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Grade 11

Rising Careers in Engineering

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What is the first thing that you think of when you hear the word ‘engineering’? Circuits? Computer softwares? Spaceships? Engineering is such a diverse field of study, you may not know what career to choose. It is important to understand all the different possibilities available to engineering students and which ones will hold the most critical roles in the near future. Here are some of the fastest-growing areas in engineering to help you out.

Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical engineers, or bioengineers, connect engineering principles and design concepts with medicine and biology. As many new medical devices and technologies get introduced to the world of healthcare every day, more and more bioengineers are needed to keep up with the demand. Employment in biomedical engineering saw a 72% growth rate through 2018.

Software Engineering

Software engineering is one of the fastest rising professions in the world! This is because the number of people switching to digital platforms and technologies to do everyday tasks is growing more than ever, especially due to the coronavirus pandemic. Software engineers use computer programming to create software products, internet services, network control systems, and more. The employment of software developers is projected to have the fastest growth of all professions, 22 percent from 2019 to 2029.

Civil Engineering

Civil engineering focuses on designing and constructing roads, bridges, electrical and water systems, dams and tunnels, and many other public projects and systems. Infrastructure development is going through big changes as new renewable energy sources and modern technologies emerge. Civil engineers are using solar and wind power to pave the way for a more eco-friendly world. The employment of civil engineers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2019 to 2029.

Electrical Engineering

Electrical engineers are involved with design and application of electrical devices and equipment as well as the study of electricity and electromagnetism. They manufacture motors, vehicle parts, navigation systems, solar arrays, semiconductors, and many other consumer devices which will continue to be in high demand in the coming years, with an expected growth rate of 9%

Environmental Engineering

Environmental engineers are in charge of all things sustainability. They handle water supply quality, air quality, contamination, and more. An environmental engineer today would likely focus on the water system sustainability issues that have recently emerged in many municipalities. The employment of environmental engineers is projected to grow 3 percent from 2019 to 2029.

5 Resources to Help You Pick a University

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Picking a university is tough, especially if you will be calling it home for the next few years. Here are some resources that might help when making your decision:

University Tours

This may seem like an obvious one, but you don’t have to wait until grade 12 to book yourself a university tour! They are a great way to get a feel for the campus, put into perspective the actual sizes of dorm rooms, and get some insider information from your tour guide (especially if they are a current student at the school!).

University Fairs

University Fairs can be a great way to get your questions about a school answered by knowledgeable recruiters. Check with your guidance counsellors to see if your high school hosts any university fairs throughout the year, otherwise check out public university fairs like the annual Ontario University Fair (or any province you may be in!).

University Open Houses

So maybe you missed your chance for a university tour, or maybe you would rather explore a school with more of your friends and family than can fit in a tour group. Universities usually offer multiple Open Houses throughout the school year, where you can explore the campus, hear from different clubs and meet tons of current students. Keep an eye out on school websites for any university you are considering.

Current University Students

Chatting with current university students can be a huge help when debating what school to apply to, or which offer to accept. They can help give you the insider scoop about the school that may not be on the school’s website, and can become a friend should you choose to go there. Talk to your guidance counsellors to see if they can set you up with any of your school’s alumni, or reach out to the university itself.

When in doubt, email them!

All school’s have a Contact section on their website where you can write them an email or get their phone number. If you have a specific question, or just don’t know where to start, they will be happy to help you. Don’t be shy!

Engineering Scholarships

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So you’ve decided you want to become an engineer – what’s the next step? Looking at universities and colleges is a good bet, but all the fees attached can sometimes feel overwhelming. To help ease your fears, here are 5 scholarships that exist for helping Canadian high school students just like you pursue a STEM degree!

MPOWER Financing – Women in STEM Scholarship

Targeted at women who want to benefit society through the use of a STEM degree, to qualify you must be accepted to, or currently enrolled full time in a STEM program. The scholarship has 3 awards available, with a $3000 Grand Prize and two $1000 honourable mentions.

Website: https://www.mpowerfinancing.com/scholarships/women-in-stem/?utm_source=swe&utm_medium=link&utm_content=02%2F20%2F2019–scholarship

De Beers Group Scholarships for Canadian Women

These scholarships work to assist women, especially those from Indigenous communities, who are pursuing a future in STEM. They offer 4 $2,175 USD awards with preference given to Indigenous women from the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Northern Ontario, and Southern Alberta

Website: https://canada.debeersgroup.com/building-forever/scholarships-for-canadian-women

Linamar Scholarships for Women in Engineering and Business

The Linamar Scholarships for Women in Engineering and Business will support up to 10 female students entering HBA 1 with the intention of completing the dual degree program in Engineering and Ivey (BESc/HBA) with the following – Half the cost of tuition, Co-op at Linamar, and guaranteed employment upon graduation.

Website: https://www.eng.uwo.ca/women-in-engineering/linamar-scholarships.html

ORBA Scholarships

ORBA offers 4 different scholarships for students pursuing civil engineering at an Ontario college or university. They have two $2000 scholarships for current high school students who will be entering their first year of postsecondary education, and two for university students in their last year of study.

Website: https://orba.org/scholarships/

Toptal Scholarships for Women: Empowering Future Female Leaders to Change the World

This scholarship is open to women age 16 and over who are future leaders that want to change the world for the better. Aspiring engineers have won in the past, and 5 winners receive $10,000 and a one year long mentorship with a Toptal expert.

Website: https://www.toptal.com/scholarships-for-women#eligibility

Schulich Leadership Scholarships

Schulich Leadership Scholarships are one of the most sought after scholarships in Canada. The winning students receive $100,000 towards an engineering degree! One student per high school is able to be nominated, so it’s a good idea to talk to your guidance counselor if you’re interested.

Website: https://www.schulichleaders.com/#slide-top

Applying to a post secondary institution shouldn’t have to be scary, and this is just a starting point for the options available to you out there! Many schools have entrance scholarships based on your academic records and involvement, as well as a number of financial awards you can apply to on their websites. This is just the beginning!