Reflections on the Canadian undergraduate student experience by Black engineering graduates

Limited work has been done to explore the impact of the undergraduate student experience on the career paths for Black graduates of Canadian engineering institutions. This study interviewed 17 different graduates of Canadian engineering institutions, all of which self identified as Black. Participants reflected on their undergraduate student experience and which aspects were pivotal and influential to their careers and personal growth. Themes around experiential and work integrated learning, extracurricular activities like student clubs, family and religion, as well as interactions with professors and TAs were all cited as influential. These influenced their careers in the skills they developed as well as the choice of industry, career path and location of their careers.