Employers are increasingly looking for international experience, initiative, and real-world experience in their future employees. Canadian universities and colleges are quick to respond to employers’ desires and needs, and provide programming that prepares students for life beyond the classroom.

Prospective students who are looking at potential universities and colleges are sure to consider employability as one of their criteria for choosing an institution. As the new year approaches, current students may be thinking about summer employment plans. For those students preparing to graduate, an even greater adventure is on the horizon: what to do after receiving that hard-earned diploma.

Prospective international students who choose to study in Canada may be assured of an education that prepares them to work internationally, as well as in one of the strongest and most stable economies worldwide. Canadian universities and colleges are increasing their attempts to internationalize their educational offerings. In some cases, this takes the form of study programs that focus on integrating world affairs into course material. Other institutions are working to increase study abroad options. Many institutions put their efforts into attracting teaching faculty and students from around the world.

Recently, principal of McGill University Suzanne Fortier and French Ambassador to Canada Nicolas Chapuis co-wrote an editorial in the Montreal Gazette encouraging Canadian students to pursue study abroad experiences.

“Employers see the value of having staff members with a cross-cultural understanding and knowledge of the global marketplace. And for good reason; about 60 per cent of Canada’s GDP is a result of international trade. To maintain and grow those trade relationships, a better understanding of the world is required,” they write.

Consequently, international students in Canada are already ahead of their peers from the first day of classes. International students have made that leap to study abroad, and immerse themselves in a new culture and country. Individuals who move from the familiarity of their home country to pursue their goals learn to adapt to new situations and take initiative, and employers value this entrepreneurial spirit.

Employability Rankings

Two recent university rankings have focused on employability of graduates. Each study took different factors into account, and the results show marked differences. Nevertheless, Canadian institutions perform strongly in comparison with comparable institutions worldwide.

The Times Higher Education ranking is based on an online survey, conducted by French human resources consultancy Emerging. Respondents from 20 countries, including Canada, included management-level recruiters and managing directors of international companies.

The Times Higher Education ranking placed the University of Toronto in 14th place worldwide, and McGill University in 18th place. Within Canada, the Times Higher Education ranking is as follows:

1. University of Toronto
2. McGill University
3. University of British Columbia (tie)
4. University of Waterloo (tie)
5. McMaster University (tie)
6. Queen’s University (tie)
7. York University (tie)
8. Université du Québec à Montréal (tie)
9. University of Ottawa (tie)
10. Western University (tie)
11. Laval University (tie)
12. University of Montreal (tie)

The QS ranking was based on a number of factors including graduate employment rates, alumni outcomes, links to businesses and reputation of institutions. In the QS ranking, University of Waterloo was placed in 25th place, McGill University in 36th place, and the University of British Columbia in 48th place.

International Studies, International Careers

Fortier and Chapuis conclude, “As a truly global nation, Canada cannot afford to turn inward. Giving its young people the opportunities to learn and build relationships abroad is essential to its global future.” Students from around the world who choose Canada for their higher education are crucial in shaping that future.

To learn more about your options for studying in Canada, click here. There is also a range of tools and resources available for prospective students in Canada, including Canada School Search and School Match Canada.

To start your job search in Canada, try the CanadaVisa Job Search Tool.

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