Work Permit After Study in Canada - Jobs After MS

To work in Canada after your graduation, you need to get a work permit under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP).

With PGWPP, you get valuable work experience as well as full-time employment.

In addition, if you are sufficiently skilled and have the requisite work experience, you can also apply to become a naturalized citizen of Canada under the Express Entry scheme.

You would be required to demonstrate your ability to assimilate with Canadian culture and contribute towards its economy.

Typically, the PGWPP work-permit is given for a period equal to the duration of your study program with a cap of three years. Also, the minimum length of your study program should be eight months.

For PGWPP, you need to meet the following requirements:

• You must enroll in a full-time program in Canada with the course lasting for a minimum of eight months
• You must be a graduate from: a) a public post-secondary institution, including colleges, trade/technical school, university or CEGEP, b) a private post-graduate educational institution which has rules and regulations similar to a public institute, c) a private secondary or post-secondary institution (in Quebec) which offer programs of 900 hours or longer
• Apply for the work permit within 90 days from the date of receiving a written confirmation from your institute informing you that you meet all the requirements needed to complete your academic degree
• You need to complete and pass the program you are enrolled in and must have received a notification mentioning that you are eligible for a degree, diploma or certificate.
• You must be staying in Canada with a valid study permit while applying for the work permit

1.) Electronics Engineer

• Median Salary: $87,006
• Salary Growth (2009–2015): +16%
• Total Employees: 33,300
• Change in Employees (2009–2015): +4.4%
  

Job Description: Electrical and electronics engineers design, plan, research, evaluate and test electrical and electronic equipment and systems. There are opportunities in both the private and public sector: many professionals find employment with electrical utilities, communications companies, manufacturers, transportation companies and consulting firms.

2.) Aerospace Engineer

• Median Salary: $79,998
• Salary Growth (2009–2015): +13%
• Total Employees: 9,200
• Change in Employees (2009–2015): -21%
  

Job Description: This is a category that’s dominated by big manufacturers (in Canada, especially, there are very few homegrown ones—most are foreign-owned subsidiaries). Given the complex supply chains, there are plenty of smaller companies to work for as well. Alternative fuel sources are a growing area of interest in this field. Specific job titles in this field vary: from aerodynamics engineer to systems engineer, there’s potential to specialize.

3.) Specialized Engineer

• Median Salary: $81,058
• Salary Growth (2009–2015): +6%
• Total Employees: 23,000
• Change in Employees (2009–2015): +94%
  

Job Description: Specialized engineers work in, well, more specialized and therefore more obscure fields. Think naval architecture, bio-medicine, physics, and food processing. They develop machinery, systems, and processes.

4.) Petroleum and Chemical Engineer

• Median Salary: $104,998
• Salary Growth (2009–2015): +16%
• Total Employees: 10,200
• Change in Employees (2009–2015): -22%
  

Job Description: The central responsibility of a petroleum engineer is to conduct studies specifically for the exploration, development and extraction of oil and gas deposits. They are employed by energy companies, the government, research institutions and consulting companies. The broader chemical engineering field deals with the biochemical processes that are used to transform any raw material into a product: they could be stationed in the oil sands or they could find work in consumer-facing industries, like food.

5.) Telecommunications Manager

• Median Salary: $84,448
• Salary Growth (2009–2015): +14%
• Total Employees: 10,900
• Change in Employees (2009–2015): -3%
  

Job Description: Telecommunications managers are employed by telecom companies to oversee the development, operation and maintenance of their services. They have titles like telephone company district manager or facilities manager of telecommunications. They must have the technical knowledge and experience in order to assess installations, operation and maintenance services in order to make recommendations for improvement. A university degree in science, electrical engineering, or a related field is required.

6.) Engineering Manager

• Median Salary: $100,006
• Salary Growth (2009–2015): +10%
• Total Employees: 24,100
• Change in Employees (2009–2015): +17%
  

Job Description: Engineering Managers are typically hired to oversee the engineering department of a company or an engineering consulting firm. They evaluate the products and operations of an engineering department and set the procedures and standards that engineers must adhere to in their technical work. Engineering managers also deal with the firm’s clients and are expected to explain proposals and present engineering findings.

