We as international students have spent so much time choosing and planning our studies in Canada that we often forget to think about what we’re going to do after school is over. The tip is to not wait until the last month of classes to start thinking about the next steps. The path you follow during your program is critical to a successful path after graduation.
The first thing to make sure you do is network with students, teachers, and college employees. Interaction in the teaching environment can open doors for future employment opportunities or for going on to get more education. Students can take advantage of everyday life to demonstrate what they are capable of and how they behave in professional settings. After all, it’s very difficult for you to be recommended by people who do not trust your work.
If your plans are to stay in the country to work, you should start thinking about which area you would like to work or study in. With this idea in mind, you can start researching companies in the industry to identify what kind of professionals companies hire. This helps you adapt to this specific profile by developing skills or doing extracurricular activities. It’s even possible to schedule a conversation with managers and employers of companies that you would like to work for in the future.
Another option that can place students in the job market is a co-op. This is a temporary job in your area of study where you can gain the experience you need to find work in the future. It’s worth asking employees of the college about the various co-op options that may exist in your area.
Lastly, a friendly reminder to not forget to renew your visa; a student visa is only valid for a certain period of time. Some students may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, while others must get the Work Permit.
Since these things take time, it’s better to research what type of visa you are eligible to apply for sooner rather than later.