Engineering + Technology Management (E+TM) Fellows Program
UC Santa Barbara has launched a new initiative — the Engineering + Technology Management (E+TM) Fellows Program — designed for undergraduate engineering students who want to complement their technical training with management, communication, and leadership skills.
A Bridge Between Engineering and Business
The E+TM program, offered through the Department of Technology Management in partnership with the College of Engineering, provides engineering students with early exposure to technology management before they begin the Master of Technology Management (MTM) program. Fellows receive guaranteed admission and a graduate fellowship to MTM, along with a year of senior-year programming focused on professional development.
What Fellows Experience
During their senior year, E+TM Fellows participate in:
- Meetings with UCSB alumni and industry partners
- Site visits to local companies
- Sessions on interviewing, communication, and team building
- Guidance in exploring career paths and navigating the job market
These activities help students connect their engineering backgrounds with potential management and leadership roles in the tech sector.
As Executive Director Erin Nerstad explains, beginning management-focused engagement during senior year “creates an opportunity for parallel programming and engagement, training and upskilling, without overloading their schedules.”
Preparing Future Technology Leaders
The program responds to a long-recognized need: many engineering students want exposure to business and organizational topics, but heavy course loads limit formal opportunities. E+TM helps students develop the “soft skills” that employers consistently seek — especially teamwork, communication, and leadership.
Dean Umesh Mishra notes that today’s engineering careers require not only technical expertise but also the ability to collaborate, lead, and communicate effectively. E+TM provides students with early practice in these areas, supported by mentors, industry partners, and a strong professional network.
A Collaborative Campus Effort
The E+TM initiative reflects close collaboration between the College of Engineering and Technology Management. Together, they created a pathway that integrates engineering education with practical management preparation, culminating in the MTM’s hands-on field project and advanced training in leading technical teams.
Read the Original Announcement
For a detailed overview of the program’s launch and the experiences of the first cohort, visit the official article from the College of Engineering:
🔗 Engineering Students Get a Management Edge with UCSB’s New E+TM Program