7.) Financial Manager

• Median Salary: $97,074
• Salary Growth (2009–2015): +21%
• Total Employees: 19,900
• Change in Employees (2009–2015): +17%
  

Job Description: This group of managers are employed by insurance companies, real estate firms, stockbrokers and security exchanges. They are responsible for business development and ensuring their team meets the established objectives. You need a university degree in business administration or a finance-related discipline to enter the field. Then, it’s about accumulating experience in the particular industry you’re interested in to be considered for a management role.

8.) Software Engineer

• Median Salary: $88,005
• Salary Growth (2009–2015): +17%
• Total Employees: 42,400
• Change in Employees (2009–2015): +60%
  

Job Description: Software engineers have one of the most in-demand skills right now: the ability to code. They spend their days writing snippets of code on their computers to develop applications that millions of people could potentially use. Logically-minded individuals with a love for computers and software would fare well in this field. A bachelor’s degree in computer science or software engineering is required.

9.) Construction Manager

• Median Salary: $79,997
• Salary Growth (2009–2015): +15%
• Total Employees: 46,400
• Change in Employees (2009–2015): +26%
  

Job Description: Construction managers are employed by construction companies to organize and administer the activities of a construction team. They figure out the budget estimates and establish schedules and milestones to lead a construction project from start to finish. A university degree in civil engineering or a college diploma in construction technology is necessary. You’ll also need to work your way up in the construction industry to enter management level.

10.) Pharmacist

• Median Salary: $99,840
• Salary Growth (2009–2015): +9%
• Total Employees: 32,300
• Change in Employees (2009–2015): +38%
  

Job Description: The number of pharmacists grew sharply in recent years as the proportion of seniors in Canada’s population continues to increase. The demand for pharmacists working in hospitals and community pharmacies is high, and will persist over the next few years. A bachelor of science degree in pharmacy and practical training under a working pharmacist are a must to land a job. Additionally, you’ll need a license issued at the provincial level.

11.) Mining & Forestry Manager

• Median Salary: $104,000
• Salary Growth (2009–2015): +19%
• Total Employees: 11,700
• Change in Employees (2009–2015): +44%
  

Job Description: This group of managers work in Canada’s natural resources sector, overseeing the operations of facilities like mines, lumber mills and fisheries. Some of their days are spent outdoors, inspecting ground operations. Their main goal is to make sure production quotas are met and the site is adequately staffed and equipped. They are also responsible for hiring and training new personnel and reporting progress to senior management.

Network security and big data initiatives are driving demand for IT professionals within Canadian businesses. Healthcare, finance, high-tech and software organizations are among the top industries seeking skilled technology talent for their teams.

Canadian employers are taking a strategic approach to full-time and contract hiring while still moving quickly to avoid losing out on top talent. The most prized candidates not only have specialized technical skills, but also possess business acumen and strong soft skills. Developers, as well as network security and database professionals, are in especially high demand.

Here is a list the top Canadian cities with the best average salaries for the same job profiles:

• Vancouver, British Columbia
• Toronto, Ontario
• Montreal, Quebec
• Calgary, Alberta
• Edmonton, Alberta
• Ottawa, Ontario
• Fraser Valley, British Columbia
• Victoria, British Columbia
• Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario
• Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
• Regina, Saskatchewan
• Winnipeg, Manitoba

You may have an advantage in the current IT and Tech hiring environment, but you still need to show discerning employers how you can create value for the organization.

When applying and interviewing for technology roles, you should:

• Be prepared to discuss technical skills in-depth
• Provide relevant work samples and explain your contribution in developing each project and its outcome
• Present a work history that shows measurable career progression
• Exhibit a proven track record of delivering results to previous employers — for example, completing projects before deadlines or reducing costs
• Demonstrate strong communication skills
• As an international student, you should focus on developing your communication skills, including written, interpersonal and face-to-face communication.