To pursue graduate studies or not pursue graduate studies: that is the question—or at least that was the topic at the second annual University of Toronto Engineering Graduate Fair.
Last Wednesday, over 300 prospective students gathered in the Bahen Centre to explore graduate engineering programs at five different Canadian universities. Hosted by U of T Engineering under the guiding theme of “dispelling myths about grad studies,” attendees participated in information sessions, panel discussions and networking all geared to share the benefits of furthering their education.
“This event has two purposes,” said Professor Markus Bussmann, vice dean, graduate studies. “We hope to convince students that graduate school can help expand their careers and open doors, and to provide students with a chance to speak with representatives from the top universities in the country, including U of T.”
The Fair was organized through the Canadian Graduate Engineering Consortium, a partnership that began last year between engineering schools at the University of Alberta, McGill, University of British Columbia, University of Waterloo and U of T.
To kick off the Fair, students interacted directly with school representatives about their program offerings and where their students go after graduation.
“I’m here today to see what different schools are offering,” said engineering student Max Julian (MIE MASc 1T5). “I am starting to think about PhD programs and want to find something in line with my research interests.”
“I want to learn more about biomedical engineering,” said undergraduate Wanyu Zhang (EngSci 1T4 + PEY). “I chose U of T because of its proximity to so many world-class hospitals.”
Professor Bussmann and Dean Cristina Amon also hosted a panel discussion to explore the theme, involving Professor Kinnor Chattopayhyay (MSE) from U of T, Anna Dunets Wills, a project engineer at rePlan Inc., Professor Frank Gu from uWaterloo, Ghazaleh Nazari, a hydrometallurgical process engineer at Hatch and Jorge Osorio, president of The Aquila Group.
From finances to finding the perfect supervisor, panellists shared insights on many aspects of earning a graduate degree, including some that surprised the audience, like the potential salary increase and long-term impacts on your career.
“Having your PhD or your master’s degree may not always guarantee that you’ll earn more,” said Professor Chattopadhyay. “It can depend on the industry, but it does differentiate you from other competing applicants, and helps you advance more quickly through a company.”
With myths dispelled, students at all levels left the Graduate Fair informed and excited about the next step in their engineering careers.
Three myths about graduate school, and the facts to dispel them:
Myth: Graduate school won’t increase my job prospects.
Fact: “Graduate school helped me differentiate myself from other applicants,” said Jorge Osorio. “Not to mention the incredible networking opportunities that graduate studies provided, which ultimately helped me find my career.”
Myth: Graduate research is not relevant and does not have real life applications.
Fact: “Sometimes people think that when you do graduate research, it will largely be fundamental and not applicable,” said Frank Gu of uWaterloo. “That’s a myth. A lot of what you do is very applied and relevant, and can even turn into entrepreneurial opportunities.”
Myth: Graduate studies won’t increase my salary; it’s better to get industry experience to advance my career.
Fact: “A masters degree is a great entry point for breaking into an industry,” said Professor Kinnor Chattopayhyay. “It gives you confidence and the ability to solve complicated problems. And a lot of companies require you have a masters if you want to be a project manager.”
“In the health care industry, it’s expected now that you’ll have at least a PhD,” said Frank Gu. “And graduate studies can increase your salary by more than double in some instances.”
Learn more about graduate programs in engineering offered by the University of Toronto.
