Can I Get a Good Job if I Study at a Canadian Polytechnic School?
International students tend to apply to high-ranking Canadian universities rather than a polytechnic institute. But are they missing out on opportunities to get an impressive job and salary upon graduation?
My father, who had only a grade 8 education was very proud of his eldest daughter (that’s me) when she graduated from university even though as an Arts student, she struggled to find a job related to her field of study. When my younger sister graduated from NAIT in Culinary Arts, she snapped up a professional cook’s job in no time at all. My father’s comment was that I too should have gone to NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology) so I could easily find employment. This happened 45 years ago, but the idea that graduation from a polytechnic school gets you a job is still true today, especially in provinces like Alberta, Canada.
For NAIT’s 2020 graduating class, 80% found work within 3 months from graduation. Of those, 52% of them found employment before they graduated and 28% secured employment within the 3 months. For a student graduating with a Bachelor of Information Systems Technology, 95% of them found employment and the average salary within the first year of employment was $60,000 CAD. That is a fantastic salary.
NAIT is the 3rd largest institution in Alberta following the University of Alberta and SAIT (NAIT’s sister institute) and offers technical and business programs to over 40,000 students with over 2,200 international students representing 88 countries. It is also one of Canada’s top research colleges. The school offers a wide range of programs in engineering technologies, design and communications, construction, business, computers and IT, health and life sciences, hospitality and culinary arts, environment and natural resources, and trades such as welding, plumbing, heavy duty mechanics, etc.
Tuition is reasonable, between $15,000 to $27,000 CAD for most programs. You get a huge return on your investment.
They also offer several bachelor’s degrees in combination with their technical programs. For example, if you were to take their Architectural Technology Diploma, this can be topped up with their Bachelor in Technology degree which offers students business know-how for a career in management. Bridging the gap between technology and business gives technically trained students the edge to become entrepreneurs in the future. A graduate from NAIT, one of Canada’s finest polytechnic institutes doesn’t limit you to working in a factory or for some company. Think big; in the beginning you will work for someone, but then you may want to have your own shop, build your company or become an independent contractor.
Now polytechnic schools are not for everyone. I will never regret my university education and it did help me get a job at the University of Alberta, my Alma Mater. For many international students, university is the correct place to study, especially if you want to do research, further studies, or enjoy theory over hands-on application. There are many reasons to go to university. But at the same time, university is not for everyone. If your main goal for studying in Canada is to land a high paying job and get your PR as soon as possible, than studying in Canada at a school like NAIT is the place for you to be.
If you are between the two, should I attend a school like NAIT or should I go to university, then you will want to contact us to learn more about each kind of institution and what is best for you based on your interests and aptitude. We even have career tests you can take. An informed mind makes the best decision.
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