Last month, as part of International Education Week, the International Centre organized a panel discussion about how international students can make the transition from school to the workplace.
“Pathways to Employment” began with the host, Robin Nurse, asking the students in attendance why they wanted to study abroad. Some of the responses: “My parents wanted it.” “I wanted to learn English.” “I wanted a better education.” “It’s better here than where I’m from.”
Everyone has a story, and the goal of the event was for the students to hear from successful community leaders about how they made the transition to the workforce as an immigrant.
Mohja Alia, who now works for Immigrant Settlement and Integration Services, explained that she came to Halifax because she wanted a better life for herself and for her family. “The hardest thing was getting in the door,” she said. “I volunteered for a year with the company I now work for.”
She said that the best thing students can do is devote time to preparing: “Take your steps to become job ready.”
Soulafa Al-Abbasi of FUSION Halifax added to Alia’s advice, advising students to, “Do your research, make connections, mingle, build your networks, and move beyond your core group.”
Finding support
Denise DeLong, who works with the Greater Halifax Partnership, discussed how organizations like the Greater Halifax Partnership, FUSION Halifax, and ISIS (Immigrant Settlement and Integration Services) can help with this transition. Other smart strategies include meeting with a career councillor, participating in a work placement program in order to gain Canadian work experience, finding mentors, becoming engaged in the community, checking company websites and attending community events.
Jinbo Chen, of the Department of Labour and Advanced Education, explained some of the struggles international students face when trying to work in Canada. “The top three challenges are unrealistic expectations, timeframe and [knowing] what questions to ask.”
“There are no right or wrong decisions,” said Chen, when asked about specific steps students should take to enter the workforce. “But you learn from negative experiences. It’s a step-by-step process.”
Knowing yourself, knowing your skills
Panel member Michelle Zhang of HSBC Canada shared her advice about the questions students should parse out to guide them in their quest: “What previous work experience do you need to get the job you want? What other experience do you have and how is this relevant? What makes you special?”
Ms. Zhang shared own experience as well. “I spent a couple of months with an accounting firm, and I became comfortable with other people and the job. I began my job search a year before I graduated. I paid attention to my qualifications and sent applications everywhere.”
After Emma Otuki of the Black Business Initiative offered some of her own advice, echoing the other panelists, the students in attendance stuck around to ask questions and offer thoughts from their own experience.
International Education Week was a showcase of the contribution that international education has here in Canada. It included a series of events, culminating with a gala dinner in the McInnes Room. Presented by the International Centre and the Dalhousie International Students’ Association, the evening included a dinner of butter chicken, curry, and basmati rice and cultural presentations including West African Dance and Chen-Style Taichi.
Want to learn more about events and opportunities for international students at Dal and in the community? Visit the International Centre's website.