The University of Windsor has launched a weekend Master of Engineering Management program to help working professionals advance their careers.

As Ontario’s only weekend engineering management degree, the two-year program—offered by the Faculty of Engineering in partnership with the Odette School of Business—prepares graduates for leadership and entrepreneurial roles in multinational engineering and technical enterprises.

“The majority of people who make it to the top of a company are the ones who have the elements of business and engineering combined,” said Majid Ahmadi, associate dean of engineering research and graduate studies. “That’s why we feel this program is going to be an enabling program that prepares engineers to run, lead or setup a business.”

The university welcomed the inaugural class on September 10 during the official launch of the Master of Engineering Management (MEM) program.

“We received more than 100 applications, so we can tell this is a much needed program,” said MEM program coordinator Ali AbdulHussein.

Beth-Anne Schuelke-Leech, a professional engineer who has co-founded three technology-based businesses, will guide MEM students through the innovation process and help them link industry, academia and policymakers. She believes the program will help students navigate the insecure work environment of today’s world.

“The next wave of engineers is going to have to figure out how to be entrepreneurial—not just as in a startup, but how to be entrepreneurial within a company,” Schuelke-Leech said. “If you are not providing or demonstrating value, companies will not keep you around like they used to.”

Dr. Schuelke-Leech joined the University of Windsor in August as assistant professor of engineering management and entrepreneurship. She said she was attracted to the MEM program after speaking to faculty members and recognizing their commitment to diversifying the engineering curriculum and preparing students for the working world.

“That’s a very different approach to engineering and I found that very appealing,” she said.

For more information about the MEM program, please visit uwindsor.ca/mem.