Career Compass: Biosystems Engineering

Year 1 - 37.5 credit hours

Course requirements:
CHEM 1100, CHEM 1122, COMP 1012, ENG 1430, ENG 1440, ENG 1450, ENG 1460, MATH 1210, MATH 1510, MATH 1710, PHYS 1050, complementary studies elective, plus written English requirement.

Students need 8 of the 13 (excluding CHEM 1122) courses to apply to engineering departments.

To do this year:

1. Consider meeting with an academic advisor in the Price Faculty of Engineering to help you plan your program.
2. Apply online for entry into the Biosystems Engineering degree program by March 1.
3. For academic support, visit the Math Help Centre or contact the Academic Learning Centre to register for a supplemental instruction session.

Year 2 - 77.5 credit hours

Course requirements:

BIOE 2022, BIOE 2480, BIOE 2590, BIOE 2790, BIOE 2800, BIOE 2900, CHEM 1110, CHEM 1126, MATH 2130, MATH 2132, MECH 2150, STAT 2220 plus one Indigenous Knowledge course*.

*Students are required to take at least one of the courses from the list of Indigenous Knowledge courses.

To do this year:

1. Know the requirements of your department, review program models. Credit hours will vary depending on course selection. Some courses may not be offered every year, talk with an advisor for more information.
2. Consider applying to the faculty’s Co-op/IIP program.
3. Consider specializing your education in Biomedical, Bioresources or Environmental engineering.
4. Consider an approved minor to add to your studies.

Year 3 - 117.5 credit hours

Course requirements:
BIOE 3110, BIOE 3270, BIOE 3320, BIOE 3400, BIOE 3590, BIOE 3670, BIOE 3900, (MBIO 1010 or MBIO 1220), MECH 3482, plus two Science electives.

To do this year:

1. Credit hours will vary depending on course selection. Consider meeting with a department advisor to review your program.
2. Meet with your co-op advisor, if applicable.
3. Discuss your program with your professors and industry professionals for advice regarding the best choice of electives for your needs.

Year 4 - 150-153 credit hours

Course requirements:
BIOE 4240, BIOE 4900, BIOE 4950, ENG 3000, one course in Technology and Society (ENG 3020 or ANTH 2430), two technical electives, two free electives, plus one complementary elective.

To do this year:

1. Meet with your co-op advisor, if applicable.
2. Confirm eligibility to graduate with your academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora.

Year 1 - 37.5 credit hours

Start planning your career:

1. Meet with a career consultant to generate career ideas based on your interests, values, personality and skills.
2. Research careers matching your skills and interests, attend events in the faculty to learn about engineering programs and career choices.
3. Utilize UM Connect to view job postings and register for workshops and events.
4. Access the UM Experiential Learning Catalogue to explore involvement opportunities on campus. Throughout your studies, access your Experience Record to track and reflect on your competencies.

Year 2 - 77.5 credit hours

Make professional connections:

1. Join the Career Mentor Program to learn from professionals.
2. Attend career fairs, such as ASE, to connect with employers.
3. Become a student affiliate with and consider volunteering with Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba.
4. Develop professional connections by attending networking events offered by the Faculty or UMES.

Market your skills: Develop your resumé and cover letter and refine your interview skills.

Year 3 - 117.5 credit hours

Investigate your career options:

1. Identify gaps in experience and fill them through volunteering, work placements or internships.
2. Reflect on your classroom learning and identify skills that can be transferred to the workplace.
3. Explore supports available to entrepreneurs for business planning including the Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship, World Trade Centre Winnipeg, and the Manitoba Government.
4. Create a LinkedIn profile to network with professionals.

Consider continuing your studies: Check out the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, Extended Education or other academic institutions.

Year 4 - 150-153 credit hours

Start job search 9 months in advance: Contact Career Services to refine your job search and self-marketing strategies. You can visit the office up to 6 months after graduation.

If you are continuing on to graduate school: Finalize your application materials and contact biosystems engineering professors recruiting graduate students. Use the graduate awards database to search for funding and awards to help finance your continuing education.

Year 1 - 37.5 credit hours

Link experiences to your career interests. Options include:

1. Student groups including University of Manitoba Engineering Society (UMES) and the University of Manitoba Students' Union (UMSU).
2. Volunteer for UM Orientation events to help welcome new students to campus while gaining experience.
3. Student work opportunities including Work-Study, STEP Services or Federal Student Work Experience Program.
4. Experiential education opportunities such as UM Community Volunteers and the Student Leadership Development Program.

