Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the reputation of BCIT's Electrical Engineering program, focusing on employer expectations, graduate preparedness, and comparisons with other institutions like SFU and UBC. Participants share personal experiences and insights regarding the program's structure and job market outcomes.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Debate/contested
- Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- One participant expresses interest in BCIT's Electrical Engineering program and seeks insights on employer expectations and graduate work habits.
- Another participant shares anecdotal evidence of a friend's success after attending BCIT, though the friend's program was not in electrical engineering, raising questions about the current job market outlook for BCIT graduates.
- A participant notes the difference in program length, clarifying that the bachelor's degree in electrical engineering at BCIT is four years, including a shared first year with a diploma program.
- Concerns are raised about the theoretical versus practical focus of BCIT compared to SFU and UBC, with suggestions that BCIT may emphasize hands-on learning more heavily.
- Financial considerations are mentioned, with one participant indicating that BCIT is a more viable option due to competition and costs associated with SFU and UBC.
- A request is made for feedback on the course list from BCIT, highlighting uncertainty about what to look for in the program.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express varying opinions on the reputation and effectiveness of BCIT compared to other institutions, with no consensus on how employers view degrees from BCIT versus SFU or UBC. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the overall perception of BCIT graduates in the job market.
Contextual Notes
Participants acknowledge the differences in educational approaches between BCIT and other universities, but there is uncertainty about how these differences impact employer perceptions and job readiness. Financial constraints and competitive admissions processes are also noted as factors influencing decisions.