Dispelling Myths About Graduate Studies in Engineering: A Graduate Studies Consortium

Tuesday, October 7, 2014 5:00 pm - 8:30 pm EDT (GMT -04:00)

Two grad students working in a lab

Five universities talk about dispelling the myths of graduate studies in engineering.

All undergraduate and graduate students are welcome to participate in this public event.

Dispelling the myths of graduate studies

Canada's top engineering schools have joined together to lead a national dialogue on the myths surrounding graduate school. Come learn more about the graduate studies opportunities available at University of Alberta, University of British Columbia, McGill University, University of Toronto, and the University of Waterloo.

Register today!

Waterloo's event schedule

Information reception

5:00 PM, E5 - Student Design Centre

You will be able to speak with admissions experts, faculty members, and/or alumni from each of the visiting universities: University of Alberta, University of British Columbia, McGill University and University of Toronto. 

The University of Waterloo will have faculty members and current graduate students from each engineering department, as well as the Conrad Centre. This is your opportunity to ask questions, meet potential supervisors, and learn about research happening here at Waterloo that is improving the world around us.

Food and beverages will be provided.

Presentations and panel discussion

6:00 - 7:30 PM, E5 - 3101

Hear from a panel of five speakers about their personal experience and dispelling the myths of graduate studies in engineering:

MYTH 1: Engineers with PhDs can't get jobs in industry.

Reality: Engineers with grad degrees move into a global job market solving world-class technical problems.

MYTH 2: Grad school is a bad financial decision.

Reality:  Grad school is a building block for a rich technical career.

MYTH 3: Only geniuses go to grad school.

Reality:  Marks matter, but so do hard work and initiative.

MYTH 4: Grad school is just more of the same. I'm done with school.

Reality: Grad school is like having a real job, but with more freedom and creativity.

Panelists:

  • Nasser Abukhdeir, Professor, Chemical Engineering 
  • ​​​Catherine Erkorkmax, Mission Systems Engineering, MDA
  • Hugh T. Liu, Associate Director - Graduate Studies, U of T
  • Joao Soares, CRC and Professor at University of Alberta
  • Mihaela Vlasea, PhD, Post-doc at UWaterloo

Networking reception

7:30 - 8:30 PM, E5 -Student Design Centre

A wine and cheese reception will be held following the presentations. This is your opportunity to continue the conversation and network with leading experts. 

Register now