Why Study in Canada: Work Experience, Immigration, Career Support

In addition to a globally competitive education, students get a path to immigration and access to a thriving economy.

Published on 2020-07-16 Ani Kodjabasheva

Are you thinking of graduate study in Canada? This webinar by the University of British Columbia (UBC) Sauder School of Business will give you a detailed idea of the benefits and the opportunities after graduation. You will find out why Canada not only provides a world-class education, but also the chance to start a new career and build a life there.

Can you work while you study in Canada?

Work experience is part of the business school journey. Students are allowed to work part-time during the school year and full-time during the summer break. Typically, a summer internship offers a chance to experience a Canadian professional environment and grow their network.

Internships

All UBC Sauder students do a summer internship, unless they choose to develop their own entrepreneurial project instead. Internships are paid and the monthly salary ranges between 3,000 and 6,000 CAD, says Mary Cowan, MBA Career Manager at UBC Sauder.

Part-time work

During the first part of their studies, students are advised to focus on coursework, which can be quite demanding. After they return from the summer internship, however, many choose to work part-time. Some students stay at the same company where they did their internship and keep growing in their role, which can turn into a full-time opportunity after graduation.

Lifelong career support

Is it hard to get a job in a new country? Less so with dedicated individual support from the Business Careers Center at UBC Sauder. Students receive individual coaching to help them identify their strengths and find the best opportunities for them in the market. “You don’t do it blindly. We’re here to tell you what’s expected, what the market expects, so you can make informed decisions,” Cowan explains.

Even better, career support does not end with graduation. Students continue to get advice years after completing their MBA, for example if they decide to change jobs or careers. “We’ve invested in you and your career – we’d like to see where you land not just for the internship, but beyond,” says Cowan.

A higher quality of life

Beyond a healthy job market, Canada’s high quality of life attracts many graduate and MBA students. There are benefits to living in one of the world’s most beautiful cities – Vancouver, shares Zaa Nkweta, Manager, Recruitment and Admissions, Robert H Lee Graduate School, UBC Sauder School of Business.

Multinational companies like Microsoft, SAP, Amazon, and McKinsey have offices in the city, and it is also home to well-known local brands Lululemon and Hootsuite. Vancouver’s thriving economy is supplemented by a stunning location on Canada’s west coast. Many locals enjoy activities like hiking or skiing.

A nation open to immigrants

Immigration is prized in Canada, Cowan explains, and international students have a path not just to work experience but also to longer-term integration. Students can stay on a work visa after graduation for 3 years. During that time, they can build up Canadian experience and apply for long-term status.

Canada as a nation also identifies with a global perspective and multiculturalism, according to Cowan and Nkweta. These values are shared by the UBC Sauder School of Business. 46% of students there are international. Diversity “adds to the strength of our cohort and your learning experience”, says Nkweta.

Watch the webinar to find out valuable information about study in Canada, including: