A SAIT graduate who used his diploma to build a career that took him from systems analyst to chief strategist and manager of business development, Shawn Simlik now brings his real-world expertise and passion for watching students grow to classrooms within the School for Advanced Digital Technology.
Falling in love with the campus and program offerings, Simlik chose SAIT for his post-secondary education, earning a diploma in network engineering technology in 2007. With a job lined up before graduation, he would go on to work for the Calgary-based IT firm Final Frontiers Systems Corp. for 11 years, working his way to a top position where he oversaw the direction and growth of the organization.
He made the move to SAIT as an instructor in 2018, initially teaching courses in server administration, network security, data center systems, and emerging trends. Today, his work focuses more on capstone and project-related courses in these areas.
Outside of the classroom, Simlik volunteers with the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society, serving as a mentor and sitting the small business advisory board, which supports newcomer entrepreneurs entering the Calgary labour market.
Awards and achievements:
- Calgary Catholic Immigration Society award for mentorship
- SAIT Students’ Association Instructor Excellence award nomination
If I wasn’t doing this: I’d like to have my own business helping solve IT problems for others.
Media interviews:
Media looking to speak to any of our experts should contact Jill Purdy, Manager, Strategic External Content, Communications.
Search for experts
Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.
SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.
We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.