U of T Engineering’s ELITE certificate courses offer graduate students the opportunity to diversify their skill-set while earning their degree.
February 28, 2014
Today’s engineers face a wide array of global challenges. Be it creating more efficient and eco-friendly city infrastructure, designing the next generation of microsatellites or enhancing the efficiency of our healthcare and financial systems, engineering has an increasing demand for management, leadership and business skills that go beyond the technical to meet these challenges.
U of T Engineering’s Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Innovation and Technology in Engineering (ELITE); certificate was launched in 2007 to help Master of Engineering (MEng); students develop the skill-set required to be engineering leaders. The certificate fosters business acumen and management skills among students, preparing them for industry demands they will face after graduation.
“After working for many years in industry, I realized that there was an element missing – leadership education,” said Nader Yared (UTIAS MEng 1T5);. “The ELITE program fills that gap and helps those without work experience learn valuable lessons about the role leadership has. After taking only a few of the courses, I realized that the ELITE program is a must for any student or working professional.”
The program was the first of its kind in Canada and boasts 25 courses, ranging from New Product Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship, to Financial Engineering and Positive Psychology for Engineers. The courses provide graduate students with a diverse range of options to develop new skills. Students must complete at least four courses to earn an ELITE certificate with their degree.
“Our Faculty and students recognize the increasing demand for a skill-set that goes beyond the technical in engineering leadership roles,” said Professor Markus Bussmann (MIE);, Vice-Dean, Graduate Studies. “The ELITE certificate has increased in popularity amongst our graduate students every year since it was launched, and we will continue to expand our range of courses to provide our MEng students with the best tools available for success.”
One of the certificate’s greatest strengths is the professional experience several of the course instructors have, bringing a workplace perspective to the program and providing a unique classroom setting where academics are combined with industry.
“The depth of discussion and learning experience is unmatched,” said Yared. “The industry instructors do an outstanding job of keeping students engaged and the personal understanding they bring to the lessons makes a big impact.”
“The ELITE program prepares students to be well-rounded engineers with a strong technical background, combined with business management skills,” added Stanley Wu (UTIAS MEng 1T4);, who will graduate with an ELITE certificate in June.
“It’s another way U of T is creating world-class engineers, transforming us into better leaders for tomorrow.”