With an array of videos featuring work done at their many research centres and facilities, the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science’s new website is answering a question at the forefront of student minds. WhyGradStudies? aims to provide prospective graduate students with the information they need to make an informed decision about pursuing their graduate studies at Queen’s.

“Our goal is to encourage prospective students to think about engineering graduate studies at Queen’s,” says Brian Surgenor, Vice-Dean (Research and Graduate Studies) in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science. “ Whether it’s an MEng to further career goals, or an MASc to explore an interest in research, or a PhD to pursue the highest degree in the profession, we want them to see that we have the programs, the facilities and the faculty that can fulfill their needs, whatever they may be. “

The site interviews students working towards their master’s and doctoral degrees and has them speak about the importance of their work and their time at Queen’s. Among its other features are videos, created by the faculty’s media squad, about the benefits of living in Kingston and a search tool to find supervisors in particular areas of research interest. The site’s launch is part of an overall recruitment campaign, with print advertising in student newspapers, search engine optimization and direct online advertising.  

“Graduate school is great because you’re allowed to explore the topics that really interested you during your undergraduate,” says Joanne Hui, a PhD candidate in Electrical Engineering, in one of the site’s videos. “It gives you the skills to write technical papers that can get published in journals, attend international conferences to expand your horizons and your networks.”