Patrick Graham & Jess Manoj

Co-VP External Candidates

We are excited to announce our joint candidacy for the role of Vice President External. Our campaign is grounded in the belief that outreach is the key to enhancing our community. Thus, we will focus on forging strong connections not only within our university but with high schools and other universities. We aim to break boundaries and create collaborative initiatives that empower engineers at every level of their educational path. Join us as we work to propel the ESS to new heights.

Institutional Outreach 

High School Outreach 

● Foster innovation and creativity among developing students by hosting virtual workshops featuring U of A graduates discussing their experiences. 

● Recruit engineering students as ambassadors to present sessions on student lifestyle and their learning experiences as well as other FAQs to high schools across Alberta. 

● Build relationships with high schools throughout Alberta by conducting hands-on STEM workshops led by engineering students of varying disciplines to showcase the most exciting aspects of engineering. 

● Host engineering challenges to nurture and apply problem solving skills in prospective U of A students showcasing the wide range of fields and possibilities firsthand. 

By combining the hands-on expertise of U of A students with engaging outreach programs, we seek to inspire high school students to explore engineering careers.

External Relations 

● Collaborate with other universities’ ESS to forge strong connections amongst students in engineering programs throughout the country. 

● Promote joint research initiatives across faculties, encouraging collaborative projects utilizing the expertise of each institution. 

● Propose development of online platforms where students from different universities can share resources, study materials, and research promoting a culture of collaboration. 

● Foster strong connections between the ESS and external bodies including APEGA, ENGGYAC, CFES and WESST. This will entail clear communication and powerful advocacy for the UofA as a prestigious faculty. 

The focus of our inter-university framework is to create a sense of unity and connection amongst engineering students across universities. 

Transfer Policies 

● Develop clear and comprehensive information regarding the transfer process available online to guide transfer students through the required steps. 

● Advocate for reasonable and efficient transfer credit evaluation to avoid unnecessary course repetition. 

● Create initiatives fostering community among transfer students to help them build connections among the engineering faculty on campus 

Our vision for transfer students from other universities and programs is a seamless and inclusive integration into the U of A. We hope to emphasize transparency and inclusivity for students navigating the transfer process. 

Career Fair 

Our vision for the annual Engineering Career Fair is a streamlined connection between prospective employees and their future employers to maximize the success of their work together. 

● Facilitating conversations from employers to the U of A students relaying the specifics of positions open, job descriptions and work needed to make the most of students’ time. 

● Streamlining the fit between applicants and employers with comprehensive pre-fair plans including more social media updates ensuring all students are aware of details and participating companies in the weeks leading up. 

● Collecting feedback from both students and recruiters in order to improve future career fairs for all parties involved. 

The Career Fair serves to be the primary point of contact between external businesses and the undergraduate students. Thus, ensuring smooth and consistent communication will lead the Career Fair to new highs.

Engineering Competitions 

The annual University of Alberta Engineering Competition is one of the most anticipated events of the year. We intend to further collaboration with external organizations to enhance the skill development and industry connections within participating students. Our aim is an increase in participation for competitions by incorporating flexibility and accessibility. This will allow the UAEC to proceed stronger than ever even in the face of unforeseen challenges. Building student participation from the ground up by promoting the various competitions to engineering students newer to campus. 

Project Group Services 

Project groups provide the most immediate hands-on experience for undergraduate students, and our belief is that they should be prioritized to allow the most applied learning to take place. There are many student project groups and teams on campus that we will emphasize more strongly to students from their first weeks on campus. 

Engineering Specific Approach 

● Facilitate applied multimedia demonstrations of the project clubs’ work including videos, demonstrations of the work and presentations as well as workshops showcasing each team’s hard work. 

● Increase awareness of the wide variety of clubs offered through class presentations and stronger social media presence to ensure all students are aware of the many opportunities available 

● Start advocacy from the bottom up by communicating each group’s exciting platforms to first years, encouraging extracurricular development from the first time students are on campus 

The Engineering student body is enriched substantially by the presence of thriving clubs, and ensuring that these groups continue to get the interaction they need for future years is a top priority. 

Conclusion 

All in all, our platform is built on a commitment to elevating the engineering experience. We envision a future where the joy for problem solving and innovation is nurtured with exciting paths and many opportunities available at every step along the way. With your support, we will cultivate an environment where graduating students have consistent hands-on opportunities throughout their schooling. 

Vote for a platform that champions applied problem solving skills and opportunities for everyone.