Career Compass: Electrical Engineering

Map out your career pathway from the start of your academic journey!

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.

  • Student spotlight

    “I always advise incoming students to focus on their studies, but to find a university team that allows them to develop their practical engineering skills - join IEEE - we have a maker’s space and there are a lot of people with interesting projects on the go.”

    Keeley Edwards, electrical engineering student

Electrical Engineering at UM

As an electrical engineering student at the University of Manitoba, you will learn to develop innovative products and solutions using electrical and electronic devices and systems of your own design. Electrical engineers' innovation and imagination underpins the development of clean transportation and the communication systems that we use everyday—technology that connects the world. Electrical engineers are the professionals who design and deploy these systems and solutions. As part of the electrical engineering program, you have the choice to specialize in application areas such as biomedical, communication devices, or power and energy systems. You will demonstrate your breadth of skills and ingenuity through a group capstone project in your final year.

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 ELECTRICAL 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 affecting both individuals and society.
  • Generate conceptual and detailed designs for complex engineering problems, demonstrating the proper use of equipment and instrumentation in
    the solution.
  • The ability to lead the development of new technologies and systems.
  • 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 1122, COMP 1012, PHYS 1050, MATH 1210,
MATH 1510 and MATH 1710 and ENG 1430, ENG 1440, ENG 1450 and ENG 1460, plus written English requirement

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 computer 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 careers 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 Co-Curricular Record (CCR), 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-Study, STEP 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, take part in an Intercultural Retreat or learn about local agencies via 211 Manitoba.

Year 2 - 77.5 credit hours

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
ANTH 2430, ECE 2160, ECE 2220, ECE 2240, ECE 2262 and ECE 3610, ENG 2030 or ENG 2040, MATH 2130, MATH 2132 and MATH 3132, PHYS 2152

To do this year:

  1. Know the requirements for your degree. Review the flowcharts on the electrical and computer engineering department website.
  2. Meet with an academic advisor to review your program
  3. Consider applying for the co-op program.

CAREER TIPS

Make professional connections:

  1. Apply to the Young Professionals Mentorship program with ACEC Manitoba.
  2. Join the Career Mentor Program to learn from professionals.
  3. Attend career fairs to connect with employers.
  4. Become a student affiliate with Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba and Tech Manitoba.
  5. Develop professional connections by attending networking events such as H.I.R.E.D. 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 - 119.5 credit hours

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
ECE 3540, ECE 3580, ECE 3590, ECE 3600, ECE 3670, ECE 3720, ECE 3730, ECE 3780 and ECE 4260, STAT 2220 and an elective

To do this year:

  1. Meet with a academic advisor to review your program.
  2. Consider a technical focus area to guide your electives.
  3. Discuss your program with your professors and industry professionals to obtain advice regarding the best choice of technical electives for your needs.
  4. 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 including 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 Studies, Extended 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 Winnipeg, Mad Science, Manitoba Hydro and WISE Kid-Netic Energy.

Search for job opportunities online: check out Science.ca, Job Bank, Find My Job, Indeed 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 write an article about your experience.

Participate in the multicultural opportunities on campus: participate in the Intercultural Development and Leadership Program, volunteer for Land and Water: Land-based Education or take part in Graduation Pow Wow.

Year 4 - 159.5+ credit hours

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
ENG 3000, ECE 4150 and ECE 4600 and nine electives

To do this year:

  1. Meet with your co-op advisor, if applicable.
  2. Confirm eligibility to graduate with an electircal and computer 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 electrical engineering professors recruiting graduate students. Use the graduate awards database to search for funding and awards to help finance your 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 aerospace, automotive, communications, healthcare, HVAC, power systems, robotics, or research and design would value an electrical 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

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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

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Room E2-390 Engineering and Information Technology Complex
75A Chancellors Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB, R3T 5V6, Canada

umece@umanitoba.ca
204-474-9603