Career Support and Professional Growth
As you look to advance your current field or pivot to a new opportunity, the School of Public Policy is here to help. Our graduate students benefit from an in-house Career Development and Engagement Specialist who will support you in your journey as an energy professional. Students also benefit from a wide range of professional development opportunities deigned to build confidence, sharpen job-ready skills, and expand industry connections.
- One-on-One Career Coaching Sessions
- Strategic Resume and Cover Letter Writing
- Networking for Success
- Job Search Strategy Development
- Practice Interviews and Feedback
- Communication and Presentation Coaching
- Advanced Research Methods Training
- Stress and Time Management Tools
- Leadership and Team Development
- Career Fairs and Industry Mixers
In addition to in-house professional development and career support, students also have access to UCalgary’s Career Services and its online platform, Elevate. This tool allows you to browse and apply for job opportunities, schedule interviews, register for events and coaching sessions, and access a wide range of career development resources.
Forum
Forum is a cornerstone of life at the School of Public Policy, an open door to the conversations shaping our world. Each week, students, faculty, alumni, and leaders from across sectors come together over a lunch hour to engage with the ideas and challenges shaping our world. From climate change and governance to innovation, security, and global development, Forum connects you to the people and dynamics shaping change locally and globally, and invites you to be part of the dialogue.
Academy
Academy is a professional development series with specialized sessions focused on critical, transferable skills. From leadership, communication, and problem solving to digital literacy, metacognition, and management, we’ll help you build capacity beyond the classroom. A blend of interactive workshops and practical learning, Academy develops the mindset and skills to navigate complexity and drive change. Why? Because real impact comes from more than academic knowledge; it comes from how you show up and make things happen.
Real-World Connections
Located in the heart of Canada’s energy hub, and at the Calgary Downtown Campus among the energy giants, the SEDV program offers direct access to energy and the forces shaping it. Through mentorship, site visits, guest speakers, and applied research partnerships, students connect with professionals and organizations driving energy realities. Along the way, students gain insight, experience, and valuable connections.
Site visits are a standout feature of the SEDV program, made possible by our location in Calgary. With direct access to leading companies and cutting-edge projects, students move with the pulse of the industry to see how energy systems operate, how challenges are tackled, and how innovation is applied on the ground. These visits offer unmatched exposure to the sector, helping students build connections, gain practical insight, and see where their degree can take them. These experiences deepen classroom learning and allow a real-world vantage point on sustainable energy development in action.
Guest speakers are a dynamic part of the SEDV experience, both in the classroom and through dedicated speaker series. Throughout the year, students hear directly from industry leaders and subject-matter experts who offer insight into emerging technologies, evolving policy, market trends, sustainability, leadership, and more. These sessions connect students to the current energy landscape and spark meaningful conversations that enrich learning and broaden perspective.
Capstone partnerships create the chance to collaborate with industry, government, and community organizations on real-world energy challenges. These projects allow students to apply their interdisciplinary training in a practical setting, contribute meaningful insight, and gain experience working alongside professionals in the field. Each partnership adds depth to the capstone and strengthens the connection between academic work and industry needs.
The SEDV Mentorship Program pairs students with experienced professionals across the energy sector for personalized, one-on-one guidance over eight months. Through structured meetings, industry events, and targeted goal setting, students gain valuable insight into potential career paths while developing the professional and leadership skills needed to succeed. By bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world application, the program provides a powerful opportunity to build confidence, expand networks, and explore the future of energy alongside accomplished mentors.
While the SEDV program does not include a formal internship requirement, students have the option to pursue internships through the University of Calgary’s Transformative Talent Internship program, offered by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. These opportunities allow students to gain professional experience in a wide range of settings and apply their skills in a practical context. From time to time, organizations also approach us with internship opportunities, and some students choose to seek out placements independently. Though not a core part of the program, internships can complement the SEDV experience for students looking to explore the energy sector from within.
The UCalgary Advantage
The University of Calgary campus offers a vibrant environment extending beyond the classroom. Students engage with leading research centres, attend lectures and events, and connect with a broader academic and professional community. From sustainability initiatives, interdisciplinary collaborations, entrepreneurial opportunities, and innovation hubs, the campus supports a rich learning experience and offers countless ways to get involved, stay informed, and be part of the energy conversation.
The University of Calgary is recognized as Canada’s entrepreneurial university, fostering a culture where innovation, creativity, and problem-solving are part of the student experience. The Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking brings this vision to life, offering students from every faculty a place to collaborate, explore ideas, and launch initiatives with real-world impact. Through workshops, pitch competitions, mentorship, and interdisciplinary programs, the Hunter Hub helps students develop the skills and mindset to lead change—whether in startups, social ventures, or established industries.
The University of Calgary is a hub for energy and sustainability research, supported by leading centres across campus. From carbon capture and storage to renewable integration, sustainable infrastructure, and climate policy, these initiatives drive innovation and foster interdisciplinary collaboration. Students can engage in applied research, work alongside academic and industry leaders, and contribute to solutions shaping a more sustainable and energy-secure future. Explore the full range of energy and sustainability research groups driving innovation across campus.
The University of Calgary hosts a vibrant calendar of events bringing energy and sustainability conversations to life. From expert panels and guest lectures to student showcases and industry networking opportunities, these events offer valuable ways to engage with current issues, connect with thought leaders, and contribute to a dynamic, solutions-focused community beyond campus.
Keep an eye on these event calendars for upcoming opportunities to get involved, stay informed, and expand your network.
