy and enjoy what I’m doing. At this point my main goal is to have fun and learn as much as possible. Eventually, I’d love to have a brewpub in the Caribbean or Central America.
What was your situation when you enrolled at NC?
Prior to being accepted to the Brewmaster program, I was a forensic engineer. I was reconstructing car accidents and mostly working at a computer all day. While my career was exciting and mentally stimulating, it was not something that I loved. The change of moving into brewing has been scary but rewarding. The Brewmaster program has provided the boost that I needed to make the change into the career that I had always dreamed of having.
How did you find your program experience – any highlights?
Obviously the COVID pandemic has made the entire college experience different. The one thing that didn’t change was how close we as a class became. I have found 17 other people that I have shared this experience with and who will always be my lifelong friends. I’m excited to be able to have a fun beer-filled celebration with the rest of my classmates when the pandemic is over.
Did you work a placement or co-op as part of your program?
I was given the opportunity to work with the Food and Wine Institute Innovation team. It was an amazing experience working with such a diverse and creative team. I loved my time there learning from them while also hopefully providing my unique input to the projects. I’d definitely recommend anyone in the brewing program apply for this amazing opportunity when it comes available.
Did you face any challenges over the course of your study?
There were obviously challenges associated with being a student again later in life. Leaving a career to go back to school was a huge challenge. I was lucky that I had the ability to be able to make this change in careers. It wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my partner at the time, Natalie. She made it possible for me to be able to do this and she deserves as much credit for my success as I do.
What is it like to graduate at this time during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Obviously COVID has made school and graduation less enjoyable. The Project Brew event had to be changed to a Brew Box, but I think we made the best of the situation. I’m looking forward to having a proper celebration with the rest of my classmates when the pandemic is over.
What do you think you will always remember about your time at NC?
I will always remember the people. Be it my classmates, teachers or other people that I have met through events, they will always be the thing that I remember from my time at Niagara College. The people are what makes the Brewmaster program special. I will never forget how each person has shaped and made a lasting impression on my life.
What does graduating mean to you personally?
Graduating for me was special because it signified such a change in my life. I have begun a change to do something that I love and will hopefully make others happy as well.
What have you been doing since competing your studies?
Since graduating I have started working as a Quality Assurance technician at Waterloo Brewery. Being able to use what I learned during my time in the brewmaster program has been very rewarding.
