About the event
Launch Your Career in Canada is UBC’s annual career development intensive for international undergraduate and graduate students. Each event is an opportunity to see possibilities with your UBC degree, test your assumptions about the job market with industry professionals, and learn from UBC alumni who have been where you are now.
This is your opportunity to practice job search skills in a low-stakes environment with people who are interested in your success and growth. As part of this year’s program, you have a chance to learn about new changes to the Canadian immigration system, and how to set yourself up for success.
The Launch Your Career in Canada program will take place from Mon, Feb 23 to Fri, 27, 2026. Updated sessions and registration instructions will be available closer to the event date.
2025 Event schedule
Chart Your Path: Making Career Decisions in Uncertain Times
- Date: Mon, Feb 24, 2025
- Time: 12:00 to 1:00 pm
- Session format: Virtual
This workshop provides a clear roadmap, practical strategies, and tailored resources to help expand or clarify your possibilities and guide your decision-making process. Learn how to navigate uncertainty with confidence and make choices that set you up for success in launching your career in Canada.
Path to Professional Success: Your First Canadian Work Experience
- Date: Tues, Feb 25, 2025
- Time: 1:00 to 2:00 pm
- Session format: Virtual
Gain valuable job search strategies that can help you pave the way to securing your first Canadian job. Learn about common career challenges as international students, the norm of the Canadian labour market, and how to explore on-campus experiences to enhance your professional skills before you enter the job market. This workshop will address issues that are important to both undergraduate and graduate students.
Ask Hiring Managers and Alumni How to Get Recruited
- Date: Wed, Feb 26, 2025
- Time: 6:00 to 8:00 pm
- Session format: In-person
Attend an in-person event featuring insightful discussions and networking opportunities with hiring managers and UBC alumni. You’ll have the chance to hear from hiring managers about what they look for in candidates, what unique strengths international students bring to organizations, and connect with alumni who were international students and have successfully established their careers in Canada.
Pathways to Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
- Date: Thurs, Feb 27, 2025
- Time: 12:00 to 1:30 pm
- Session format: Virtual
Get up-to-date information about the recently announced changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program, eligibility criteria, application process, work eligibility during the transition to a PGWP, and important considerations when travelling after completing your studies. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session with Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs) from International Student Advising.
Strategies for Success in Canadian Immigration
- Date: Fri, Feb 28, 2025
- Time: 12:00 to 1:30 pm
- Session format: Virtual
This session will guide you in aligning your career planning with Canada’s immigration priorities to maximize your competitive advantage. Gain essential insights into the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system and practical tips to boost your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, paving the way from international student to permanent resident. Don’t miss this chance to stand out and take charge of your future in Canada!
How to register
Check back later for the 2026 program registration details.
Recordings of past sessions
View YouTube recordings of March 2024 sessions or watch all of them in the video playlist:
- Path to Professional Success: Your First Canadian Work Experience
- The Art of Building Connections
- Asking Hiring Managers How to Get Recruited
If you have questions
Contact the UBC Career Centre for any questions regarding the Launch Your Career in Canada or career-related information.