Creating Possibilities: An Examination of University Career Support Services for International Students in British Columbia

Given the projected increase in the international student population, there is a need to understand the existing state of career support services on university campuses in British Columbia (BC) and whether these services meet their needs. Currently, the limited research in this area illustrates that international students intending to stay in the host country may not be adequately prepared to navigate the Canadian labour market. This study investigates the availability of career support services at two university campuses and their effectiveness in achieving the provincial government’s labour market objectives. University expert interviews and a comparative analysis inform the analysis of potential options. This study recommends that universities integrate mandatory online English as Second Language (EAL) workshops to enhance existing career development programs. Further, it is recommended that universities and the provincial government collaborate in improving the data quality of career support services. Ultimately, enhanced data is necessary to implement evidence based policies.