International students learn volunteering and networking enhance career prospects

After two years of job search, Jingan Chen, a third-level interactive media design student at Algonquin College, found a key lesson: success in Canada relies more than on perfecting a resume.

“If you want to find a job here in Canada, I would suggest don’t spend too much time on your resume or cover letter,” Chen said. “Putting more attention on volunteering and making connections would be more helpful.”

This became a common sentiment shared by many international students at Algonquin College’s annual international meet and greet on Oct. 8 in the DARE Diestrict’s first-floor meeting hall. The college’s Co-op and Career Centre and International Education Centre organized the event.

The morning sunlight streamed through the glass windows into the spacious hall, where international students from around the world gathered, ready to seize the rare opportunity to engage in face-to-face conversations with peers, professionals and mentors. The atmosphere was filled with excitement, and every corner buzzed with conversations, with people exchanging career advice and contact information.

“I talked to a few people already, including the a third level student in my program. He gave me some tips for the exams and co-op in the future,” said Dennis Nsi, a first-year computer engineering student from Nigeria.

In addition to the international students, many mentors from the International Peer Mentor program (IPM) were present at the event in green uniforms. They mingled among groups, facilitating discussions and sharing their own experiences and challenges in both academics and job searching.

Yug Patel, a first-level international student studying TV broadcasting at Algonquin College, struggled through a year in computer programming before deciding to switch to TV broadcasting. Despite the challenges in his new field, Patel has persistently given it his best.

“Because English is not our first language, the different accent, different ways of grammar can be really challenging, especially in TV broadcasting,” Patel said.

Patel is also a mentor in the IPM program. Through the meet and greet, he reaffirmed one key takeaway: beyond academic knowledge, getting involved in volunteering can greatly benefit international students’ career development.

“I’m really happy to talk with the board of directors member and team lead of the career centre,” Patel said. “I learned that more volunteering makes you more connected, so I recommend every peer should attend more events like this and talk to people.”

Patel’s insight resonated with many international students.

Chen, from Taiwan, has an even deeper appreciation for volunteer experience.

Chen worked as a design manager in Taiwan, gaining significant experience and building a great portfolio. However, Chen has faced many obstacles in his job search over the past two years.

“Canadian employers only want the local experience, if you were not working in Canada before, which means you are kind of useless in Canada,” Chen said. “And people just don’t like foreigners to do the job.”

But after redirecting his time and energy into volunteering, Chen found a breakthrough. Although unpaid, these experiences helped him build connections with industry professionals in his field.

“The reason why I realized I love social work in Canada is because so many social workers and NGOs, they love to help me,” Chen said. “They actually create so many chances for me to connect to the people who have power, so my advice will be trying to bridge out for more people.”

Chen noted that for international students planning to establish long-term careers in Canada, job searching can become increasingly challenging. However, volunteering and networking can be essential tools for them, he said.

More information on upcoming IPM events can be found on the IPM program’s website.