Canada has become a prime destination for international students looking for higher education and experience both personal and professional while beginning their adult lives away from home. Filled with great opportunities such as jobs and education have attracted students from all over the world. Kamloops specifically stands out due to Thompson Rivers University’s variety of programs, great campus and work opportunities in the city. Many students are excited to jump into a new community, as they try to find part time jobs to support themselves and gain experience. However, finding employment in Canada is not easy, especially given the current job crisis. More and more students continue to struggle to find jobs during the crisis; internationally students are specifically affected as the new environment makes them feel out of place and make it harder to be noticed by employers. Help is always needed when trying to find part time positions; students need support from TRU in order to feel at home.
International students face unique challenges in a competitive market where employers often prefer local candidates with local knowledge and experience. According to Hanson (Unemployment crisis grips Canadian international students, prompting concerns over immigration policies, 2024), the unemployment rate among Canada’s youth as of March 2024 is 12.6%, reflecting the tough conditions for job seekers, particularly international students. In Kamloops alone, according to TRU’s website there is an approximate of 7,757 international students from 122 countries (TRU at a Glance 2023-2024, 2024). Students must master key job searching skills such as; navigating websites, preparing for interviews, and crafting strong applications. A great majority of students are new to this whole process and may stumble during it which might lead to their struggles finding a job no matter their skills, all because they aren’t prepared for the whole process.
Searching for jobs can be scary and overwhelming, especially for new students adapting to a different country and culture. Andrea Castro, a third-year biology student from El Salvador, shares her experience in Kamloops’ job market. Since she arrived in Canada, she has had three different jobs but faced many challenges each job search. Over the years, she has submitted more than 40 applications to various companies, both online and in person. While reflecting on her job search she said:
“Sometimes, depending on the season, it’s good to find jobs as there’s more availability. Other times, it’s harder.”
Schedule conflicts add a new layer of difficulty to students when trying to find a job that best suits them, this can fluctuate based on the semester. Balancing coursework, exams and activities limits the jobs they can apply to. Employers often prioritize candidates with a more flexible schedule, putting students like Castro at a disadvantage. There are many roles in Kamloops as full-time positions, giving students fewer options to choose from. Castro shares her experience as she has had a considerable amount of experience in searching for jobs here in Kamloops, a place limited by its size where opportunities are finite. Students trying to find a job can become unmotivated by the constant rejection and not hearing back from jobs. TRU offers valuable resources to support students. The university’s Career Services department provides mentorship and practical tools to guide students through the job search process. Castro recalled her first job interview experience in Kamloops:
“For my first job, I was not prepared at all. I didn’t know what to expect because it was my first interview.”
Castro’s first time in an interview is described as a struggle where she felt she wasn’t prepared and felt anxious during the interview as she felt she didn’t know what to say with each question. With time Castro became more confident when it came to job interviews.; she described her most recent interview:
“For my last interview, I was prepared because I knew what to expect from the company and what they wanted. They hired me based on my personality.”
Larry Iles, Experiential Learning Coordinator and Associate Teaching Professor at TRU, highlights the comprehensive support offered by Career Services.
“We run monthly workshops on resumes, cover letters, and interviews. Plus, we know thousands of employers, so we have a big network and know what they’re looking for.”
The different workshops throughout the semesters are filled with helpful information that can guide students to have an idea of how the job search process should be. The student’s inexperience, despite these resources, can lead to common mistakes in their job search. Iles notes that many rely too heavily on job search platforms like Indeed:
“Students assume that because they took courses in a subject, they know a lot about it, but they haven’t worked yet. The world of work is completely different from classroom theory. Relying solely on Indeed is the worst thing you can do. When a job is posted there, they get thousands of applicants within an hour.”
Iles emphasizes the importance of networking and exploring diverse job search strategies. Leveraging TRU’s Career Services, connecting with professionals, and applying creatively can significantly enhance students’ chances of landing jobs.
The job search can be a frustrating and overwhelming journey, especially for international students with limited experience. However, with the right guidance and persistence, they can navigate the market successfully. Larry Iles encourages students to use the resources they have here at TRU in the Career Services department located at Old Main 1712, as they have all the options available to help them prepare their resumes, cover letters, and have some tips and tricks for their interview process. Career Services is a flexible resource that can help new or seasoned students that know their way around in Kamloops to reach the job position they dream of both part time or full time. TRU’s Career Services remains a great tool to help students build confidence and secure employment that best suits them.
Check out our interview with Andrea Castro to learn more about her experience searching for jobs.
References
Hanson, L. (2024, April 29). Unemployment crisis grips canadian international students, prompting concerns over immigration policies. Crystaledunews.com.ng. https://crystaledunews.com.ng/unemployment-crisis-grips-canadian-international-students-prompting-concerns-over-immigration-policies/29/#content
www.tru.ca, T. R. U. (2024, May). Facts and figures: Integrated planning and effectiveness. Thompson Rivers University. https://www.tru.ca/ipe/facts-and-figures.html