Empowr is designed to help MEng students thrive both academically and professionally.
The Faculty of Engineering is excited to announce the launch of EMPOWR, a brand-new initiative designed to support Master of Engineering (MEng) students in building valuable technical and non-technical skills that enhance employability in the Canadian workforce. Under the leadership of Dr. Victoria Abboud and Acting Associate Dean, Darryl Danelon, this program provides students with access to a wealth of resources, including professional development sessions, industry-informed learning opportunities, and tools to plan their career pathways—all completely free!
What is EMPOWR?
EMPOWR is more than just a program; it's a community designed to help MEng students thrive both academically and professionally. Whether you're looking to expand your skill set, connect with industry professionals, or explore innovative software, EMPOWR provides a comprehensive platform to do just that. Through various workshops and sessions, students can gain critical insights into the job market, refine their career paths, and grow essential skills that go beyond technical expertise.
Why Should You Get Involved?
In today's job market, technical skills are important, but employers also value strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities. EMPOWR targets technical and non-technical skills that are crucial to your future success. By participating in EMPOWR sessions, students will not only expand their knowledge but also enhance their employability in a competitive global market.
Sample Sessions
EMPOWR is kicking off the semester with a series of sessions that are designed to help you grow professionally and personally. Be sure to mark your calendars for these upcoming events:
- January 22: Job Search Tools with Workforce WindsorEssex
Virtual Session, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Learn about essential tools and resources to support your job search in Canada. - January 27: LinkedIn Learning for Career Pathways and Professional Development
Virtual Session, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Discover how LinkedIn Learning can be a game-changer for your career advancement. - February 10: Using GenAI in the Canadian Workplace
In-Person Session, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Explore how generative Artificial Intelligence is transforming workplaces across Canada. - February 27: Building Entrepreneurial Skillsets for the Canadian Market
In-Person Session, 9:00 – 10:00 AM
How to Stay Informed
To ensure you don’t miss out on any valuable opportunities, we encourage all MEng students to watch for regular notifications about events in the EMPOWR group on BrightSpace. This is where you can find details about the program, the latest updates, and other resources to help you succeed. Don’t forget to check it regularly to stay up to date!
NEW This Year
This term, we're adding even more value to the EMPOWR experience. We are launching LinkedIn Learning (LIL) for all Engineering students! Students now have free access to LinkedIn Learning’s vast library of courses, which includes training in areas like career development, business management, soft skills, and technical expertise. Whether you're looking to earn badges, complete certifications, or plan your next career move, LIL is an incredible resource to help you get ahead.
Additionally, we hosted a special session with the LinkedIn Learning team on January 27. This session showed us how to navigate all the features of the LIL platform, including course selection and leveraging LIL for professional growth, and tips on how to make your job search better. The recording can be found in the EMPOWR Brightspace site. r
Get Involved!
EMPOWR is a unique opportunity to take your professional skills to the next level. Whether you're looking to network with industry leaders, learn about the latest job search strategies, or explore new tools and technologies, there's something here for everyone. Best of all, everything is free to participate —so why not take advantage of this incredible resource?
A Special Thanks to Our Collaborators
EMPOWR wouldn’t be possible without the dedicated support and collaboration of our community, including Career Centre, WEtech Alliance, Connecting Windsor-Essex, Windsor Hackforge, and the Workplace Innovation Network for Canada. The list continues to grow! Their ongoing commitment to providing students with resources and programming like this has been instrumental in making EMPOWR a reality. We are deeply grateful for their contributions and look forward to continuing to work together to support the growth and success of MEng students.
We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming sessions and watching you grow as part of the EMPOWR community!