Where can I work?
Where in the world do you want to work?
Want to work in another country or gain experience in the Canadian market?
Although trying something new can be challenging, expanding your horizons can be extremely valuable for your professional and personal development.
It’s an exciting prospect to gain work experience in different locations worldwide, but there are many things to consider depending on your specific circumstances. Here’s some info to get you started:
Working in Toronto
Are you thinking of moving from Vancouver to Toronto? Many compelling reasons make Toronto attractive for internships, Co-op work terms, or full-time work after graduation.
Here are some differences between Vancouver and Toronto to think about:
Vancouver Metropolitan Area | Toronto Metropolitan Area | |
Population sizeSource:Statistics Canada 2022 Data |
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Median 2022 BCom New Grad Salaries |
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Top 10 in-demand job functions for UBC BCom gradsSource: BCom Class of Spring 2022 SEAT (Sauder Employment Analytics Tool) data |
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Toronto is an exciting place to be when you begin your career! With so many corporate national offices-including Labatt-being based in the Greater Toronto Area, students and recent graduates benefit from the larger pool of jobs available to them and the exciting career paths these opportunities lead to. Working at national office in Toronto will [also] lead to quicker progression in your career!
Bianca Ciccarelli, Western Canada People, Manager, Labatt Breweries
Did you know?
According to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) 2023 Global Liveability Index on the most livable major cities in the world, Vancouver ranks #5 while Toronto ranks #9.
Option-specific Insights
Most Canadian consulting and finance opportunities are in Toronto, which is Canada’s largest financial hub
Most new grad leadership programs in business analytics take place outside of B.C., mainly in Toronto—however, there are opportunities in Vancouver
According to CPABC, it's estimated that by 2029 BC will create almost 40,000 new accounting jobs
- Due to the cost of living and availability of talent, marketing salaries can vary between cities in Canada. Generally, adjust average base salaries as follows:
- Vancouver: +3%
- Toronto: +3.2%
International Students Working in Canada
If you’re an international student, whether or not you intend on staying in Canada after graduation, getting work experience in Canada can help you advance your career.
Attending Launch Your Career in Canada is a great starting point while you are at UBC. This annual networking experience, open only to UBC international students, is dedicated to supporting their career development. Launch Your Career in Canada provides an opportunity to hear from and connect with alumni and industry professionals each year.
Work Permits
As an international student, you can do several types of work in Canada, including on and off-campus employment, Co-op work terms, and jobs after graduation. Some require specific work permits
Refer to UBC Student Services' Working in Canada page for information about the different work permits required to work in Canada and additional related information. You can also get more information from the Government of Canada's Immigration and Citizenship website.
Questions?
Connect with International Student Advising for questions related to immigration, health insurance, and life as an international student in Canada.
Working Abroad
Working abroad builds independence, initiative, and adaptability – important traits employers always value.
An international work placement will help you get work experience directly related to your field. It will also enhance your global perspective and professional network.
Eligibility & documentation requirements
Most intentional positions require at least a bachelor's degree, but there are still many options if you haven’t completed your studies.
Research the required documents and conditions to work in foreign jurisdictions before applying. For example, if you want to work in France, you should know that all Co-op work terms and internships require a “convention de stage,” which is currently not a document that UBC Sauder provides students.
If you want to work abroad, you’ll need to apply for a work permit from the country where you want to work. This can take time to organize, so plan. Contact the appropriate embassy or consulate to find out what’s required. If you have dual citizenship (e.g., a parent or grandparent born in your destination country), contact the embassy and begin the paperwork as early as possible.
SWAP is an excellent resource if you want to pay for help arranging visas and/or locating work overseas.
Resources
- UBC Sauder Alumni: Tap into our global network of over 37,000 accomplished business professionals in 75 countries. Find UBC Sauder alumni on LinkedIn
- Government of Canada: Living Abroad: Everything you need to know how to prepare to leave Canada to live in a foreign country.
- International Youth Programs: Travel the world and earn money! The Government of Canada has negotiated reciprocal temporary work permits with nearly 40 countries for Canadians between the ages of 18 and 35. Check out TransitionsAbroad.com for a helpful Student Internship and Work Abroad Checklist
International job postings
- OverseasJobs: features overseas jobs and international employment opportunities for professionals, expatriates, and adventure seekers
- Jobaroo (Australia): for working holidays and sponsored professionals
Remember, before making your career move, do your research!
Explore SEAT for UBC Sauder new grad job data—find data on salaries, employment locations worldwide, employers hiring grads, and more!
You can also check out Numbeo for a better gauge of how your current cost of living compares to where you’d like to move.
Navigate Your Career Journey
Trying to figure out what type of work interests you? Or maybe you’re wondering what resources can help you achieve your goals? No matter where you are in your unique career journey, you can use our career development model to help navigate your personal and professional goals at UBC Sauder and beyond.