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Resources for International Students

Welcome to the 91亚色鈥檚 Co-op & Career Centre. With nearly 10,000 international students finding their home away from home within our vibrant community, we understand the unique journey and challenges you may face as you navigate your academic and professional pursuits. At 91亚色, our mission is clear: to provide unwavering support to ensure your success during your time here and beyond. We believe in not only fostering academic growth but also creating pathways to exciting career opportunities. To achieve this mission, we offer a comprehensive range of services and events which are open to all 91亚色 students and new graduates as well as online resources to assist you with job searching, career exploration, and finding volunteer opportunities.

Find out about making career decisions, finding work on or off-campus, building skills and experience in your field, and accessing support for researching and applying to further education programs.

Career Counselling
Are you having difficulty deciding on a career path? Are you unsure how your degree may relate to your future career? Do you feel challenged moving forward with your career exploration? To discuss your career concerns, meet with one of our Career Counsellors.

Your first Career Counselling appointment is a 20-minute session booked online. Additional session(s) can be booked online at

Resum茅 Support: For increased accessibility, students may request to complete a one-on-one Resum茅 Feedback Session in person, via telephone, or via email. The Resum茅 & Cover Letter Writing workshop is a prerequisite for one-on-one resum茅 support.

Job Search Advising: Students interested in expanding their job search resources, learning effective job search strategies, and networking and interview tips, may book a one-on-one Job Search Advising appointment with a Career Educator. These are 30-minute sessions in which one of your job search questions can be discussed and they can be booked online at . Students who are unable to attend an in-person appointment can request to complete their session via telephone or via email.

Interview Practice Session: Polish your interview skills and increase your confidence in this 30-minute session of practice and feedback. Come in person and receive a videotaped copy of your session (if requested) or attend via Skype.

Post-Graduate Studies Support: Students interested in applying to post-graduate studies such as master's and doctoral programs, teachers college, law school and professional studies may book a PhD Career Advising in person, via telephone or email. Book an appointment on .

RESOURCES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Since you may not be familiar with the Canadian workplace and practices here are some additional resources and services to support you as an international student

Canadian workplace culture is known for inclusivity, diversity, politeness, and emphasis on collaboration. Here are some key aspects to be aware to fit in CWC (Canadian Workplace Culture) 

  • Politeness and Respect e.g. using鈥 please鈥 and 鈥渢hank you鈥, listen actively, waiting for your turn to speak in meetings.
  • Diversity and Inclusion e.g. being open to work with people from various cultural backgrounds and respecting different perspectives. 
  • Punctuality e.g. being on time for work and meetings. 
  • Teamwork and Collaboration e.g. sharing ideas, working together on projects and contributing to the overall success of the team. 
  • Work-Life Balance e.g. maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life by not sending e-mails outside regular working hours.  
  • Dress Code can vary but in many places business casual attire is acceptable. 
  • Initiative and Accountability e.g. show enthusiasm for your tasks, be proactive and open to feedback

Canadian employers generally seek combination of technical, transferable skills and specific qualifications when hiring new employees. Some commonly valued skills include: 

  • Job specific technical skills e.g. coding and programming 
  • Educational Qualifications: e.g. Relevant degrees, Certifications, Diplomas related to the specific positions. 
  • Transferable skills e.g. Adaptability, Communication, Problem-Solving skills, and Teamwork 
  • Analytical and Critical Thinking e.g. candidates who can analyse data and make informed decisions. who have ability to think critically and make sound judgment. 
  • Initiative and Independence e.g. Proactive approach and attitude 
  • Cultural Competence e.g. candidates who can work effectively in a multicultural environment. 
  • Leadership Skills e.g. candidates who can motivate and inspire others. 
  • Customer Service Skills e.g. ability to understand and meet customer needs.

Your international background provides a unique set of experiences and skills that can make your resume stand out in a competitive job market. When including your international experience on your resume, be sure to highlight specific achievements, skills gained, and any outcomes that showcase the value you can bring to a potential employer. 

