Graduating Project Design

The MFRE Program works closely with over 150 Industry Partners to source, develop and customize projects. As a result, graduating projects are:

• Targeted to meet industry needs and MFRE skills. MFRE develops and customizes the project scope so it can match the skillsets of MFRE students while addressing industry needs.
• Connected to the sector. MFRE works with a mix of over 150 food and environment government agencies, private businesses, start-ups, non-profit organizations and charities to maximize our impact in the sector.
• Relevant to real-world problems. MFRE develops the Graduating Projects in the same year that they are conducted, so students get access to current and relevant real-world problems.

Graduating Project Delivery

1. MFRE Graduating Projects fall into three categories: academic research projects, industry-based consulting projects, and industry-based internships. Each project is developed to address a specific industry or research challenge while matching the skills and academic preparation of MFRE students.
2. MFRE Students have the option to obtain their own Graduating Project, or select from one of the MFRE-sourced projects.
3. Most of the Graduating Projects are conducted individually but in some cases project partners offer team-based projects.
4. MFRE Students work on the Graduating Projects on a full-time basis in Term 3, from May to August. The Graduating Project is a unique opportunity where students get to manage a real-world small-scale project, develop a project plan, define project deliverables, build a project schedule, plan for project risks, and manage project work.
5. MFRE Students receive 1-on-1 support from a Faculty Supervisor, the Project Partner, and MFRE team throughout the summer, to maximize their learning experience and the quality of their final deliverables.

Competencies Gained

MFRE Graduating Projects are developed specifically for MFRE students, providing opportunities to work on real-world challenges alongside experienced professionals. Through these projects, students develop and demonstrate practical skills that support their career readiness.

• Strengthen professional skills through the Graduating Project start-up workshops at the start of term
• Develop a robust project plan, including defining project objectives, deliverables, developing a work breakdown structure, project schedule, and plan for risks
• Manage effective meetings from start to end, in a professional setting and with industry professionals
• Manage project work, tasks, and timelines to ensure quality outcomes
• Manage project communication and expectations with project participants involved in the project
• Apply MFRE-acquired skills to complete the project, including research, analytical and critical thinking skills, and technical skills required for the project
• Develop high quality deliverables that are tailored specifically to the audience and for the specific Project Partner
• Engage in networking and relationship building in a professional context

Industry Partners

The MFRE Program works with a wide range of Industry Partners in the Climate, Food and Environmental sector.

• Government:Local, Provincial and Federal agencies whose work includes economic modeling, forecasting, policy reviews, survey design and analysis, and data analytics.
• Private Companies: Start-up, small to medium sized enterprise, national and multi-national companies in food processing, distribution, retailing.
• Industry Associations:Associations, Consulting firms, Marketing boards whose work includes financial analysis, economic modeling, data and quantitative analysis.
• Non-Profit Organizations:Charities, not-for-profit organizations, social enterprises whose work advances environmental and social issues like food waste, food security, food sovereignty, food and climate justice, greenhouse gas sequestration, carbon accounting.
  

  
  

Interested in Becoming a Project Partner?

If you’re an industry professional looking to work closely with talented graduate students on a 4-month Graduating Project, email to inquire about becoming a Project Partner. Project development takes place between November to February, but we are happy to connect at all times during the year.