Do universities and colleges offer career support, and how often does co-op lead to a full-time job?

Most Canadian universities and colleges have career-development centres that offer résumé reviews, interview practice, career fairs and employer connections. Some also have advisers dedicated to international students. At schools with established co-op programs, 60% to 70% of participating students may receive a full-time offer before graduation, but outcomes vary widely by program, institution and individual performance. When choosing a school, review the target program's co-op employer network and graduate employment data rather than assuming that co-op guarantees a job.

What to verify

• On-campus work, co-op work terms, post-graduation work and work experience for immigration each have different conditions.
• A program title or a popular field does not replace checking PGWP eligibility, work-permit conditions, NOC/TEER classification and employer requirements.
• Pay and employment rates vary substantially with location, sector, experience, licensing and the economic cycle.
• School career services provide job-search support, not a job guarantee or a guarantee that work will meet an immigration program's requirements.

Planning advice

Work backwards from the occupation you want: identify the education, licensing, work terms and work authorization it requires. Prepare at least one backup plan that does not depend on one employer or one immigration program. Do not begin work until its authorization conditions are in effect.