How UBC’s MEL and MHLP prepare you to lead
Students choose the MEL and MHLP because they want to advance into leadership roles where they can make a broader impact. But what exactly do you gain that enables this to happen?
During the annual Directors’ Panel, program leaders described how the MEL and MHLP equip students with the industry alignment, new skills, experience and professional network to thrive in complex, fast-moving sectors.
Watch a recording of the 2026 Directors’ Panel session
An evolving curriculum that aligns with industry needs
Each of the MEL and MHLP programs includes an industry advisory group that meets regularly with program directors to talk about the latest developments in their sector and what kinds of professionals they are seeking to hire to lead projects and teams. The groups’ input ensures that the curriculum remains relevant and are deeply connected to industry needs.
Across all programs, students learn from a blend of academic faculty, adjunct instructors and industry professionals. This mix ensures that students gain both theoretical grounding and real-world insight. Many courses also invite guest speakers with specific expertise to teach classes and share their perspectives.
“A quick test for whether we’re teaching the right things is the feedback I hear from organizations where our students are completing their practicum placements,” says Ashley Scott, program director of the MHLP in Clinical Education. “My industry colleagues repeatedly provide feedback that ‘the program has ideally prepared them for what we need them to do.”
New skills that build confidence
Students don’t just learn new ideas specific to their industry sector. They also learn new ways of thinking, communicating and leading through the business and leadership courses taught by faculty from UBC Sauder’s Robert H. Lee Graduate School, ongoing professional development opportunities and workshops, and extensive practice through group projects.
Alumni repeatedly emphasize that this skill development gives them the vocabulary, network and confidence to engage with senior leaders to tackle ambitious projects.
A powerful network
Students are encouraged to participate in conferences, research seminars and industry networking events to gain knowledge of current trends and connect with leaders in their field.
During the Directors’ Panel discussion, program directors spoke of how important it is that students actively reach out to others to grow their networks – whether that’s UBC researchers working at the forefront of their fields or industry leaders.
Alumni are another crucial piece of the network. Vladan Prodanovic, the program director of the MEL in Clean Energy Engineering, says there is a deep connection among alumni, who are part of a community that spans industries and continents.
Industry-aligned projects that build real experience
The MEL and MHLP programs are built around applied learning. Students work on real problems with real organizations, gaining relevant in-demand experience sought after by leading organizations.
In Clean Energy Engineering, the capstone project is a major industry touchpoint. Vladan described it as “a direct collaboration between students and our industry partners,” and notes that many capstone projects are proposed by alumni who “see the value both in advancing work for their companies and in mentoring current students while opening up discussions about what matters in a specific topic area.”
In the MHLP, the practicum plays a similar role. Scott shared that demand for MHLP students is so high that this year he has had more requests for practicum students than he has available students. Practicum placements allow students to demonstrate their skills, build relationships, and often secure job opportunities.
Staying aligned with a fast-changing world
The MEL and MHLP programs are designed to keep pace with evolving industries and to support students to understand trends, adapt quickly and lead with insight.
You leave with:
- tools and frameworks for leadership
- confidence to speak with senior decision-makers
- industry-aligned experience
- a powerful professional network
- a deeper understanding of your sector
- the vocabulary and mindset needed to lead
As MHLP alum Ellison Chung says: “I have a new vocabulary and tools at my disposal. Some of it was just being exposed to new ideas, learning the language to talk about these issues, and learning how to get partners involved to build a coalition that can create the kind of change that is needed.”
