Canada, often regarded as a land of opportunities, attracts students from around the world with the promise of quality education and the prospect of a brighter future.
However, the path to securing a job in Canada as an international student is not as straightforward as one might hope.
Recent cases of immigration-related criminal offenses and scams targeting international students highlight the challenges faced by those who come to Canada seeking a better life.
Ritika Saraswat, a Pune-born graduate of the University of British Columbia and the founder of Re-Defined, a non-profit organization empowering marginalized communities, sheds light on the barriers that international students encounter when seeking employment in Canada.
In this article, we will explore these challenges and offer solutions and recommendations aimed at helping international students overcome them.
Challenges Faced by International Graduates
- Lack of Canadian Experience: One significant hurdle for international students in Canada is the requirement for “Canadian experience.” This criterion can be an unjust barrier to entry into the job market.Despite possessing valuable international experience, many highly skilled individuals find their qualifications overlooked simply because they have never worked in Canada before. This not only impedes their initial job search but also sets their careers back by several years.
- Misconceptions about the Canadian Job Market: Many international students arrive in Canada with misconceptions about the job search process, assuming it mirrors that of their home countries.The North American job market operates differently, emphasizing transferable skills and soft skills such as communication and leadership. In contrast, many Asian and African countries prioritize academic qualifications over these crucial skills.This lack of awareness puts international students at a disadvantage, as they may not know how to craft resumes that highlight the skills Canadian employers seek.
- Uncertainty about Skill Development: International students often struggle not only to identify the skills required to work in Canada but also to develop them.Some arrive with limited exposure to experiential learning in their home countries. Encouraging them to engage with Canadian non-profit organizations remotely can be immensely beneficial.This approach allows students to gain both Canadian experience and the soft skills necessary for success, such as effective collaboration and communication.
Solutions and Recommendations
To address these challenges, Saraswat and her non-profit, Re-Defined, have developed a three-pronged approach focusing on mentorship, education, and networking:
- Mentorship: Re-Defined’s “Empowering Future of Canada” buddy program connects international students outside of Canada with peers studying in Canada. This initiative provides valuable insights into studying and working in Canada, helping new international students understand the realities of their upcoming journey.
- Education: Re-Defined offers tutoring services to international students, training them to become more employable in the Canadian job market. The organization emphasizes the importance of soft skills, such as leadership and public speaking, alongside academic achievements.
- Networking: Re-Defined facilitates connections among international students within Canada, creating local and city-specific groups where students can share experiences, report incidents, and seek personalized support.This networking enables new students to connect with peers and establish a support system as they embark on their Canadian journey.
Looking Ahead : Predicting the Trend
Working in Canada as an international student presents its unique set of challenges, but with the right support and guidance, these obstacles can be overcome.
The efforts of organizations like Re-Defined provide valuable mentorship, education, and networking opportunities that empower international students to navigate the Canadian job market successfully.
As Canada continues to attract international students seeking educational and career opportunities, it is crucial to address these challenges collectively.
By fostering a supportive environment and offering resources to international students, Canada can remain an inclusive and welcoming destination for aspiring professionals worldwide.
The future holds promise, as international students, armed with the necessary skills and knowledge, contribute to the diverse fabric of the Canadian workforce.
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