Year 2 - 77.5 credit hours

Gain relevant experience: Consider applying to the Co-op/IIP Program.

Gain practical experience by volunteering: Represent the faculty as a Student Ambassador or check out Let’s Talk Science or Science Rendezvous.

Explore student research opportunities: Apply for a research assistant position, Undergraduate Research Award, or NSERC grant.

Apply for the Biosystems Engineering Undergraduate Research Internship Program (contact department for details).

Consider joining technical societies and competition teams: Visit the Price Faculty of Engineering for team listings.

Year 3 - 117.5 credit hours

Continue or start research: Participate in the Undergraduate Research Showcase.

Check out student job opportunities with: the City of Winnipeg, Manitoba Hydro and WISE Kid-Netic Energy.

Search for job opportunities online: Check out Eco Canada, Science.ca, Job Bank, Find My Job, Indeed or other search engines.

Use your networks and connections: Inquire about unadvertised job openings (the "hidden job market").

Year 4 - 150-153 credit hours

Ensure you have references in place: Ask three work-related references who are willing to expect calls from potential employers. If applying to graduate studies ask your professor for a reference or a letter of recommendation.

Assess your resumé: Update your resumé for each job application. Focus on the knowledge, skills and attributes that are of interest to the employer.

Cultural experiences offer valuable exposure and learning opportunities that help us engage with and appreciate the diversity in our communities and future workplaces. Learn more about Indigenous and International communities at the University of Manitoba.

Year 1 - 37.5 credit hours

Engage in intercultural experiences: Visit the International Centre website to learn more about volunteer opportunities for UM students. Engage in Indigenous cultural learning by attending Indigenous events on campus.

Indigenous Student Programming: If you’re an Indigenous Student, explore supports and programs at the Indigenous Student Centre.  

Interested in studying abroad to gain intercultural experiences and skills employers want? Visit the student exchange programs website and book an appointment with the student mobility coordinator to learn more. Also learn about a full year abroad experience through McCall MacBain International Fellowships.

Year 2 - 77.5 credit hours

Applying for an international exchange program?  Students apply almost one year in advance of their exchange. Book an appointment with the student mobility coordinator on the exchange programs website to start the process.

Participate in cultural learning opportunities on campus: Participate in Indigenous learning opportunities such as Fireside Chats, Tea with Auntie, Indigenous Studies Colloquium, and other events within your faculty. Your active and respectful participation is welcome at Indigenous ceremonies on campus. Please note that some ceremonies are confidential spaces; feel free to ask about cultural protocols. 

Join a student community: There are many student groups at UM, including those that represent a wide variety of cultures and communities - the UM Indigenous Students’ Association (UMISA), UM International Students' Organization, and many more!  

Looking to learn a language? Visit the Language Centre for a variety of resources and join the Language Exchange program or Language Partner Volunteer Program.

Year 3 - 117.5 credit hours

Develop global career skills and expand intercultural learning: Participate in the Intercultural Leaders program to enhance cultural awareness and develop intercultural skills for a variety of settings, both in and out of the classroom. Participate in 8 sessions with topics on leadership, self-awareness, intercultural competency, communication, conflict resolution and more.  

Volunteer at the International Centre’s Welcome Mentors program and/or Graduation Pow Wow.

Engage locally: Learn more about the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba and your responsibility as a Treaty partner. Enroll in Community Engaged Learning programs; Indigenous students may wish to explore programs such as Land and Water: Land-Based Education. 

Year 4 - 150-153 credit hours

Expand your knowledge on Indigenous culture and protocols, including developing your own Territory Acknowledgement. Explore resources provided by Canada's National Research Centre for Truth and Reconciliation and take part in the educational programming offered during Truth and Reconciliation Week!

Industries such as agriculture, environment, government, oil and gas, research and design, and pharmaceutical development would value a biosystems engineering degree in combination with the employability skills that are highly sought after by employers. These include:*

• Industry specific knowledge
• Problem solving
• Analytical skills
• Team work
• Oral and written communication
• Personal management
• Project management
• Continuous learning

Attain skills through your classroom education and take advantage of experiential education opportunities.

*Information has been adapted from Employability Skills 2000⁺ and Workplace Education Manitoba – Essential Skills.