News & Events

Engineering students are learning to get out of the lab and into the self-promotion business.

On Jan. 18 in the atrium of the George Vari Engineering and Computing Centre, engineering students, faculty and staff, and a group of engineering professionals gathered for a networking and career information event. Four professionals from different engineering disciplines attended the event to lead a panel discussion about working in the profession. Issues such as the role and responsibilities of engineers, work-life balance, the value in getting the professional engineer designation and emerging technologies were covered. Panellists also gave advice on career options and opportunities, and the importance of using LinkedIn to connect with employers. A major benefit of the event was that students were able to make contacts with potential employers.

Aino Lokk, employment support counsellor at the Career Development and Employment Centre, says networking is the best way for students to get their foot in the door.

“It’s about learning who’s doing what. The best-case scenario is that the networking event turns out like a job fair,” Lokk said. “Connecting with professionals is key to learning what’s happening in the field, what’s a new growth area, what are jobs called and what are the credentials needed. Even if one employer can’t help you, they can connect you with someone who can.”

Lokk says networking is a huge part of the job search, especially since roughly 20 per cent of available jobs are posted online. She says one common mistake new graduates make in applying for jobs is not doing enough research to pinpoint where their skills can be most useful in a company.

“Students and graduates need to learn how to specifically market themselves. Often they apply and expect the company to place them in a role,” Lokk said.

Tri-Mentoring and the Career Development and Employment Centre hosted the event, which catered to upper-year students. Matt Waller, lead mentor at Tri-Mentoring and event organizer, agrees young job seekers need to focus more on networking.

“I believe networking is critical for students to gain insight into their chosen profession and to increase employment opportunities,” Waller said. “I hope students learned about what engineers do, what challenges they face, why licensure is important and what job opportunities exist and that they saw the benefits of networking and making contacts within their industry.”