| What is Engineering? Are you curious about how things work? Do you like to take things apart to figure out how to put them back together? If so, you should consider a career in engineering! Engineering uses the principles of math and science to find practical solutions to problems or needs. Engineers develop the technological tools that enable us to live better lives, (computer chips, hydro dams, artificial limbs, etc.). Though the field of engineering is diverse ‑ careers in biology, water resource management, environmental protection and computing systems, just to name a few - the skills you'll need for success are common. Basic sciences, engineering sciences, math, and engineering design are obvious but just the beginning. An engineering education is much broader. Some have called it the "liberal arts" of the 21st century! Engineering graduates must be adaptable and broadly educated in order to be the leaders and managers that are needed in a time of rapid change and globalization. The ability and desire to never stop learning is essential. You also need to be a good communicator, as engineers often work in teams and need to communicate with the public. As part of your engineering education at the University of Manitoba you will study communications, English, philosophy, economics, safety, ethics, the relationship between technology and society, sustainability, legal issues, and professional obligations. Given this broad background, some graduates go on to pursue fields such as business, law, and medicine rather than traditional engineering employment. What choices do I have as an engineering student? The choice of program is usually made after completion of first year. Take the time to get to know everyone in your class, meet all the professors and technicians, allow yourself to be exposed to all engineering disciplines before making your decision. The current choices at the University of Manitoba are Biosystems, Civil, Computer, Electrical, or Mechanical engineering. Each program has its own optional technical and non‑technical elective courses. Minor specialties (management, music or arts for example) can be obtained in all programs by taking the appropriate courses. What about internships and co‑op opportunities? Real‑world experiences can be your key to a full‑time job. The University of Manitoba offers some of the best design programs of any engineering school in Canada, with industry‑generated real‑life team‑based projects. All programs also offer opportunities for co‑op or internship job placements, which allow the student paid work experience, with recognition on their diploma. This may count as part of the work experience requirement for professional licensure. Becoming a professional. To practice engineering as a professional, you'll need to earn a license. The licensing process requires that you graduate from an accredited four‑year engineering program and that you sit for an exam. At the University of Manitoba, all engineering programs are accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board, and this accreditation is recognized in seven other countries Is it hard? The study of engineering is challenging. Team work and time management are critical, even if you decide not to take the full course load, but the student life and team spirit in engineering are the envy of other faculties. The smaller classes allow our students to develop strong relationships. That, along with quality professors makes it easier to work hard! What is the advantage of studying engineering over other professions? Faculty spirit is one of the main reasons that engineering differs from other areas. Since class sizes are much smaller than in many Faculties and everyone has the same schedule, students get to know their classmates and professors. Many of our professors are award winning researchers, who bring the latest developments to the classroom, and are also top‑rated in student evaluations and winners of student nominated teaching awards. Career‑wise, engineering is a professional degree, which means higher pay and respect than for many other undergraduate degrees. Unlike some other professionals, engineers are relatively well paid throughout the four year pre‑professional work experience period following graduation. Most engineers easily find a job following completion of their degrees. Over 80% of Engineering graduates report that not only did their degree help them get a job, but that it was required. Engineering graduates are statistically the most likely to be satisfied with their jobs, reflecting the fact that their jobs are most likely to be in their field of study. Where do engineers work? Everywhere! You'll find engineers in industry, government, and working abroad. Engineers work in consulting, design, project management, construction management, research, testing, product development, sales and marketing, production management and many other careers. Why the University of Manitoba? Many employers throughout Canada say the University of Manitoba is one of the top schools from which to hire future engineers. Our Aboriginal Access Program and engineering design courses are second to none in the country! Our students begin taking design courses in first year and this exposure to design continues through to the Capstone Design courses in the graduating year. The U of M is the only Canadian university to have an NSERC Chair in Design Engineering as an Associate Dean. How do I get in? To prepare for an engineering program in high school, put your energy into keeping your marks high. Two key courses that really determine whether a person has an aptitude for engineering are math and physics. Students can enter the Faculty of Engineering upon successful completion of University 1 or, for students with high academic standing, directly following high school. Direct entry students will need an 85% average in three required courses: Mathematics 40S, Physics 40S and Chemistry 40S. An introductory course in calculus is recommended, though not required. A successful University 1 experience will give the same opportunity as the direct entry student, and admission will be based on performance in university rather than high school. More details are provided in the University of Manitoba General Calendar. |