First-Year Engineering Conference 2026
- Date
- February 17, 2026
- Time
- 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. ET
- Location
- George Vari Engineering and Computing Centre, ENG
- Open To
- TMU Engineering Students
- Contact
- orientationlead@torontomu.ca
The First-Year Engineering Conference is a full-day professional event to prepare you for the beginning of your co-op journey right from your first year of university.
Get ready to boost your professional skills and stand out in the job market. The First-Year Engineering Conference is taking place on February 17th and is designed to prepare you for co-op and future opportunities.
At this full-day event, you will learn about interviews, resume building, the recruitment process, entreprenurship and network with employers. Additionally, there will be a photo drop-in session where you can get free headshots for your professional portfolio.
Don't miss this opportunity to start preparing for your future career now. The conference is taking place on Tuesday of reading week, with lunch provided.
Tickets are on sale for $25 until one week before the event (regular price $35). Spots are limited, so register fast! TMU engineering students in all years are welcome to attend. Business casual attire is highly recommended.
It is never too early to start preparing! By the time you start applying, the competition will be tough.
Schedule |
|
| Time | Session |
| 10:30 – 10:55 AM | Doors Open - Registration |
| 11:00 – 11:30 AM | Welcome & Keynote Address: Professional Engineering & Career Responsibility |
| 11:30 – 12:10 PM | Employer Panel: Career Advice & Strategies |
| 12:10 – 12:55 PM | Lunch, Networking & Photo Drop-In |
| 1:00 – 3:55 PM | Workshops |
| 3:55 – 4:00 PM | Door Prizes |
Co-op provides students with the opportunity to discover their desired careers and earn valuable on-the-job experience. During this session, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the TMU/FEAS Co-op program, including important deadlines, the matching process, application requirements and the steps involved in securing a position.
Also did you know:
Myth: Networking is only for business students.
Reality: Networking is for everyone. Anyone can learn the art of networking; it comes with practice.
Networking with leaders and peers in your industry can provide valuable insights and guidance for success. However, attending networking events can be very intimidating for many of us, especially when we don’t know what to expect or how to prepare. This session will emphasize the significance of networking both in person and virtually, and will provide strategies for creating opportunities, enhancing your LinkedIn profile, and making a lasting impression.
This session is hosted by the FEAS Co-op Program.
Build a strong engineering identity through clear, confident communication. Learn how to craft polished professional emails and messages appropriate for academic and workplace settings. You’ll also develop your own elevator pitch so you can introduce yourself effectively in conversations, team settings and professional opportunities.
Can your resume stand out against 50 other applicants to get you that interview spot? In this session, Learn how to showcase your projects, labs and technical achievements in a clear and professional way. Walk away with tools, templates and insider tips that help you stand out to recruiters. Learn the art of effective self-presentation, and increase your chances of landing that coveted internship or co-op position.
Explore powerful pathways in engineering that compliment your degree: professional certifications and entrepreneurship. Learn about the valuable engineering certifications, such as PMP, Sustainability Management, Six Sigma and discipline-specific credentials and how they can boost your prospects. Then dive into how engineering thinking fuels entrepreneurship, how to turn technical ideas into ventures and what resources exist for TMU student innovators.
This panel brings together engineering professionals from a range of sectors to share candid insights about what today’s employers look for in emerging talent. Panelists will discuss how first‑year students can begin building meaningful experiences, what skills matter most in early recruitment and how to navigate the path toward co‑op and future career opportunities. The session includes an open Q&A, giving attendees the chance to ask employers directly about resumes, interviews, workplace culture and how to stand out as a first‑year student.
Instead of your selfie photo, use a professional headshot for your LinkedIn and networking profiles. Students are invited to stop by our Drop‑In Headshot Station where you will have the opportunity to have your photo taken by a photographer. No appointment is required.
We highly encourage you to wear business casual attire for this conference.
