Specialized Career Assistance
The Career Centre recognizes the value of providing tailored services to all groups on campus. As a result, we work closely with campus clubs and academic areas to provide specialized events and workshops geared to their particular interests.
Through a generous donation from the RBC Foundation, the Laurier Career Development Centre launched the RBC Career Transition Program for Students with Disabilities in 2007 to meet the needs of Laurier students and alumni with disabilities. While serving students and alumni with disabilities remains a priority, the focus of the program expanded to include other distinct groups, such as Indigenous students/alumni, diverse students/alumni, and international students. This inclusive, innovative programming encompasses career-related research, specialized resources, technology, staff development and accessibility to better serve our students, alumni and employers. We appreciate the leadership and support from the RBC Foundation to make this initiative possible.
The Career Centre offers a wide variety of services for all students and alumni, as well as programming and information geared to the specific career-related issues for each distinct group, recognizing that multiple identities will overlap.
Diverse Students and Alumni
The Career Centre and the Centre for Student Equity, Diversity and Inclusion work closely together to provide services for distinct students at Laurier. As a member of a distinct community, you may have some additional concerns while considering making career decisions or finding a job.
The Career Centre offers:
- A dedicated career consultant who focuses on meeting the needs of diverse students and alumni.
- Individual appointments and tailored workshops.
- Monthly drop-in appointments in partnership with the Centre for Student Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
- Specific career resources for diverse students and alumni.
Indigenous Students and Alumni
The Career Centre and the Indigenous Student Centre work closely together to provide services for Indigenous students and alumni at Laurier.
The Career Centre offers:
- A dedicated career consultant who focuses on meeting the needs of indigenous students and alumni.
- Individual appointments and tailored workshops.
- Monthly drop-in appointments in partnership with the Indigenous Student Centre.
- Specific career resources for Indigenous students.
For career tips and advice from Indigenous alumni, view the following Career Profiles :
- Alicia Sayers, Co-ordinator in First Nations and Métis Relations, Hydro One
- Kandice Baptiste, Indigenous Students Recruitment and Retention Officer, Office of Indigenous Initiatives, Wilfrid Laurier University
- Michael Low, Entrepreneur, President, Symbiotic Group Inc. Information Technology and Services
- Kelly Campagnola, Assistant Manager of External legal Services, TD Bank
- Dr. Lianne Leddy, Assistant Professor and Program Co-ordinator, Indigenous Studies, Wilfrid Laurier University
International Students
The Career Centre and Laurier International work closely together to provide services to international students at Laurier. As an international student, you may recognize that you may have some specific concerns while considering making career decisions and preparing yourself for the Canadian workplace.
Who should you contact with your questions about working in Canada? The Career Development Centre can help you:
- Assess your interests, skills and values and learn to communicate them successfully.
- Find a volunteer opportunity in Canada.
- Learn job search strategies including tapping into the hidden job market.
- Explore full-time, contract, part-time and summer job opportunities posted for Laurier students and alumni in Navigator.
- Find an inclusive employer.
- Create an effective resumé and cover letter. Review the specific resumé and cover letter tips for international students.
- Practice for a job interview and know your rights in an interview.
- Research and prepare for their future academic and career choices, including graduate school.
For international students, the Career Centre offers:
- A dedicated career consultant who focuses on meeting the needs of international students.
- One-on-one appointments and tailored workshops.
- Bi-weekly drop-in appointments in partnership with Laurier International.
- Additional career resources for international students.
- An on-campus work experience program (ISWEP).
You can contact Laurier International about:
- Social Insurance Number cards.
- Government rules about working on campus.
- Government rules about working off campus.
- Government rules about working after graduation.
- Permanent residency.
- Spousal work in Canada.
LGBTQ+ Students and Alumni
The Career Centre and the Centre for Student Equity, Diversity and Inclusion work closely together to provide services for LGBTQ+ students and alumni at Laurier. As a member of a distinct community, you may have some additional concerns while considering making career decisions or finding a job. Some issues that you may find helpful to discuss may include deciding when and if to disclose to an employer, how to research inclusive organizations and what to include when writing a resumé.
The Career Centre offers:
- A dedicated career consultant who focuses on meeting the needs of LGBTQ+ students and alumni
- Individual appointments and tailored workshops.
- Monthly drop-in appointments in partnership with the Centre for Student Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
- Specific career resources for LGBTQ+ students and alumni.
Students and Alumni with Disabilities
The Career Centre and the Accessible Learning Centre work closely together to provide services for students and alumni with disabilities at Laurier. As a member of a distinct community, you may have some additional concerns while considering making career decisions or finding a job. Some issues that you may find helpful to discuss may include deciding when and if to disclose to an employer, how to research inclusive organizations and what to include when writing a resumé.
The Career Centre offers:
- A dedicated career consultant who focuses on meeting the needs of students and alumni with disabilities.
- Individual appointments and tailored workshops.
- Monthly drop-in appointments in partnership with the Accessible Learning Centre.
- Specific career resources for students with disabilities.