Doc: CareerHub - International Student - MgrReview Copy v2.docx
Embarking on a career journey as an international student at the University of Waterloo is exciting and challenging. We’re here to support you in navigating the job search process and workplaces in Canada. You'll find valuable insights on self-reflection, networking, job applications, interviews and transitioning into the workplace from the perspectives of the unique questions and challenges that international students may experience. Additionally, we'll provide guidance on understanding Canadian workplace culture and connecting with essential resources both on and off campus. Remember, the Centre for Career Development (CCD) is available to support you throughout your journey, and you can always reach out for personalized assistance.
Self-Reflect and Network
Self-reflection and networking are key to navigating the job search process effectively. Networking is about building authentic connections that can provide insights, opportunities and support, particularly for international students seeking to understand the Canadian job market. By reflecting on your unique skills, experiences and how you wish to present yourself, you can approach networking with confidence, tailoring your interactions to align with your personal and professional goals.
Networking and its benefits
Networking is a word used to describe building connections. In the context of finding work, this can be getting to know other individuals who can provide valuable support throughout the job search process, such as sharing information or opportunities. For international students, networking can be particularly beneficial as it helps you understand the Canadian job market, explore potential career paths and expand your professional network in a new country.
More information about networking strategy can be found in the Networking section of CareerHub.
Getting started with networking
Networking can feel intimidating and awkward, and that’s normal. Meeting new people and talking about yourself can be challenging, especially if you’re in a new country and don’t know many people yet. However, networking doesn’t have to be a formal process. You can start with just getting to know other people better and building authentic connections with others that you already know, such as family, friends, classmates, instructors or members of other groups (community, religious, etc.) that you may be part of.
When networking, you don’t even necessarily need to talk about jobs! You may, for example, introduce yourself, what you’re currently doing, and where you want to be in the future. Networking isn’t only about connecting with future employers. Building these relationships and communities can still be beneficial in the short and long term. You never know where a connection might lead, what you may learn, and how you might help someone else in a meaningful way.
Networking can greatly assist in your job search by enabling you to learn from others and form connections with individuals who can support you.
For example, you might connect with someone with experience in a role like the one you're seeking, allowing them to share insights into their experiences.
Additionally, networking with someone who is hiring for such a role can help them understand your skills, and they may potentially consider you for that job or similar opportunities in the future. You might also reach out to someone with a shared identity, background or education (e.g. alumni from the program you’re in). Even if you don’t know them, connecting intentionally with folks that have something in common with you can be a very effective networking strategy.
More information on how to do this is available in the Networking section of CareerHub.
Student Quote Box: "Networking is not about just exchanging information. It's about sharing your experiences and asking for advice."
Navigating barriers to networking
Some international students may feel anxious to network in a new country because of the barriers they may anticipate. For example, there could be language differences that can make it feel more complex than it would at home. These are valid concerns, and there is support available for navigating these differences.
If you’re concerned about a language barrier, it is true that discrimination based on language or accents, unfortunately, can happen (Martin, 2022; Munro, 2003). These are related to race and ethnic origin, which are protected grounds in the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Please see the Safety and your rights section of CareerHub for more information on discrimination, harassment and guidance on how you might respond to situations like these.
While communicating in one or both of Canada’s official languages is important in the workplace, perfect fluency is not always sought. Employers are looking for the key skills needed for the jobs they’d like to fill. Being able to communicate effectively is important, but the level of importance of this can vary by job and industry. You may also bring language skills that their company needs and has difficulty finding. For example, perhaps they need someone fluent in a specific language to work with their client groups or stakeholders.
There are resources available if you’re looking for support with language learning, such as:
Some international students may have concerns about cultural differences and how to navigate them in networking, job search and workplace scenarios. For example, norms around things like eye contact and handshakes can vary quite a bit across cultures. If you’re seeking support in learning more about workplace culture in Canada, the Exploring workplace culture section of CareerHub is a valuable resource. Additionally, University of Waterloo students have access to MyWorldAbroad, which contains country guides for Canada and many other countries that you may find yourself considering working in.
For navigating any barriers as an international student, you may wish to think about who you can lean on for support. Perhaps this includes classmates who are experiencing similar challenges or family who have international experience. You can also connect with the International Experience Centre, which coordinates the International Peer Community, among other supports. Career advisors in the CCD are available to chat through questions or concerns you may have related to job search and workplaces. They also offer interview appointments, which can be a great way to practice your skills and build confidence. And, if you’re in co-op, you also have access to your co-op advisor throughout your degree program, who can support you with questions about finding co-op jobs and navigating the workplace when you’re on the job.
How do I want to present myself?
How you choose to “show up” and present yourself can be a very personal decision. Perhaps you have a preferred name or a nickname outside of your legal name, and you would prefer to use that when submitting job applications or having interviews – that’s okay. Perhaps you would prefer to use your legal name – that’s okay too. When connecting with others, you may choose to share pieces of your identity and culture, or you may choose to omit them.
If you do choose to share pieces around your cultural identity, you may find opportunities to build stronger, more authentic connections and to find others who share in your identities and communities. Feel free to build in that information alongside other things you may choose to share, such as your skills and experiences. However, it can also feel vulnerable to share that level of information, and it is also completely okay to choose not to include this information and to keep the conversation strictly about your skills and experiences.
You can meet with a career advisor to discuss strategies around identity disclosure in the workplace.
There's no one-size-fits-all approach to representing yourself during the job search process. Choose ways to present yourself that make you feel comfortable.
Highlighting your skills and experience
As you set out on the job search and go into your future workplaces, keep in mind that there is so much value that you as an individual bring. Everyone’s strengths are unique to them. Skills and experiences can come from a variety of sources. As an international student, your lived experiences may include working with others from different cultures and languages, in addition to having knowledge of different cultural practices, client markets and global worldviews. Perhaps you speak multiple languages or have a unique educational background. You may have gained resourcefulness, problem-solving skills and experience taking calculated risks in moving to a new country and strategizing how to succeed there. You bring valuable insights and perspectives to the workplace, and highlighting your international experiences can be a valuable asset during your job search. Like work experience, volunteering or extracurricular activities, your international experience can showcase your adaptability, cultural awareness and diverse skill set to potential employers. If you would like support with this or are looking for guidance on how to build more experience (such as joining clubs and volunteering), consider booking an appointment with a career advisor at the CCD.
Apply and Interview
Applying for jobs and going through interviews can sometimes feel like a rollercoaster, especially when you’re navigating it all in a new country like Canada.
We’re here to support you every step of the way, helping you understand what employers are looking for and how to showcase your unique strengths.
To help you make informed decisions, there is guidance on this in the Deciding to apply section of CareerHub. This guide will provide useful tips and strategies for evaluating job postings and if a position is the right fit for you. You may also find the Self-Reflect section on this page helpful!
In Canada, you generally don’t need to include very much personal information on your résumé. Your photo, age, marital status, and nationality are not typically included. More information on what is typically included can be found in the Résumés section of CareerHub.
Navigating the Job Application
Process in Canada Most of the time, the job application process is straightforward and fair. However, in the rare cases where issues might arise, here are some tips to keep in mind to protect your rights and ensure a positive experience:
What Questions Can Employers Ask During an Interview in Canada?
Understanding what questions employers can ask during an interview can help you feel more prepared and confident. Here are some key points from the Ontario Human Rights Commission to keep in mind. More information on unlawful interview questions is available in the Interviewing section of CareerHub.