Karunn Kandoi heads Business Operations for ApplyBoard- India and serves on its board along with other public limited Ed-tech companies. Before this Karunn worked with Extramarks Education as the Director- Whole Time & President Global Business. Karunn is an Ed-Tech professional with over 18 years of experience.
Canada has long been recognised as one of the greatest destinations for international students seeking higher education. Because of Canada’s excellent quality and standard, international students flock to Canada’s educational institutions. If you are planning to study in Canada, you must have a clear idea about what colleges and universities have to offer. This will help you to better define your educational and career route.
Colleges in Canada are well-known for their career-oriented approach, focusing on offering technical training and certificates.
- They typically offer either a one-year certification program or a two-year diploma program. In Canada, colleges focus on specific job skills, language training, and apprenticeship training.
Universities in Canada, on the other hand, focus on awarding degrees such as bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
- Universities place a strong emphasis on analytical skills, academic program, and professional training. University degrees for undergraduates take three to four years to complete and also allow students to get a double major.
In Canada, college studies are very popular among international students. The experiential and hands-on learning that many colleges provide is the major driving factor. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada there were nearly 200,000 international students enrolled in college programs in Canada in 2020.
College education is gaining popularity amongst students every year and this trend will only strengthen as the global talent shortage continues.
Innovative and Skilled based programs
Today’s students have a wide range of career options and professions to choose from. Many of today’s most fascinating jobs didn’t exist a few years ago. Students are increasingly foregoing traditional career pathways in favor of more focused courses that equip them with the skills they need to advance in their professions. College programs are famous for their unique blend of academic learning and practical skills training.
Colleges are leaders in technology and workforce development, preparing students for success in today’s cutting-edge jobs. These courses are often taught by instructors with professional experience and are continuously evolving to ensure students receive the most up-to-date training. The objective of these colleges is to assist students in developing skills necessary for their chosen career path.
With a skilled-labor shortage impacting several markets in Canada, it’s important to keep these opportunities in mind when considering the next steps with a student’s career aspirations. It’s worth it for students to keep which job vacancies are on the rise, these work trends and “in-demand” opportunities.
Take Advantage of Co-Op Opportunities
Colleges commonly provide co-operative education programs, which allow students to gain valuable work experience in the job market, while continuing their studies, preparing them for the job market. Students generally opt for programs that include a co-op. In order to land an internship a student is required to prepare their resumes to industry standards, perform well in interviews, maintain a high level of professionalism, and sustain a great academic record. This helps them understand the hiring process, gain relevant experience and land a job after graduation. Most institutions have a career coach on staff who can assist students with every aspect of their search for a co-op opportunity, including resume writing and interview preparation.
College classrooms Help Form Connections
College class sizes are generally smaller compared to that of a university. This allows students to communicate more effectively with their peers and lecturers. The lessons are full of spontaneity and excitement, with professors who encourage students to participate fully in class by asking questions, sharing ideas, and working hands-on. Instructors in colleges are well connected in the industry, are aware of the current trends and requirements in the job market, and students certainly benefit from their extensive network.
Diverse Options Speak to A Variety of Students
College programs are packed with people from all walks of life, including workers trying to improve their job skills, young parents, and international students with prior work experience looking to learn about the Canadian industry. There’s also the topic of tuition that can be appealing for many students depending on their budgets. Students have become more price conscious and are looking for more economical courses. College programs relatively offer cheaper tuition expenses than university programs, without losing the educational quality.
Many international students and professionals with previous degrees sought for colleges in Canada that offer shorter certificate and diploma programs. College programs can be used to complement a degree earned outside of Canada as a stackable credential, particularly in the context of continuing education and professional development. When compared to university programs in Canada, diploma programs are relatively short. They provide one-year or two-year programs, depending on the student’s preferences. More overseas students are applying to colleges because of the shorter course period.
Post-Graduation – What’s Next?
A student’s educational background, career goals, and aspirations all play a role in selecting the best program that meets their needs. They should also carefully consider what emerging career trends and job vacancies exist as this may impact their career aspirations.
There are many work permit and study permit opportunities that international students can take a look into applying for and considering if they choose to stay and find work opportunities once their school term comes to an end.