  • Adaptability and Flexibility: Adjusting to living in a different cultural and social environment demands adaptability and flexibility. These traits are highly valued in the workplace, where the ability to adapt to change and navigate uncertainty is essential. 
  • Demonstrated Initiative and Open-Mindedness: Choosing to study in foreign country demonstrates initiative, a willingness to take on challenges, and an open-minded approach to new experiences. Employers value individuals who are proactive, curious, and open to continuous learning. 
  • Cultural Competence and Global Perspective: Living in a different country exposes you to diverse cultures, customs, and perspectives. This firsthand experience fosters cultural competence, adaptability, and a global mindset, all of which are increasingly important in today's interconnected and multicultural workplaces. 
  • Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: Deciding to live in a new country requires problem-solving and decision-making skills on a regular basis, from navigating public transportation to addressing unexpected challenges. Employers appreciate individuals who can think critically and make sound decisions under various circumstances. 
  • Independence and Resilience: As international student you will often be required to navigate new environments, overcome challenges, and adapt to different ways of life. This experience builds resilience, independence, and the ability to thrive in unfamiliar situations, qualities that employers often seek in candidates.   
  • Organizational and People Skills: Working with others and being able to complete projects on time.
  • Cross-Cultural Communication: Exposure to different communication styles and cultural norms enhances your cross-cultural communication skills. This is particularly valuable in workplaces with diverse teams and international collaborations. 

Volunteering can be an enriching experience for international students, offering a variety of benefits beyond academic pursuits. Here are five reasons why international students should consider volunteering: 

  • Cultural Immersion: Volunteering provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture of the host country. Interactions with locals and engagement in community activities allows international students to gain a deeper understanding of cultural nuances, traditions, and societal values. 
  • Language Development: Volunteering offers a conducive environment for language practice and improvement. Through engaging in conversations with native speakers, international students can enhance their language proficiency, facilitating better integration into academic and social settings. 
  • Networking Opportunities: Volunteering allows international students to build valuable networks with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including local community members, fellow volunteers, and professionals in various fields. Connections built through volunteering can lead to mentorship, internships, and job opportunities, expanding students' social and professional circles locally. 
  • Skill Enhancement: Volunteering provides a platform for international students to develop and refine a wide range of skills, including leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. Students can acquire practical experience and transferable skills that are highly valued in academic, professional, and personal contexts. 
  • Personal Growth and Well-being: Engaging in volunteer activities contribute to international students' overall well-being and personal growth. By giving back to the community, students experience a sense of fulfilment, purpose, and satisfaction, which can boost their self-esteem, resilience, and mental health. 

Resources:

Joining clubs can greatly enhance the experience of international students during their time abroad. Here are five compelling reasons why international students should consider joining clubs: 

  • Social Integration: Clubs provide international students with a platform to meet like-minded individuals who share similar interests, hobbies, or cultural backgrounds. By joining clubs, students can forge meaningful connections and friendships, helping them feel more integrated into the local community and alleviating feelings of isolation or homesickness. 
  • Cultural Exchange: Clubs often organize events, activities, and gatherings that promote cultural exchange and diversity. International students can share aspects of their own culture while learning about the customs, traditions, and perspectives of others.  
  • Skill Development: Clubs offer opportunities for international students to develop a wide range of skills beyond their academic pursuits. Whether it's leadership, communication, teamwork, event planning, or project management, participating in club activities provides practical experiences that enhance students' professional skill sets.  
  • Networking Opportunities: Joining clubs exposes international students to a diverse network of peers, faculty members, alumni, and industry professionals. Through club meetings, workshops, conferences, and networking events, students can expand their social and professional circles, build valuable connections, and access mentorship, internship, or job opportunities within their field of interest. 
  • Personal Growth: Club involvement can contribute to the personal growth and well-being of international students. By stepping out of their comfort zones, taking on leadership roles, and tackling new challenges, students gain confidence, resilience, and a sense of accomplishment. 

Resources

On-Campus Employment

The Work/Study Program at 91亚色 provides鈥eligible鈥痠nternational undergraduate students with the opportunity to develop professional skills and contribute to the university through paid,听on-campus employment opportunities.

Working in Canada

Want to work in Canada? Visit the鈥91亚色 International website鈥痜or information about employment regulations for working in Canada.听

Looking for more activities for International Students?鈥

Check out various听events听that also includes Career Supports organized by 91亚色 International.

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