Standing out in a competitive job market is challenging. Technical skills are no longer enough and adding new experience to a resumé isn’t easy.
Luckily, the Faculty of Engineering’s latest undergraduate program addresses this issue head on. With two internships and 450 hours of community service, the Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Design allows students to gain experience before graduation.
Different learning paths
Students choose their placements based on interests and learning paths. While pre-defined paths are available, the program is customizable. Students can pick from existing topics, such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence or sustainability, or they can work with a faculty adviser to create something new. There’s no limit to the possible combinations, which makes this program ideal for those who want a different learning experience.
The program also benefits from new multidisciplinary courses at the intersection of engineering, technology and society. These courses broaden perspectives to include art, business, humanities and public policy. Students in the program have a strong sense of civic engagement and are helping shape the future.
Inspiring student stories
Since there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, the best way to illustrate the program is through examples. How are students adapting their studies to their goals? What are their career aspirations? What placements are students doing?
Meet some program students.
“It stands out from traditional engineering programs by offering an interdisciplinary, hands-on experience that opens a wide range of opportunities.”
Amal Hussein, third-year student
— Learning paths: artificial intelligence, machine learning, ethics
Amal, advancing ethical AI and scalable innovation
Learning paths: artificial intelligence, machine learning, ethics
Amal’s journey exemplifies the flexibility and personalization offered by the Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Design. Drawn to the intersection of artificial intelligence and society, Amal crafted a unique learning path focused on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and ethics. “It stands out from traditional engineering programs by offering an interdisciplinary, hands-on experience that opens doors to diverse of opportunities,” she explains.
With a focus on AI governance and its societal implications, Amal is passionate about designing ethical and practical AI systems that address real-world challenges. Her technical interests include machine learning, systems development, and creating scalable, impactful solutions that integrate innovation with societal benefit.
Her professional experience as a systems developer with the Federal Government of Canada underscores the practical application of her skills. During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, she contributed to the rapid digital transformation of public service operations, reinforcing her dedication to leveraging technology to solve real-world problems.
Amal’s community engagement experience:
- Digital diplomacy, Embassy of Mexico
“The program provided me with the unique opportunity to integrate technical coding skills with broader educational goals...”
Gemma Rudnicki, second-year student
— Learning path: STEM education
Gemma, future STEM educator
Learning path: STEM education
Gemma wants to be a French immersion teacher in STEM. With such a clear career goal, the STEM education learning path was an easy choice.
“The (Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Design) provided me with the unique opportunity to integrate technical coding skills with broader educational goals,” Gemma says. She has also been able to choose community engagement opportunities to further support her future career path. With all this experience, Gemma is preparing herself for positions in STEM teaching.
Gemma’s community engagement experience:
- 100+ hours volunteering in elementary and high schools
- Environmental education professional, Riverkeepers outreach program
- Head summer camp instructor
“The program’s flexibility and support have truly set me up to explore real-world experiences and practical skills!”
Nadia Rahman, second-year student
— Learning path: technology and law
Nadia, at the intersection of technology and governance
Learning paths: technology and law
Nadia’s journey in the Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Design highlights the program’s ability to merge technical and societal aspects of learning.
Working for the federal government was a valuable experience that allowed Nadia to understand the intersection of public policy and information technology, providing insights into regulatory processes. As part of her internship, Nadia worked as an IT analyst for the federal government. This deepened her understanding of regulatory processes and solidified her interest in combining technology with governance.
Looking to the future, Nadia aims to pursue a master’s in law, with the ultimate goal of earning a Juris Doctor (JD). She aims to specialize in intellectual property or patent law, using her technical background to understand legal frameworks.
The BMDes program’s flexibility and support has equipped Nadia with the knowledge and practical skills needed to take on real-world experiences.
Nadia’s community engagement and internship experience:
- IT analyst intern, Shared Services Canada
- STEM outreach, Let’s Talk Science
- Project database assistant, School of Political Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences
“The Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Design has given me the soft and technical skills to succeed in the project management industry.”
Nick Smith, second-year student
— Learning path: civil engineering, data visualization and project management
Nick, future project manager
Learning paths: civil engineering, data visualization and project management
If you love civil engineering and project management, choosing the Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Design allows you to do both. “The (program) has given me the soft and technical skills to succeed,” Nick says.
Nick highlights the program’s modern teaching style and the dedication of its professors. “The passionate professors and hands-on approach make for a truly rewarding experience,” he says.
“I’ve enjoyed the freedom and ability to tailor my studies to my future career goals.”
Nora Rhiannon Jordan, second-year student
— Learning path: project management, sustainable energy solutions, electrical engineering science
Nora, race car driver
Learning paths: project management, sustainable energy solutions, electrical engineering science
Nora’s journey has been anything but conventional. She is a student and race car driver with many extracurricular activities. The Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Designs allows her to keep studying while doing everything she loves. “I’ve enjoyed the freedom and ability to tailor my studies to my future career goals,” Nora says.
In her first year at uOttawa, Nora became the captain of the BAJA SAE competitive racing team at the Faculty of Engineering. The BAJA team had not competed for six years, but with Nora at the helm, the team is back on the competition circuit.
Why choose the Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Design
This innovative program is ideal for students who want a customized education that aligns with their passions and career aspirations. With hands-on internships, community engagement and multidisciplinary courses, it provides the practical and technical skills needed to solve local and global challenges.
Whether your interests involve engineering, public policy, education or entrepreneurship, the Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Design equips you to stand out in today’s competitive job market.
