Building a Thriving Student Culture in the course-based Master of Engineering program

Creating a strong sense of community is at the heart of our Master of Engineering (MEng) program. Invaluable for engineers at any career stage wishing to supplement their technical, managerial and leadership skill set, the MEng program through the Faculty of Engineering is dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative environment. Initiatives such as a new communications course, speaker series and the new Course-based Graduate Student Commons, are designed to bring students together, encouraging peer connection, professional growth and a shared sense of belonging.

Enhancing Communication Skills for Engineering Graduate Students
Strong communication skills are essential for engineers, whether presenting complex ideas, collaborating on projects, or engaging with industry stakeholders. To equip our MEng students with these skills, the Faculty of Engineering offers a specialized course, Technical and Professional Communications. This Special Topics in Engineering course focuses on developing the ability to convey technical information clearly and effectively in academic and professional settings.

Students enrolled in the course learn practical skills such as email etiquette, resume and cover letter creation, report writing and academic citations. Taught by Robyn Braun, an experienced instructor who understands the unique demands of engineering communication, the course provides hands-on practice with feedback to ensure students are prepared for the professional world. Braun emphasizes the long-term impact of the program: “The students' careers start now — they are building networks and developing skills that they will use throughout their lives.”

Braun also organizes a conference day each semester as part of the course, tailored to both first- and second-year students. For first-year students, the focus is on learning about the Canadian workplace and building peer networks as they begin their careers. Second-year students concentrate on resume building and interview skills, aligning with their classroom learning to better prepare them for entering the workforce.

MEng Seminar Series: Expanding Knowledge and Networks
The MEng Seminar Series is another key initiative to build a sense of community and broaden the professional horizons of our MEng students. Throughout the academic year, this series offers a range of seminars led by experts from industry, academia and government — many of whom earned their MEng degrees from our programs. 

The 2024 Seminar Series promises an exciting lineup with sessions that expose students to current trends and challenges in the field and offer networking opportunities with professionals and alumni. By engaging with industry leaders and academic experts, MEng students are empowered to expand their knowledge, explore career paths and strengthen connections within the engineering community.

Networking and Professional Development for MEng Students
As part of our commitment to professional development, the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the School of Mining and Petroleum hosts an annual networking mixer tailored specifically for MEng students. This event is a key feature of our ongoing efforts to equip graduate students with the communication skills and industry connections needed to thrive in their careers.

The mixer brings MEng students and industry representatives together for an evening of inspiring speakers, professional networking, and engaging discussions. A distinguished alumnus typically kicks off the event with a keynote presentation, followed by introductions from industry professionals who share insights into their organizations and work. The evening culminates in open networking, allowing students to connect with industry leaders.

To ensure students are well-prepared, a mock mixer workshop led by the department’s communications Instructor and consultants from WorkSpark covers crucial networking skills. From professional attire and conversation starters to perfecting handshakes and mastering follow-up strategies, the workshop helps students confidently navigate the event.

Together, the mixer and training workshop provide invaluable opportunities for MEng students to build professional networks and develop the skills required to excel as engineers in Canada.

New collaborative space for MEng students
The Faculty of Engineering is proud to announce the new Course-based Graduate Student Commons in DICE 5-244, a dedicated space for MEng students. This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to enhancing the graduate student experience by providing an inclusive and collaborative environment where students can engage with peers, work on group projects and access resources.

Designed to foster interaction and innovation, the Commons offers a dynamic setting for students to build community, share ideas and thrive academically. By investing in spaces that encourage collaboration, we are supporting the development of a vibrant student culture that will enrich the MEng program and inspire future success.