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BY MARY GRACE DE GUZMAN
University of Calgary
Student Contributor
Third-year engineering students are currently busy revising
resumes and applying for jobs. What's all the excitement and
eagerness all about? As of May 2003, more than 340 engineering
students hope to be on internship for the next for 12-16 months.
They will go to Switzerland, Japan, Germany, the U.S. and
all over Canada.
But now, the invaluable opportunity provided to these students
is not the only thing to recognize. They can take pride that
not only is the U of C Engineering Internship Program the
largest of its kind in Canada, it is also nationally recognized
as one of the best.
At the STARS GALA Award Ceremony in Toronto Nov. 7, the University
of Calgary Engineering Internship Program received the Yves
Landry Foundation's award for outstanding technical co-operative
education program, university category.
This award, founded in 1998, commemorates the vision of the
late Yves Landry, who was chairman, president and CEO of Chrysler
Canada Ltd. His vision was "to forge an enlightened partnership
between industry and education; train a world-class pool of
skilled manufacturing workers, technicians and engineers;
and secure technological advantage in a rapidly changing world."
Yves Landry Foundation awards go to high schools, colleges
and universities that best demonstrate technological innovation,
creativity and excellence.
"I am extremely pleased that our Engineering Internship
Program, which is the flagship of our faculty, has been recognized
for its nation-leading activities," says Dr. Chan Wirasinghe,
P.Eng., dean of engineering.
Adds Nima Dorjee, P.Eng., director of the program: "Strong
support from employers and faculty members, and the quality
of the students, are the keys to the program's success. Employers
all over the world seek students from this program for their
technical competency and enthusiasm, and the value they provide
employers."
In 2002 internship students will have collectively earned
a record $9 million in salary. More than 10 per cent of students
are placed in overseas positions.
Mr. Dorjee is also an APEGGA councillor. His program was
the subject of a feature article in the July/August 2002 edition
of The PEGG.
MORE INFORMATION
ndorjee@ucalgary.ca
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