New Year, New Students for UBC’s Professional Leadership Masters Degrees

On January 2^nd, fresh from a busy holiday period, almost 100 students arrived at UBC to begin their Master of Engineering Leadership and Master of Health Leadership and Policy degrees.

Rather than the traditional nervousness that comes with starting a new program, students arrived with enthusiasm and dogged determination for the upcoming year. Knowing that the degree has been designed to challenge, inspire and empower its students, the atmosphere was one of steely resolve rather than apprehension.

The first day brought talks from James Olson, the Dean of the Faculty of Science, Dr. Darren Dahl, Senior Associate Dean of the UBC Sauder School of Business and Dr. Tamara Etmannski, the Former Academic Director of the MHLP & MEL degrees. They each spoke in turn about the opportunities the program brings and the engagement the students will be having with key industry contacts as they progress in their studies.

They also highlighted the professionalism of the program. With an average of almost 9 years of experience, the 2019 students bring a level of knowledge and real world skill development to the program unmatched by other graduate programs. This experience translates into the approach students take to their work and their interactions with key stakeholders throughout British Columbia. Each speaker highlighted the MEL & MHLP degrees’ importance to the university and how the students will be a reflection of everything that happens on campus.

Following further discussion and engagement activities students were able to meet with their program directors to garner their first insights into their upcoming academic pursuits. Students were able to speak directly with their instructors and start building the relationships so vital between professor and student. It was also a chance to engage with classmates and colleagues specializing in the same field.

Finally students were treated to a campus tour with alumni members of the 2018 MEL & MHLP classes. During this time they were able to ask questions, not only about the campus, but also about the tips and tricks their predecessors used to get the most out of the MEL & MHLP programs.

While it was an action-filled day, it is only the first of many the students will experience on their way to a new future.

For more information on the MEL & MHLP degrees visit https://apscpp.ubc.ca/