Make Your International Experience Work at UAlberta!

A recent UAlberta graduate offers advice on planning your international career -- Written by: Caitlin Chalmers, BSc

There are many benefits to working while you study at UAlberta. Whether you want a part-time position during the regular school year or a full-time summer experience, the opportunities in Edmonton are great! Prepare for your future career by gaining international work experience and improving your English language skills. Here are some tips on what you should look for when planning your international work experience.

1) What is your goal?

What are you hoping to get out of your work experience? Do you want to practice your English, meet new people, or improve your customer relations skills? How about research? Deciding what you want to gain from your experience is the first step in deciding what option is right for you.

2) Where do you want to work?

UAlberta International students have many on and off campus work opportunities. These include positions at restaurants, coffee shops, clothing stores, offices, and more. Some programs offer co-op placements, internships or research positions that offer you the chance to get experience in your chosen career.

3) Prepare yourself and find employers

There are many services available at UAlberta to help you prepare, like CAPS, the UAlberta career centre. They host career fairs, workshops, job shadow events and information sessions. International students have specific programs like the International Student Work Study Program (ISWSP) to help them find on-campus summer job opportunities.

4) Apply for jobs!

Applying for several jobs gives you many chances to get your name out there. If you don’t get a certain position – don’t be discouraged! This is Alberta after all –a strong economic city with tons of opportunities.

After graduating with your degree from UAlberta, you may be eligible to work in Canada for three years with a post-graduation work permit.

Check out where current UAlberta students are working!