Education

How To Make It Easier For International Students To Get Jobs After Graduation

Published on August 12, 2024

Canada hosted a record number of international students in 2023. More than one million students were enrolled in approved programmes at a college or university.

Immigration, Citizenship and Refugees Canada (IRCC) data showed a 29 per cent increase from 2022.

According to the Conference Board of Canada, international students are an integral part of Canada’s labour force, but after graduation, they have poorer economic outcomes than Canadian-born students.

The Board explored what was needed to improve international students’ study-to-work transitions. It called international students “an ideal source of skilled talent given their Canadian education and official language skills”

But, it said, “we aren’t making the most of international students’ potential. After graduation, they earn less than Canadian citizens, and many only work part-time.”

A January 2024 CTV report quoted Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Marc Miller as calling the volumes “disconcerting” and saying the system was “out of control.”

The federal government has been criticized for welcoming increasing permanent and temporary immigrants while facing an acute housing shortage.

According to research by the Conference Board of Canada, one year after their first study permit expires, most international students remain in the province where they studied, with the highest retention in Quebec, Manitoba, and Alberta.

However, they stay where they can work since they have poorer employment outcomes than Canadian-born students. If international students pay so much in fees, the schools must assist with job search, but are they doing enough?

Various media outlets have published articles on issues affecting international students. The common thread is their financial stress and struggles to make ends meet.

Recent federal policy changes, including a two-year cap on new study permits, reflect a growing recognition of the issue. However, a cap will impact the revenue colleges and universities generate by charging international students higher fees.

After paying the high fees, students face obstacles as they work towards their goals, including paying back debts they took on to attend school. Mary (not her real name), an international student, graduated from an Ontario college in April and continues to look for work. She said the situation could be better. “We are struggling. The government calls people to come in and get PR (permanent residence status) when we struggle with getting jobs after paying so much for fees.”

Work experience

One of Mary’s struggles is the lack of Canadian experience, which is a significant barrier to employment. Canadian employers often prioritize candidates with local work experience due to their familiarity with the work culture and regulations.

Professional networks

Another layer is the need for more professional networks. After graduating, international students typically have smaller professional networks than Canadian students. Networks are often built over several years through classmates from high school, university, or family and friends. Networking is crucial in the Canadian job market, and a lack of connections hinders job search efforts.

Cultural and language barriers

Although many international students are proficient in English or French, cultural differences and subtle language nuances can still pose challenges during job search and in the workplace. A different accent may be perceived as causing misunderstandings and communication issues, impacting job performance and integration into the workplace culture.

Foreign qualifications

Some international students arrive with qualifications from their home countries, but Canadian employers may not fully recognize these. This discrepancy can lead to underemployment or difficulties securing jobs matching their skill levels. Sometimes, they arrive with a higher degree but study at the college level in Canada.

Legal and visa constraints

Visa rules governing the employment opportunities for international students limit applicants. For instance, the number of work hours during their studies is restricted, and post-graduation work permits have specific eligibility criteria.

Students need support to surmount these barriers post-graduation. The Conference Board of Canada, on behalf of the Future Skills Centre, is studying how colleges can improve support for international college students to maximize their employment outcomes.

Career services and support

Colleges can tailor their career services to meet international students’ needs, including offering workshops on resume writing, interview skills, and job search strategies that consider international students’ unique challenges. Sessions on the Canadian workplace culture and what students should expect make them aware of the work environment they plan to enter.

Internships and Co-op programs

Expanded access to internships and co-op programs could provide international students with valuable Canadian work experience. For some students, this is the closest they get to working in their field of study. Colleges can partner with local businesses to create more opportunities for international students to gain practical experience.

Networking opportunities

Colleges can organize networking events, career fairs, and mentorship programs that connect international students with industry professionals. Encouraging alumni networks and creating platforms for students to engage with potential employers can help students build professional networks.

Language and communication support

Language and communication workshops can help international students improve their proficiency and understand workplace culture. Training on business communication, Canadian workplace etiquette, and intercultural competence is also effective in assisting graduates to “assimilate” into the workplace.

Recognition of prior learning

Colleges and accreditation bodies can work together to recognize foreign qualifications. Providing clear pathways for international students to have their prior learning and credentials recognized can help them secure jobs that align with their skills and education.

Immigration and work permits

Colleges can assist international students in navigating the immigration system by providing information on work permit options and permanent residency pathways. Helping students understand their rights and responsibilities can ease legal and visa-related barriers.

The Conference Board of Canada research will include surveying and interviewing students and college staff. The goal is to offer advice to public college leaders and program administrators to improve the employment outcomes of international students.

Canada requires a multi-pronged approach to improve the employment outcomes of international students. Colleges can play a critical role in ensuring better employment outcomes for international students by enhancing career services, providing practical work experience opportunities, facilitating networking, offering language and communication support, recognizing prior learning, and assisting with immigration processes. These efforts benefit the students and contribute to a more diverse and skilled workforce in Canada.

The immigration minister has his finger on the pulse of the issue, and this is reflected in his comments in January. “International students are vital to Canada and enrich our communities. As such, we have an obligation to ensure that they have access to the resources they need for an enriching academic experience. In Canada, today, this isn’t always the case. We are striking the right balance for Canada and ensuring the integrity of our immigration system while setting students up for the success they hope for.”

Source link