McMaster Engineering to offer graduate degree co-op option

McMaster University’s engineering graduate students will soon be able to include co-op as part of their studies.

Photo courtesy of McMaster.

Starting this September, Master’s and PhD students can choose to gain paid, relevant work experience through a new co-op program.

This program component will enable students to gain real work experience, establish valuable contacts and build an industry-focused network. Graduate students will also develop a range of practical skills, which will aid them in their graduate studies and future careers.

The McMaster Engineering co-op option offers work experience across all engineering graduate programs within the Faculty.

“At McMaster Engineering, we believe our students need a broader set of skills to land that first job,” said Michael Thompson, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies.

“Master’s and PhD students have so much to offer companies, with ground-breaking knowledge and techniques fresh in their minds from their research,” he adds. “Affording students the unique opportunity to gain work experience will be enriching for students and the industries they will be contributing to.”

McMaster Engineering has undertaken many new initiatives over the last two years. The Faculty has hired a career development and relationship manager, offers mandatory career planning sessions for all graduate students and is developing online professional skills training modules in areas such as interview preparation and communications skills.

The Faculty currently offers co-op for undergraduate students, which enables students to gain work experience in four, eight, 12 and 16-month internships.

www.mcmaster.ca