Working During University: How to Balance Earning and Learning
Attending university is a major financial commitment. Even if you have a clear career path in mind, finding part-time work while studying can help offset tuition and living costs—and provide valuable experience for your résumé. Some of your first job might be in a restaurant or retail, but these are excellent opportunities to learn customer service and soft skills that employers demand. In Canada, international students have a variety of options and resources to help them succeed.
Check Your Work Eligibility
Before starting a job, confirm that your study permit allows you to work in Canada. In most cases, a separate work permit isn’t required, but conditions may apply. Always refer to the latest guidance from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to ensure you meet all requirements (IRCC, n.d.).
Use Campus Resources
Canadian universities offer career services specifically designed for international students. Career centres can guide you in crafting a strong résumé, writing cover letters, and preparing for interviews—even if you have little or no previous experience.
For example, Wilfrid Laurier University provides dedicated international student advisors and career programs to help students secure on-campus positions and navigate the job search process (Study in Canada, n.d.).
Gain Early Experience
Many institutions run on-campus employment programs where students can earn income while developing professional skills. At Laurier, the International Student Work Experience Program (ISWEP) offers paid part-time roles that allow students to gain experience in a supportive environment. Applying for these positions helps students practice job-search skills such as interviewing and résumé writing.
Explore Advanced Roles in Later Years
After your first year or two, you may be ready to take on positions with more responsibility. Opportunities can include becoming a teaching or lab assistant, working as a residence don, or joining a co-operative education (co-op) program if your field offers one. Co-op placements provide hands-on industry experience and can significantly enhance employability after graduation.
Build Financial Skills
Earning money is just the first step—managing it wisely is equally important. Most universities offer workshops and one-on-one advising on budgeting, credit management, and filing taxes in Canada. Laurier, for instance, provides a Money Management Certificate program that covers budgeting, investing, and financial planning (Study in Canada, n.d.).
Need guidance on choosing a program that includes a work option such as a Co-op work experience or internship program? Contact Go 2 Canada Education Services for expert counselling.
Citation
Study in Canada. (n.d.). Working during university: How to find the right job for you. Retrieved from https://www.studyincanada.com
Photo from Pexels Andrea Picquadio