With its world-class universities, welcoming environment, and robust job market, Canada offers numerous opportunities for graduates to embark on successful careers. According to Labour Force Survey (November 2022), the country's overall employment rate was 81.6% last year, demonstrating the potential for MS graduates to find employment within their respective fields. Hence, there is an enormous scope for skilled candidates looking for jobs after MS in Canada.
Here are a few ways a candidate can look for a job.
1. Market research
In-depth knowledge about what the country is looking for regarding its labor requirements is crucial. One should research the market demands and determine the variety of job vacancies Canada has.
2. Study the current trends in hiring
With the country’s constantly evolving job market, one must keep up with its legal changes, growing demand for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) talent, and new technology.
3. Build a Strong Resume
Remember, that your resume is the first impression you are offering to your potential employer. Furnish your resume with accurate information about your education, relevant experiences, strengths, and fortes. It is advisable that you stick to the standard resume structure and highlight team achievements rather than personal ones.
4. Filter Your Choices
You should be selective in choosing your target job roles and avoid bombing endless companies with replicas of the same cover letter and resumes. HR personnel communicate with each other, and you do not want to be highlighted doing that. Rather, opt for informational interviews, cold calling, and networking to effectively distribute your resume.
5. Be Proactive
You must keep a constant communication thread with a contact in the company you choose to approach and follow up with them within a week of applying for a job with them. A small gesture such as a “thank you” mail after your interview will take you a long way.
6. Networking is Key
Networking not only allows you to gain useful insights into your area of work and the community, but it also helps build social connections that are equally important when considering moving abroad. Another fact to remember is that Canada has a so-called ‘hidden job market’ because a good volume of their jobs doesn’t get advertised publicly, indicating that you have to have an excellent network of working professionals who will help you figure out your opportunities in the country.GoVolunteer.ca offers great opportunities for candidates already in Canada looking to expand their horizons. Volunteering helps you be a social part of local events and communities and advances your chance of finding a good job.
Strong Job Market: Canada has a robust job market with numerous opportunities for skilled professionals. With a Master's degree, you can tap into this market and access various job prospects in different sectors.
Work Permit: After completing your studies in Canada, you may be eligible for a three-year post-graduation work permit (PGWP).
Networking Opportunities: Studying in Canada offers excellent networking opportunities. You'll have the chance to connect with professors, classmates, and industry professionals.
Pathway to Permanent Residency: Canada has various immigration programs prioritizing international students and graduates. If you wish to settle in Canada permanently, the exposure gained through the MS program and subsequent work can contribute to your eligibility for Canadian permanent residency.
Competitive Salaries and Benefits: Canadian employers generally offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits packages, including healthcare, retirement plans, and vacation time. The average graduate student salary in Canada is $55,826 per year These factors contribute to a good work-life balance and a high standard of living.
Top Recruiters in Canada for MS Graduates
The Land of Maple Leaf offers unparalleled job opportunities after masters in Canada. Students get the opportunity to secure a job with the help of university career support. Given below are the average salary packages offered by top recruiters in Canada.
High Paying Jobs After MS in Computer Science in Canada
As per recent trends in the Canadian job market for Computer Engineers, 10,300 jobs will be available while 12,300 job seekers are projected to enter the market.
Students might get the chance to work full-time after graduation in Canada. The following are the two main scenarios in which this is a possibility. It is indispensable to apply for a study permit or a post-graduation work permit (PGWP).
Post-Graduation Work Permit in Canada
The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) enables students who have graduated from eligible Canadian designated learning institutions (DLIs) to receive an open work permit to gain valuable Canadian work experience. Skilled Canadian work experience in National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill type 0 or skill level A or B gained through the PGWPP helps graduates qualify for permanent residence in Canada through the Canadian experience class within Express Entry.
Post-graduation work permit (PGWP) Validity
A post-graduation work visa may be offered for a minimum of 8 months and a maximum of 3 years, depending on the length of the study program. Post-graduation work permits are exempt from Labour Market Impact Assessments.
Terms & Conditions to Apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):
The student needs to graduate from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in order to apply for the PGWP
Graduating from DLI makes the student eligible but does not guarantee that the student will receive the PGWP
Student must apply for the PGWP within 180 days (approximately six months) after graduating from university/after receiving their final grades or marks.
The study program you choose must span for at least eight months.
PGWP will cost students CAD 155, however, a student must pay CAD 100 as an open work permit holder fee.
It takes approx 53 days for the PGWP to be issued. The validity of the PGWP can vary based on anywhere between nine months to three years.
5 Ways to Find Jobs in Canada after MS
Master’s programs at Canada’s leading universities have well-established job centers that assist students in their search for suitable work after graduation. University career centers host job fairs and corporate connect events to achieve this. After obtaining their Master’s degree, students interested in pursuing a career in research may be able to find compensated work in research labs.
Searching for a job has become much easier nowadays, with job postings available at the click of a button on a gamut of online job portals. The following job portals can help international students secure a lucrative job in Canada after their master’s. So, to secure the right jobs after MS in Canada, students can leverage the following platforms.
1. Online Job Portals and Websites: Utilize popular online job portals and websites that cater to the Canadian job market. Websites like Indeed.ca, Workopolis, Monster.ca, and LinkedIn can help you find relevant job postings in your field. Create a detailed profile on LinkedIn, showcasing your skills, education, and work experience to attract potential employers and recruiters. Givn below are some private job portals in Canada you can try:
Jobillico: Founded in 2010, Jobillico is the leading job board in Quebec and a popular choice in Canada. Job seekers can upload their resumes and search for opportunities at no cost.
