Advice for a Promising Career in Canada

Work experience, volunteering, and co-ops: there's lots to like about Canada!

Canada, one of the world's most culturally diverse countries, is one of the top destinations for international students. "I wanted to come to Canada because I heard it is a super multicultural country, with a diverse community where everyone respects each other, and also it has the best landscapes," says Cecilia Espinoza, a Hospitality student from Mexico.

Cecilia also loves the faculty at Centennial: "I am fascinated with the way they teach and transmit their knowledge. They show how passionate they are about what they are teaching."

Work experience

International students can gain valuable work experience during their studies and take advantage of the highly sought after Post-Graduation Work Permit Program. While studying Human Resources Management, Viktoriia Korobkina from Ukraine discovered the many benefits of working in Canada: "I understood the Canadian perspective and Canadian law, and learned how great the regulations are here, how people are protected, and how important the HR profession is for every organization."

Volunteering

Volunteering on campus is a great way to boost your employability by adding new skills to your resumé. Get involved to gain confidence, leadership qualities, and connect with peers while positively affecting your community. Cathee Tanson, an Office Administration alumni from the Philippines, says, "When I was a student, I volunteered at The Business School (video). I developed my skills and established a good relationship with my professors. I gained so much confidence in myself, and I got a job from my placement. I am currently working as an Administrative Assistant at McCarthy Tétrault in Toronto."

Co-op programs

Co-op programs are another great way for students to gain experience and make connections with employers in their industry. Maryna Radko, a Biotechnology Co-op student from Ukraine, says, "I really enjoyed doing co-op. I was working as a chemistry technician for the Ministry of Environment and was helping them prepare fish samples for lakes all over Ontario. It was a good feeling to do research and be engaged in a scientific community as large as Ontario."

For international students, the advantages Canada offers are hard to match around the world, from being a safe place to study, work, and live, to offering a chance to immigrate! What are you waiting for?

By William Li, Marketing Management Alumni of Centennial College.