Illustration by LeeAndra Cianci
This June, thousands of young Canadians will be graduating from postsecondary schools across the country. Those graduates will be entering a "low-hire, low-fire" job market, where the youth employment rate has dropped by 5.5 percentage points since late 2022.
We asked readers to share whatever advice they may have for postsecondary graduates emerging from academia into the job market. From saying “yes” whenever you can to staying curious about the world and technology, here’s what they had to say.
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Seeing the world
Illustration by LeeAndra Cianci
Do not be afraid to move to smaller, remote communities that may be in desperate need for young workers. It can be difficult to re-adjust expectations when you are accustomed to living in a major city during your university years but at the end of the day, the best experience is the experience you were able to acquire even if it’s not what you initially wanted. Returning to or moving to a smaller, remote community that is less competitive and in more need of young talent can be the opportunity that may lead you to your dream job in the medium- and long-term. – Paul Raymond is a lawyer with a law degree from the University of Ottawa. He is currently based in Kapuskasing, Ontario.
Travel to experience other parts of our country, our continent and our world. You will gain experiences and perspectives that will benefit you for a lifetime. If possible, find a job with a travel component and for which the employer covers the travel costs. Take the risk and do this early as it only becomes more difficult as you progress towards maintaining a home and/or raising a family. – Nathan Gerelus is a father of three and a Government of Canada executive with a bachelor of science from the University of Manitoba.
Applying for a first job
Illustration by LeeAndra Cianci
Select your first company carefully. Pick a company with an in-office or, at the very least, hybrid office culture. At this critical stage of your career, you must break bread face-to-face with clients, partners and your leadership. You need to see how things work and others need to see you add value. Working from home and avoiding the commute may seem appealing, and it only works in later stages of careers where your value and reputation has been well established.
I encourage everyone I mentor to build three legs of their career chair/stool: your core competency, refined EQ and people skills and technology acumen. Those who check the three boxes will be in demand for years to come. – Brent Allison is a father of three and a CEO with a MBA from the University of Calgary. He is currently based in Calgary.
Look for any kind of job, if possible in the direction of your studies, but not necessarily. Stick to it for at least six months, even if you don’t like it. The reason is to get practical working experience that is usually rather different from studying experience. – Mariolina Koller-Fanconi is currently based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
Don’t just drift into a job and accept it as a career because it’s there. – John Foottit is currently based in Ottawa.
Putting in the work
Illustration by LeeAndra Cianci
Attitude has always trumped aptitude in the workplace and now more so than ever. Just say “yes” in those early years, however menial the task may be. Do the best you can when given a task, and socialize with your colleagues. – Rishi Chakraborty is currently based in Calgary.
Good enough is not good enough. – Rick Gee is currently based in Kelowna, British Columbia.
I won’t pretend the world you’re stepping into is simple. It isn’t. Remember that every generation has faced its own version of uncertainty and yours has more tools, more access, and more potential than generations before.
Your network is your net worth. Build it now, before you think you need it. Talk to your parents and their friends, family members, neighbours and teachers. Seek out leaders in fields that spark your curiosity, even ones you never imagined pursuing. Ask for informational interviews. Ask questions and listen more than you talk. You will be surprised how many doors open simply because you showed up with genuine interest.
Stay curious about technology. You don’t need to be an expert in everything, but understand what’s changing around you, which industries are evolving, which skills are in demand, and how to position yourself as someone who embraces change rather than resists it. The most valuable people in tomorrow’s workplace will be those who can learn, unlearn, and learn again.
Embrace the detours. And when you stumble, because you most likely will, we all do, dust yourself off and go again. Resilience is something you must develop. At any age, in any season of life, you can shift direction, learn new skills, and open yourself to new possibilities. And above all else, be a good human. Treat people with kindness, lead with empathy, and lift others along your journey and everything else will follow. The future is uncertain for all of us. But it is bright and it is yours! – Elyse Mailhot is a tourism marketing business owner and the mother of a McGill University graduate. She is currently based in Vancouver.