Beyond the Classroom: Building Skills for the Future

For recent Engineering Practice (EP) graduate Smit Patel, earning a master’s degree at Carleton was about far more than coursework. The people he met, the communities he joined and the opportunities he embraced outside the classroom became integral parts of his university experience.

During his time in EP’s Software Stream, Smit complemented his studies through campus employment, volunteer work, and participation in Carleton’s International Student Employment Program (ISEP). Those opportunities helped him gain practical experience, strengthen his professional skills and build important connections that continue to support him as he pursues a career in software engineering.

“Completing my Master of Engineering Practice at Carleton is a milestone that I am incredibly proud of,” says Smit. “As I begin the next chapter of my career, I’m excited to apply the technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and professional experience I gained during my studies to real-world challenges while continuing to learn, grow, and contribute to meaningful work in the technology industry.”

Putting Learning into Practice

Looking to build on what he was learning in the classroom, Smit became involved across campus.

He first volunteered with Carleton’s Global Opportunities and International Student Services Office (GO-ISSO) before joining the team as an International Student Program Development Assistant. In those roles, he helped organize events, supported student engagement initiatives, and contributed to programs designed to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for international students.

Through ISEP, Smit expanded his professional network, strengthened his leadership skills, and gained a deeper understanding of Canadian workplace culture.

ISEP helps full-time international students develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to navigate the Canadian labour market. Through career support, paid experiential learning opportunities, and resources focused on Canadian workplace practices, the program helps students gain practical experience while preparing for future careers.

“Programs such as ISEP and my involvement with GO-ISSO significantly enriched my academic experience by allowing me to apply what I learned in real-world settings,” he says. “They also gave me the opportunity to build relationships, work with people from diverse backgrounds, and better understand the Canadian workplace.”

Making the Most of the Student Experience

Asked what advice he would offer new international graduate students, Smit’s answer is simple: get involved from day one.

“Stay active, get involved, and take advantage of the opportunities around you early on,” he says. “Attend networking events, participate in campus programs, volunteer, and build relationships with professors, classmates and industry professionals.”

Smit also encourages students to explore on-campus employment opportunities whenever possible.

“From my experience, on-campus roles were especially valuable,” he says. “They helped me develop professionally while building relationships with faculty, staff, and fellow students that continue to support my career journey.”

He also recommends connecting with senior students and recent graduates, whose experiences can provide valuable guidance for those beginning their own academic and professional journeys.

“Learning from students and recent graduates who have already navigated a similar path can make your transition smoother and help you make more informed decisions about your academic and professional development,” he says.

Looking Back

Like many international students, Smit faced the challenge of adapting to a new academic environment and understanding workplace expectations in Canada while being far from home.

He credits that successful transition to staying involved—participating in campus programs, volunteering, seeking guidance from mentors and senior students, and engaging with the Carleton community. Those experiences helped him build confidence and adapt to both academic and professional life in Canada.

“Don’t limit your university experience to attending classes,” he says. “Whether it’s joining student organizations, volunteering, attending events, or taking on campus employment, these experiences can help you grow both personally and professionally. Many of the opportunities that shaped my journey at Carleton came from stepping outside the classroom and engaging with the campus community.”

This feature was developed in collaboration with Carleton University’s Co-op and Career Services.