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Research

How International College Students Use Career Supports

Most international college students wish to remain in Canada after they graduate. Those who stay and transition to permanent residency are an important part of Canada’s economic future, helping to offset our aging population and low fertility rates.

To fully harness the potential of international students and maximize the investments made in their education and settlement, it is crucial that those who stay in Canada after graduation transition smoothly into the labour market.

What are the common barriers for international college students accessing career services? What can post-secondary institutions do to help international college students and graduates transition to the workplace? What are the benefits of targeted training sessions and programs such as work-integrated learning?

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Key insights

International college students and graduates value interview assistance and résumé workshops the most, while also seeking more work experience, networking support, help with language barriers, and guidance on understanding Canadian workplace culture.

International college students and graduates who participate in work-integrated learning (WIL) and/or career services report better employment outcomes and feel more prepared for the labour market.

The international college students and graduates we surveyed also pointed to broader challenges they believe affect their employment prospects including limited job availability, poor working conditions, and discrimination during hiring.

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