Polytechnique > Parent > Faq
Frequently asked questions
General
What is an engineer?
“Engineering is a profession that seeks to create new and improved systems, procedures and products, to serve human needs as expressed by the community, governments, industry and the people themselves.” The engineer’s primary role is to visualize solutions: an art that calls for ingenuity, imagination, knowledge, competence, discipline and judgment, all of which must be backed by experience. Engineers may be described as the bridge between science and industry. Engineers promote technological development by making use of the laws and principles of science to optimize the use of natural resources.
How long has Polytechnique been training engineers?
Founded in 1873, Polytechnique has been training engineers for over 130 years.
Why did the undergraduate programs get a makeover?
To modernize the training offered, placing greater emphasis on both society’s needs and the strengths and abilities of today’s students. The revised programs (*) will maintain a solid scientific training, underscore the design component of engineering, stress the development of both people-skills and personal competence, and provide training that can be applied to the international market.
What kind of salary can a new engineering graduate expect?
The average yearly salary of a newly graduated engineer is approximately $40,000, irrespective of discipline. Click here (*) for specific figures.
Does Polytechnique have any student committees?
Polytechnique is known for its exciting student life. Countless Polytechnique students are involved in all kinds of committees. Educational, technical, cultural, international: there’s something for everyone!
What are the employment prospects of a Polytechnique graduate?
For over a decade, the Placement Office (*) has developed extensive contacts with employers who seek out our students and graduates. Year-in, year-out, our 95% placement rate confirms our excellent reputation for training engineers. Some 25% of Québec’s engineers trained at Polytechnique.
Do the various programs have quotas?
None of Polytechnique’s programs have quotas.
