Get the information you need for academic planning and connect with experiences to develop the knowledge, skills and attributes that employers are seeking.

This resource is meant as a guide to provide suggestions throughout your time at university (refer to the Academic Calendar for a complete list of program requirements). Develop a plan and timeline that suits you best. Make intentional choices for your courses and work experiences.

  • Photo of Daly Penner
  • Student spotlight

    “I have always wanted to be a Civil Engineer, but I didn’t know how diverse it was until I was in the faculty. So get involved! Whether it’s student groups, design teams, or attending events, this will help you learn more about Civil Engineering. It will also create important connections with your fellow students, professors or future employers.”

    Daly Penner, civil engineering student

Civil Engineering at UM

As a civil engineering student at the University of Manitoba, you will learn to design, build and maintain infrastructure such as roads, bridges, buildings, wastewater treatment plants and dams. A civil engineer’s work has significant impact on the environment and the quality of human life, through safeguarding public centres. Students choose five technical electives, from a variety of topic areas, to specialize in the field of their choice. Students may also choose to pursue an environmental engineering option. Completion of a minor in areas such as Arts, Management, Mathematics, or Geological Science is also possible.

The B.Sc. Engineering programs have continuing accreditation from the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB). B.Sc. Engineering graduates have the educational requirements to become registered Professional Engineers in all Canadian jurisdictions.

Skills you will gain by studying CIVIL ENGINEERING

  • Gain an understanding of both the scientific and engineering methods and be able to use these methods to rationally and effectively analyze complex problems involving civil engineering systems.
  • Generate conceptual and detailed designs for complex engineering problems, demonstrating the proper use of equipment and instrumentation in the solution.
  • Create innovative designs based on economic, environmental and technical factors.
  • Manage and/or supervise projects of varying scale and scope with a particular focus on infrastructure projects.
  • Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with colleagues, clients, and the general population.

Year 1 - 37.5 credit hours

ACADEMIC SUCCESS


Course requirements:
CHEM 1100, CHEM 1122COMP 1012PHYS 1050MATH 1210,
MATH 1510 and MATH 1710 and ENG 1430ENG 1440ENG 1450 and ENG 1460, plus additional requirements listed on the Civil Engineering website.

To do this year:

  1. Meet with an academic advisor in the Faculty of Engineering to help you plan your program.
  2. Apply online for entry into the civil engineering degree program by the admission deadline.
  3. For academic support, visit the Math Help Centre or contact the Academic Learning Centre to register for a Supplemental Instruction Session.

CAREER TIPS


Start planning your career:

  1. Meet with a career consultant to generate career ideas based on your interests, values, personality and skills.
  2. Research occupations matching your skills and interests, attend UMES events to learn about engineering programs and career choices.
  3. Set up a UM Connect account to view job postings and register for workshops and events.
  4. Explore your Experience Record, an official record of university-approved activities.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE


Link experiences to your career interests. Options include:

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

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES


Considering international opportunities?
Visit the International Centre website to learn about international opportunities for UM students.

Explore communities and cultures you want to work with: visit Migizii Agamik, the International Centre or learn about local agencies via 211 Manitoba at mb.211.ca.

Year 2 - 81.5 credit hours

ACADEMIC SUCCESS


Course requirements:
Please refer to the Civil Engineering website.

To do this year:

  1. Know the requirements for your degree. Review the model program and meet with an academic advisor if you have questions.
  2. Consider applying for the co-op program.

CAREER TIPS


Make professional connections:

  1. Attend career fairs, such as ASE, to connect with employers.
  2. Become a student affiliate with Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba.
  3. Develop professional connections by attending networking events such as H.I.R.E.D. and Engineering Wine and Cheese events.

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

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE


Gain relevant experience: consider applying to the Co-operative Education and Industrial Internship Program.

Gain practical experience by volunteering: check out Let’s Talk Science and UMES Outreach.

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

Consider joining technical societies and competition teams: visit the Faculty of Engineering and University of Manitoba Engineering Society's respective websites for listings of technical societies.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES


Develop global career skills and expand intercultural learning: consider an international student exchange through the International Engineering Programs Office, Co-op/IIP students can also take advantage of the Canada-Japan program, My World Abroad or SWAP for a "working holiday."

Staying local? Check out Engineers without Borders or one of the local service-learning programs. Consider learning a new language and about a new culture through the Language Partner Volunteer Program.

Year 3 - 127.5 credit hours

ACADEMIC SUCCESS


Course requirements:
Please refer to the Civil Engineering website.

To do this year:

  1. Discuss your program with your professors and industry professionals for advice regarding the best choice of technical electives for your needs.
  2. Meet with your co-op advisor, if applicable.

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 Clarke 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 StudiesExtended Education or other academic institutions.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE


Continue or start research: participate in the Undergraduate Research Poster Competition or an international internship through the International Engineering Programs Office.

Check out student job opportunities with: the City of WinnipegMad ScienceManitoba Hydro and WISE Kid-Netic Energy.

Search for job opportunities online: check out Eco CanadaScience.caJob BankFind My JobIndeed or other search engines.

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

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES


Did you travel abroad? Become an exchange mentor for the International Student Mentorship Program, join the exchange student community at the University of Manitoba or speak or write an article about your experience.

Participate in the multicultural opportunities on campus: participate in the Intercultural Development and Leadership Program or take part in Graduation Pow Wow.

Year 4 - 164.5+ credit hours

ACADEMIC SUCCESS


Course requirements:
Please refer to the Civil Engineering website.

To do this year:

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

CAREER TIPS


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 Civil Engineering professors recruiting graduate students. Use the graduate awards database to search for funding and awards to help finance your continuing education.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE


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 OPPORTUNITIES


Prepare to work in a multicultural environment:
Visit Canada's National Research Centre for Truth and Reconciliation on campus. Get access to LinkedIn Learning through the Winnipeg Public Library and take courses to develop your cross-cultural intelligence.

Sample Jobs

SAMPLE JOBS WITH AN UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE AND RELATED EXPERIENCE

OPTIONS REQUIRING OTHER EDUCATION

 

What do employers want?

Industries such as transportation, all levels of government, oil and gas, or research and design would value a civil 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.

Get one-on-one help

  • Meet with a career consultant

    Meet with a career consultant for a confidential discussion about your career goals, job search, resumé/CV and interview preparation.

    Contact Career Services at cs.receptionist@umanitoba.ca or call 204-474-9456 to make an appointment.

  • Talk to an academic advisor

    Talk to an academic advisor who will guide you to resources to help you make important decisions for your future. Advisors are specialized, often by program, faculty/school or unit.

    Find your advisor

Continue exploring

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Career Compass

Use Career Compass as a guide to develop a strong connection between your studies and your occupational choices. It will provide you with suggestions for academic and career planning specific to your program.

Information for career counsellors

Contact us

Department of Civil Engineering
Room E1-368 EITC
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 5V6 Canada

204-474-9220
204-275-7513