What can I do with my Engineering degree?

Who you are matters

Your Engineering degree is one part of what you have to offer. You also bring knowledge and skills from experiences you’ve had, places you’ve been, and values you share with others. 

Headshot of Samarth

“The mindset I’ve built through my studies and experiences gives me the courage to take on seemingly impossible problems.”

SAMARTH - YEAR 4, INTEGRATED ENGINEERING

Analyzing your skills and assessing your interests can help you make strategic life and career decisions.

  • Identify your values (pdf)
    Clarifying your interests and values can help you determine career possibilities.

  • Know your strengths
    Purchase the CliftonStrengths assessment tool ($28 CAD) using your student email address to identify and describe your talents. Engineering Co-op students can contact their Co-op Coordinator to learn how to access the resource for free.

Find your competitive edge

Throughout your Engineering degree, you’ll develop specific skills that employers are looking for, including:

  • Application of mathematics, natural sciences, and engineering fundamentals to design solutions that reflect professionalism and protect the public
  • Familiarity with specialized tools, equipment, and modern technologies
  • In-depth computational analyses and statistical techniques to understand and interpret complex data and processes
  • Identification of project requirements through research, economic analyses, and feasibility tests
  • Collaboration in multi-disciplinary team environments
  • Leadership and project management, including resource planning, risk assessment, implementation, monitoring, and attention to ethics, accountability, and equity
  • Oral and written communication of technical design concepts to different audiences
  • Investigation and analysis of problems, demonstrating a commitment to life-long learning
  • Problem solving for complex issues using an innovative and big-thinking approach, while considering the impact of engineering on society and the environment
Headshot of Taher

"The hands-on experience I've gained through my design team, including leadership, project management and professional accountability, will support me throughout my career."

TAHER - YEAR 2, ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

Get experience

UBC offers many opportunities for Applied Science students to build their careers.

Get experience in Applied Science

Workplace experience

  • Applied Science Co-op
    Work in your area of study while completing your degree.
  • Work Learn
    Build work experience through a part-time, on campus job.
  • On-campus jobs
    Find student jobs available on campus.
  • CareersOnline
    Browse and apply for work or volunteer positions using UBC's online career resources platform.

Research

From volunteering with a faculty member to getting a research award, there are many ways to gain undergraduate research experience.

  • Mitacs
    Apply for up to $15,000 to fund a 4-month internship or participate in a research project abroad.
  • UBC research opportunities
    Check out student research opportunities, including conferences and awards.

Involvement and leadership

International experience

Living, studying, and working abroad build traits employers are looking for when hiring. Show employers you are adaptable, can work independently, and have global experience.

Browse options

Build your network

Headshot of Karen

“My mentors have helped me discover new strengths and learn what's most important to me in my life and career.”

KAREN - YEAR 4, MATERIALS ENGINEERING

Friends, family, TAs, instructors, and other people you meet can help you navigate your career questions. Find out possibilities and learn from the experiences, stories, and insights of others.

Use your toolkit

Find your specialization

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