Overview
As an EngSci student you’ll have access to many networking events and mentorship programs. Not sure why you should join?
All of us have wrestled with difficult choices in first year. Sometimes, it is hard to know whether you should apply for a certain job or join a specific design team. It can also be daunting to write a cover letter for the first time or reach out to professors about research positions. Talking to an upper-year or alum who has gone through it can really help!
More generally, getting just the right expert advice can open many doors. From upper-year peer mentors to engineering alumni and industry representatives, there are a ton of people who want to support you. Whether you’re looking for practical tips for getting through first year, job connections, career advice, help with job applications, info on grad schools, or advice on any other topic, there’s a mentor or network waiting for you. Below are just a few places you can tap into. Don’t be shy, they’re a friendly and supportive bunch!
NSight
NSight mentorship program is a student-run club just for EngScis! They will pair you up with an upper-year mentor throughout the year and your mentor can provide social, academic, and personal support. NSight also organizes seminars and fun get-togethers where you can interact with other EngScis while learning about how to succeed. It’s a learning and networking opportunity, all rolled into one!
You’re Next Career Network (YNCN)
From YNCN’s website: “You’re Next Career Network is a multi-disciplinary team of over 50 student volunteers. Our goal is to provide opportunities to students through career development programs, as well as corporate and startup career opportunities.” YNCN can help with resume-writing, interview prep, PEY advice, and more. The club also hosts career fairs (among the largest in Canada) where you can meet employers from different fields.
Women in Science and Engineering (WISE)
U of T’s student chapter of Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) is a community of advocates for gender equality in STEM. The club holds networking events like WISE & Cheese, organizes an industry mentorship program, and holds an annual National Conference. Last year’s conference included talks by prominent individuals, workshops from companies like Intel and Qualcomm, Q&A panels; and a career fair. You can check out previous year’s speakers and workshops here.
U of T Women’s Association (UTWA)
The U of T Women’s Association “seeks to unite self-identifying women across all programs by offering equal opportunities.” They organize Q&A panels with research and industry professionals from different fields, and have also held a LeadHERship conference in the past.
National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) U of T Collegiate Chapter is dedicated to the academic growth and professional development, as well as the personal growth, of its club members. This club focuses on marginalized groups within the U of T space and continually partners with different companies in STEM to provide students with the opportunity to connect and network with them.
Club for Undergraduate Biomedical Engineering (CUBE) Mentorship Program
From the CUBE website: “CUBE (Club for Undergraduate Biomedical Engineering) is a student-run club whose mandate is to promote biomedical engineering at the undergraduate level.” The club hosts career fairs, information sessions on research, fireside chats about career paths, among other things. They also have a mentorship program that pairs current undergraduates with biomedical engineering alumni. You can learn about their experience in the field and get valuable advice on resume building and job searches. The best part is that you can join as a first-year, even if you are not otherwise involved with the club.
U of T Engineering CONNECT
Once you arrive in September, you’ll be able to join U of T Engineering CONNECT. It’s our online community exclusively for engineering students and alumni. You’ll have direct access to thousands of engineering grads working in a huge range of jobs and companies around the world. Here you can find mentors from different EngSci disciplines who are willing to connect and provide career and research advice.
Alumni Mentorship Program
From the Alumni Mentorship Program website:
“Since 2005, the Alumni Mentorship Program has fostered valuable relationships between Skule™ alumni and students. Alumni Mentors share their knowledge and experience and provide students with the encouragement and insights they need to get a great start to their careers and begin to set a course for the future. They enhance students’ educational experience and give back to their alma mater in a unique and rewarding way. Mentors often also learn from their bright young student mentees as they help them navigate important decisions at a critical time in their lives.
The program is open to undergraduate (including Professional Experience Year internship participants), graduate students (MASc, MEng and PhD) and alumni who graduated more than one year ago. Matches meet at the program’s kick-off event held at the beginning of the fall semester. From October through March, mentors and mentees connect informally as they wish, and all matches gather at several program events planned throughout the year.”