As part of National Engineering Month (NEM), we are working with NEM partners to bring you stories from the engineering community. The following includes segments from an interview with the principal, edited for length and understanding.
Sarah Shabbir wasn’t thinking of pursuing continuing education. But after seeing people in her circle complete their graduate studies, she was inspired by their ability to accomplish big academic goals while continuing to grow their careers.
Now, after a year in the University of Toronto Master of Engineering program in the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, Sarah is loving her choice to return to school part-time while she works as a Senior Product Manager at Dayforce. Though the transition has taken effort, Sarah feels rewarded in the path that she’s pursuing. She is currently focusing on Industrial Engineering. Given Sarah’s interest in engineering and business, she is pursuing a technical emphasis within the MEng program called Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Innovation & Technology in Engineering (ELITE).
Sarah has taken the steps to become more like those she most admires, and she is already seeing the benefits.
“Even just one year into my program, I’ve started to see myself grow into a more focused leader who can optimize resources, plan better, guide product direction, influence people and make decisions,” said Sarah. “The MEng in Industrial Engineering at U of T has been for me an intersection of where I saw my career headed and the kind of problems I wanted to be able to focus on solving long term.”
Sarah’s intentions following the program are to grow into a product leader and ultimately a product executive.
“In those roles, I hope to bring innovative perspectives to product development and opportunity generation. I want the product teams that I lead in the future to really focus on the human side and the end user, which is a big part of human factors in industrial engineering.
I know it might not sound very technical, but I want there to be empathy built into these products and teams in a meaningful way. Sometimes software development can feel really cold, but it doesn’t have to be,” said Sarah.
As she enters her second year of the U of T Engineering graduate program, Sarah is sure her continued education is a step in the right direction. Sarah talked more with NEM Ontario about her experience so far:
What drew you to the master’s program at the University of Toronto?
I was looking for a program that would allow me to grow in my career and improve my skills. When I was researching programs geared towards professionals, I came across the U of T program, and not only was it designed for working professionals, but the course content really interested me.
What does your work/school routine look like?
School for me so far has been just once a week in the evenings. It is really easy to attend class after work. My program also offers hybrid courses, online courses in the summer, and condensed courses. So, if you only have a few weeks to dedicate to studying for a course, there are flexible options available.
Usually, I spend one day a week working remotely from campus, and then I attend class after work. It’s fun being in Toronto, it is a great city to study in and explore.
Have you built any habits that have helped you balance work, life, and education?
It starts with excellent time management skills. I have found it is best to really plan ahead. Sometimes I plan weeks and months in advance to make sure I can do all of the things I want and need to.
It is not easy. It requires dedication and discipline. So do all important things in life though, right?
What helps you build the dedication and discipline needed to excel?
Graduate school is definitely doable while working, and it is the most rewarding when you have a strong connection between what you’re studying and where you want your career to go.
If you can see that your degree will directly help you to solve the problems that you want to solve in the future, or maybe develop a leadership path that you’re pursuing, then the value becomes very clear, and your purpose helps drive you.
Another key is finding a program that also fits the right pace for you, so you are able to build those habits and systems to support yourself while you’re in work and school.
What is your experience of the culture at the University of Toronto?
The U of T community is really, really strong. As soon as I was admitted, I felt very supported by my fellow students and the faculty.
I know it can be tricky for postgrad studies, but the university really helps outside the classroom with resume critiques, career fairs, and a lot of programs that graduate students can take advantage of.
What makes the U of T Master of Engineering degree feel unique?
They consistently tailor the courses to the needs of the learners in the class. At this level, they know you are invested and want to make sure you get the most out of your education, and they take a very community-driven approach, which is refreshing.
What do you think is the importance of continuing education?
Invest in yourself because education is something that stays with you forever. If a degree seems like a big endeavour, there are so many other ways to keep learning.
I guarantee that if you spend a little bit of time researching what’s out there, you’ll find something that interests you. I myself wasn’t sure if I wanted to pursue continuing education, but from being in the workplace, I’ve seen those I look up to propelled to success because of their eagerness to keep learning.
