University of Manitoba Engineering Society 

Q. Is Engineering hard?

A. There is no doubt that Engineering is a challenging subject area. This is not to say that you will not succeed in Engineering unless you have a 100% average in high school. In fact, those who are willing to put in the time towards there classes are those who are most likely to excel. It is wise to develop good study habits and not give in to the temptations of procrastination, especially early on in your studies at the University of Manitoba. Keep in mind that other professional schools like Law and Medicine require the same rigorous schedule, except they are not undergraduate degrees like Engineering is.

Q. Why should I go through Direct Entrance into Engineering?

A. If you meet the requirements for Direct Entrance, you are guaranteed a spot in first year Engineering and only need to maintain a C average to continue on. If you are interested in Engineering and meet the requirements, it is recommended that you go through Direct Entrance as it will provide you with more Engineering resources available to you in first year (including a much easier time registering for courses as there are pre-picked packages). If one chooses, a direct entrance student can finish his or her degree in as little as four years, whereas the University 1 path requires at least five years of study. As an added bonus, direct entrance students are able to participate in EngO, two days of fun activities that familiarize students with university life.

Q. I don't quite meet the requirements for Direct Entrance, am I just wasting my time trying to get into Engineering through University 1?

A. No. Many engineering students enter the faculty through University 1. You will be taking the same courses as Direct Entrance students and your first year experience will be very similar. The one down side of going into Engineering from University 1 is that entrance can be quite competitive.

Q. Is there a way for me to gain practical work experience in my chosen field?

A. Engineering at The University of Manitoba offers both Co-op and Industry Internship programs depending on your department. These programs allow students to get real world experience in their field of study. Civil offers a Co-op program while Electrical and Computer offer the Industry Internship. Biosystems, Mechanical, and Manufacturing offer both Co-op and Industry Internship programs. The Co-op program offers students the ability to combine their education with work experience through alternating study and work terms (four months each). Students must complete at least three work terms as part of the program. Industry Internship on the other hand involves one work term which is 12 to 16 months in duration. This is usually taken right before your last year. Both programs offer students an excellent opportunity to gain valuable work experience which compliments their education. Co-op and Industry Internship programs also provide competitive wages that will help offset your tuition costs.

Q. What is there to do besides class work?

A. There are many things for the Engineering student to do besides class work. Whether it be hanging out in the lounge in Engineering 2, join one of the Engineering Student Groups, attend one of the UMES social events, participate in a sporting event, or pick up some new skills at an academic improvement tutorial, there is always something going on in Engineering.

Q. What is UMES?

A. UMES is the University of Manitoba Engineering Society. It is a non-profit student organization here to serve the engineering student body. UMES runs many sporting and social events throughout the year as well as providing students with assistance in their scholastic careers. UMES also acts as the voice of the engineering student body to the faculty. If you have any concerns regarding your classes or professors, you should notify the Vice Stick Academic as soon as possible. UMES also provides assistance to those wishing to extend their studies through one of the many conferences or competitions held across Canada.

Q. What are the Engineering Student Groups (ESG's)?

A. If you wish to take what you are learning and apply it to something a bit more interesting, your best bet is one of the ESG’s. These are also great places to meet like minded Engineering students who share your passion for whatever you may be studying. There are a variety of ESG’s at the The University of Manitoba, including the:

• Biosystems Undergraduate Students Group
• Canadian Aeronautics and Space Institute (CASI)
• Canadian Society of Civil Engineers (CSCE)
• Canadian Society for Mechanical Engineers (CSME)
• Engineers Without Borders (EWB)
• Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
• Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)

Each ESG has their own office and offers a variety of resources to its members. They also participate in competitions like concrete toboggan races for CSCE and aircraft lifting competitions which are great for expanding your skills and knowledge.

Q. Can anyone with enough technical knowledge practice engineering?

A. No. Engineering is a Profession in Canada. To legally call yourself an engineer and provide services as one in Manitoba, you must belong to the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Manitoba (APEGM). APEGM is a self-governing body of professionals with its own code of conduct and bylaws. All members of APEGM are subject to these codes and bylaws and may be disciplined by APEGM should they breach any of these. This is to protect the safety of the public and ensure that any engineer in Manitoba works in a professional manner.