Talent Egg: This website is particularly beneficial to new grads looking for entry-level jobs in Canada. The website may also be useful for students looking for paid internships and summer jobs.
Apart from this, the Government of Canada’s official job posting website is available in both French and English. Job ads can be targeted at certain groups, such as those with a specific skill set or those from a socially disadvantaged background.
2. Networking and Professional Associations: Networking is crucial in the Canadian job market. Join relevant professional associations and attend industry events or job fairs to connect with potential employers and other professionals in your field. Networking can open doors to hidden job opportunities and provide insights into the job market.
3. Career Services at Educational Institutions: Many Canadian universities and colleges offer career services to their alumni. These services may include job boards, resume assistance, interview preparation, and networking events. Contact your university's career center to see what resources and support they can offe
4. Direct Company Applications: Identify companies in your field of interest and directly apply to their job openings. Visit company websites and look for their careers or job sections to explore available opportunities. Tailor your resume and cover letter to match the specific job requirements of each company.
5. Recruitment Agencies: Consider reaching out to recruitment agencies that specialize in your industry or field. These agencies have established connections with employers and can help match your skills and qualifications with suitable job opportunities. Submit your resume and discuss your job preferences with the agency to increase your chances of finding a job that aligns with your career goals
Make use of the boon that today’s virtual world offers, and keep updating your resume on professional websites such as LinkedIn. Keep an eye out for job postings on Facebook and track all the trends and patterns of the market relevant to students. Learn how to communicate on all relevant platforms and educate yourself regarding the background of the various companies.
2. Compile all your documents
Students should always have all the required documents and certificates handy while preparing for a job in Canada. A compact file of all your papers saves them the trouble of rummaging through documents while making spontaneous decisions.
3. Learn about their culture and heritage
It is a great way to seamlessly transition into being a part of the local community. They should take interest in the Canadian lifestyle and customs and respect their values. It will help them be accepted at their workplace sooner and aid in their professional growth.
4. Reach out and get help
Being proactive and making connections in the professional world is always great. The more information and insight they gather from people already in the industry, the better it will elevate their chances to quickly comprehend how things work, besides helping them create a rapport for themselves.
5. Speak the language, and know the mannerism
International students should strive to be fluent in the English language when planning to move to Canada. While most parts of the country have English speakers, some towns also have people whose first language is French. They should ensure you pick up the language if they stay in those towns.
Canada is a great country that will give you ample space to grow and achieve your career goals. So, if you have the correct qualifications, research the market, make good connections, and work diligently towards your applications. Cumulatively, a life after MS in Canada can be a dream you can easily achieve.
Canada offers an array of opportunities for students interested in pursuing master’s level education in the country. In tandem with high-quality education, the country offers impressive job opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you get a job after masters in Canada?
To get a job in Canada after completing your master's degree, you need a PGWP (Post-graduation work permit). Once you get the work permit, you can apply for jobs in various sectors. Some websites that can help you find relevant job opportunities are Job Bank, Job Bank for Youth, Charity Village, Good Work, and Talent Egg.
Which jobs are best in Canada after masters?
There are various job opportunities for postgraduates in Canada. Some of the streams that have good chances of jobs include engineering, data science, computer science, law and business, medicine and technology.
Can you settle in Canada after MS?
Yes, you can settle in Canada after MS. For proving your eligibility for permanent residence you need to gain work experience. So, after you complete your masters, the first step is to apply for a PGWP. Once you get a PGWP, you’ll be able to find work and gain relevant experience that can further qualify you for PR in Canada.
Who can earn more MBA or MS?
In Canada, MS graduates earn more than MBA graduates. The average salary of MBA graduates is $60,379/ year whereas the average salary of MS graduates is around $68,000/year.
Is it easy to get a job in Canada after MS?
Yes, it is easy to get a job in Canada after MS. There are plenty of job search sites to help students. Also, MS graduates are in high demand in any organization. Some top organizations that recruit MS graduates are Golder Associates, WSP Global Inc, Amazon.com Inc, Deloitte, StemCell Technologies Inc, IBM Canada Ltd, etc.
How are job opportunities in Canada after MS?
Canada is a country that provides a wide range of opportunities for international students after masters. The job market is booming with new job openings in popular fields such as technology, business, medicine, engineering and many more.
How is the job market for an MS student in Canada?
The Canadian job market is expanding on a large scale. With significant growth in the country’s economy, there are a large number of job opportunities for students who have completed their MS degree in different disciplines such as Medicine, Technology, Law, Business Management, Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, and Infrastructure. 90% of MS students who graduate from Canada get placed within 6 months with leading brands and multinational companies. Their average salary ranges from 49,49,437 INR to 69,87,440 INR.
What are Highest Paying Jobs after MBA in Canada?
Canada offers unmissable opportunities for international MBA students post their masters. The average annual package of an MBA graduate is around $79,696. Moreover, upon the completion of an Executive MBA program, students can get lucrative salary packages.
Rakhee Talukdar is an edtech expert with five years of experience in the education technology sector, focusing on K-12 and higher education systems in various countries, including Canada, USA, Finland, France, and Germany. Her background includes founding a startup and working with early-stage educational ventures, giving her a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities within these educational landscapes. Additionally, Rakhee specializes in helping students craft compelling Statements of Purpose (SOPs) for studying abroad, leveraging her insights into different education systems to guide students in articulating their academic and professional goals effectively. Her comprehensive knowledge and strategic approach make her a valuable resource for students navigating their educational journeys and financial planning.
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