Is University Rank Important for International Students to Get a Job
In Canada, the reputation and prestige of the university you graduate from can influence an international student’s job prospects to some extent. There may be some employers who have preferences for graduates from specific institutions. However, international students should note that a university’s rank usually ranks low in determining a student’s employability.
Many Canadian employers prioritize factors such as relevant skills, experience, and personal qualities when considering candidates for jobs. Practical experience gained through internships, co-op programs, research projects, and extracurricular activities can often be just as valuable, if not more so, than the name of the university on your degree.
Previous Work Experience and Networking
Networking, building professional connections, and actively seeking out opportunities to develop your skills and experience can also play a significant role in your job search and career advancement, regardless of where you graduated from. For international students who are new to Canada, it is important to know how to make these connections and get previous work experience. So how can it be done?
Co-op Work Experience and Internships which are often part of your degree program are the best way to build a resume that is filled with previous work experience in your chosen industry. All those co-op jobs not only give you practical experience, but they are also evidence that you have valuable Canadian work experience. Canadian work experience is what a prospective employer wants international students to have.
Part-time Work - the Canadian government allows international students the opportunity to work up to 24 hours (effective September 2024) per week and then full-time during breaks and summer holidays. This work is important, as it not only helps pay some of your education expenses, but also enhances your resume (CV) and gives you an advantage when looking for a post-graduate employment.
Volunteerism - Canadian universities and colleges promote volunteerism. There are always projects and organizations an international student can get involved with and support. These positions also look good on your resume and give you an advantage when you apply for a job.
The Co-op Work Experience or Internship also gives international students several industry connections. As newcomers to Canada, you will not have this network, so working in the industry gives you that. For example, if you don’t get hired by one of the companies that hired you during one of your work terms, then you have a network of referees who can vouch for your abilities on the job.
Specific Accreditation
Certain professions may have specific accreditation or certification requirements, and graduating from a university with a program that meets those standards can be essential for pursuing those careers. What kind of accreditation might an international student need in addition to their degree?
Credit transfer to a CPA (Chartered Professional Accountancy) – whether you attend NAIT, Thompson Rivers University or UBC, your business courses can be used towards this designation.
This is just one example of accreditation or certification an international student may need to get a senior position in a firm.
Marketable Soft Skills
Employers often seek a combination of hard and soft skills that are relevant to the job and the industry. Studying Computer Science at the University of Alberta will give you hard skills as will doing a Co-op Work Experience program as part of your degree at UNBC or the University of Manitoba. But where does an international student acquire these soft skills?
Your Own Ethics & Culture: Many soft skills are part of our background or upbringing. For example, punctuality might be something that was ingrained in you from an early age either by your parents or your culture. Your personality and character are what employers are looking for.
Skills not found in a Textbook: For example, during an interview for a job, you may be asked questions like “How would you respond to an angry customer?” Or “How did you get along with your previous employer?” See, they are looking for your customer service skills and your ability to work well with your co-workers and management. These skills are not learned in university but on the job. For example, working at McDonald’s teaches you customer service skills. These skills are just as important as the degree you hold.
“Hiring the right people takes time, the right questions and a healthy dose of curiosity. What do you think is the most important factor when building your team? For us, it’s personality. ”
While graduating from a prestigious university can certainly open doors and provide advantages in the job market, it's not the sole determinant of success. Ultimately, your individual skills, experiences, work ethic, and ability to market yourself effectively to employers will play a significant role in your career trajectory.
Do you want to know more about applying to a Canadian university? If you are an international student living in Pakistan, make sure to contact Go 2 Canada Education Services. Their education advisors are Canadians and well-versed in what the employment market demands.