Taking Charge
At the School for International Studies, we understand that students are seeking guidance to make sure your time at university meets your longer-term goals. We know that students face a lot of uncertainty, particularly when it comes to career planning. We embrace career guidance approaches that view uncertainty as an opportunity for growth. This perspective helps students envision diverse career pathways and develop a positive attitude towards uncertainty, reducing anxiety and building confidence.
We work to engage students in professional development and career-related activities, access university resources, and connect with faculty and alumni. We are here to help you figure out how to use your time in university wisely, preparing you for your future.
Possible Career Pathways
Learn about the work our former students are doing after graduation.
What can you expect from your degree?
During your time at the School for International Studies, you will have the opportunity to cultivate and refine skills essential for effectively meeting the demands of your post-university life and career path.
The International Studies (IS) degree equips students with knowledge about the world鈥檚 complex problems and enables individuals to analyze these realities through an interdisciplinary lens. In IS courses and through our many extracurricular opportunities (in Canada and abroad), students gain in-depth understandings and crucial skills in addressing real-world problems and multiple audiences.
Learning from instructors who are active in policy and research around the world, and with peers from diverse backgrounds, IS students gain rich insights to make informed decisions about how to pursue their career goals.
Skills
Explore some of the key skills you will develop through your IS degree and how they will prove valuable:
Analysis, Problem-solving, and Research
Enhancing these skills empowers students to analyze complex problems, synthesize information from various sources, and evaluate data critically. With these skills, students will become adept at identifying key issues, understanding their underlying causes, and proposing evidence-based solutions.
Decision-making and Implementation
Refining these skills equips students to make informed decisions, develop and evaluate policies, negotiate effectively, and execute plans with precision. These skills are crucial for implementing strategies, managing projects, and driving positive change.
Communication and Presentation
Nurturing these skills enables students to articulate ideas effectively, present research findings, and engage in meaningful discussions. Strong communication skills enable students to elucidate complex concepts clearly and persuasively, facilitating effective connections with diverse audiences across various settings.
Teamwork and Networking
Cultivating these skills enables students to collaborate fruitfully within diverse teams, lead initiatives, support team members, and achieve common goals. Further, networking skills enable students to build valuable professional relationships, establish connections, and create promising opportunities.
Experiential Learning
Experiential learning opportunities encourage students to apply their knowledge and skills in practical contexts and reflect on these events.
Learning through active engagement enriches the university process and contributes to students鈥� preparation for future careers.
You can find experiential learning opportunities inside and outside the classroom.
United Nations International Internship Programme for Students鈥�
Through a partnership with the United Nations Association in Canada, the School for International Studies offers the United Nations International Internship Programme for Students (IIPS), a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience within the UN system.
The internships place successful candidates in a UN agency as a Junior Professional Consultant (JPC) for 6 to 8 months. JPCs are trained and supported through their internships.
- In 2024, IS major Lark Anderson joined the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in Lao PDR and worked as the Alternative Sustainable Development intern.
She reflects on her experience: 鈥淭he goals and impact of international development projects can often seem remote or unreachable. The concrete work of implementing projects and working with communities, stakeholders and donors can sometimes become hidden behind ambitious objectives and goals. Over the six months I worked in Lao PDR, I had the privilege of seeing beyond the descriptive words and reports and witnessing the daily work involved with implementing a development project.鈥�
Co-op
Co-op鈥痠s an optional program where students can explore career possibilities by alternating between study semesters and paid work. 大象传媒鈥檚 Co-op program is a recognized educational strategy that effectively integrates work experiences with the academic curriculum, enhancing student learning and encouraging reflection.
Past employers of our International Studies majors
- Global Affairs Canada
- Natural Resources Canada
- Consulate General of the United States
- Consulate General of Mexico
- Government of Spain
- BC Ministry of Jobs, Trade and Technology
- BC Ministry of Education
- Chinese Ecosystem Research Network
- Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
- Tata Institute of Social Sciences
- Grameen Bank
- Open Media
- Foundation for Agrarian Studies
- Korean Broadcasting System
Defence Resources Exploring Alternatives to Militarism (DREAM) Lab
This intensive week-long workshop trains students to critically re-evaluate Canada's military and defense spending, exploring alternative approaches to bolster the everyday security of Canadians.
Megan MacKenzie, Professor and Simons Chair in International Law and Human Security in the School for International Studies, leads this initiative:
Academic and Career Development Advisor
Catalina Bobadilla Sandoval
Harbour Centre Campus, suite 7233
To book a meeting, please use
Cata offers one-on-one advising to help students with:
- Goal setting
- Career exploration
- Job searching
- Approaches to resumes and cover letters
- Getting ready for interviews
Cata shares relevant information about events and organizes career development workshops for students at different stages of their degree.