Tips for working while studying in Canada
Credit to Author: Geneviève Beaupré and Susan Qadeer| Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2019 20:10:24 +0000
While in some cultures, students tend to devote all of their time to their studies, in Canada it is very common for students to work part time while they are attending school. This allows you to gain experience while also meeting people who might eventually be part of your network and act as references for future work.
It can also help you support yourself and pay for school. For immigrant and international students, it has the added advantage of providing you with the opportunity to gain Canadian work experience.
If you choose to work, you might consider taking fewer courses or going to school part time. If studying part time is not an option, you may want to tread carefully before committing to too many work hours so you have a sense of the workload. It is usually better to start with a smaller number of courses or fewer hours of work until you know what you can handle.
Where to work while going to college or university
One of the better places to look for work is at school. Many colleges and universities hire students part time. Although the salary may not be very high, it means that travel time is eliminated and you may be able to fit in work hours between classes.
You will also gain more contacts at school, which can be helpful. In addition to the career or employment centre, your school’s libraries, bookstores, academic departments, student services and student government are among places you might find work.
Some professors have grants for their research and are looking for temporary staff. They also may have contacts in industry and be able to make suggestions on where to look for work outside of school. Many schools maintain an online employment service for their students. Have your resumé ready and attempt to meet possible employers directly. Look for help-wanted signs on notice boards, in school newspapers and online.
READ MORE: How international students can find a job in Canada
Get field experience
Many schools, particularly colleges, require some work experience to complete academic credits. This is often called a placement, a co-op or an internship and is an opportunity to learn on the job. Some field work is remunerated, but it is most often unpaid. In some cases, the school arranges these placements and sometimes students need to find their own. Field experience provides an opportunity to try out new skills, see if you like the work and meet potential employers.
Learning on the job may require extra time and effort. Be prepared to work hard and to challenge yourself but also expect some disappointments since more routine work is often given to interns. Do not underestimate the importance of having a positive attitude and making a good impression. Some field placements may turn into part-time or even full-time work later on.
Optimize your experience juggling work and school
There are many benefits to getting work experience while studying. There is the opportunity to try out new skills, meet people, earn money, get a reference letter and determine how you feel about the work, and sometimes even the possibility of getting hired there.
As a newcomer to Canada, work experience exposes you to Canadian practices and regulations. It is a place for perfecting language and communication skills and learning about work culture and legalities. It is possible that you may advance your position on the job, take on challenges, work on projects and learn from your mistakes.
These are all things that you can highlight in future job interviews as you discuss your assets to a potential future employer. Working while studying may enrich your academic experience while also facilitating your transition to the workforce later on.