What are the potential career prospects for international students in Kamloops post graduation in 2023?
Kamloops, located in beautiful British Columbia’s beautiful landscape, is known for its beautiful natural environment and diverse community. Thompson Rivers University (TRU) plays an important role in establishing the region’s culture and economy. Thousands of students from all over the world come to Kamloops every year, to pursue their degree and assimilate here in Kamloops
Thompson Rivers University recently celebrated 40 years of international education, and nowadays international students are the vast majority of the on-campus student population, and they represent about half of the total student body at TRU. After graduating from TRU, various graduates are now working across region and province in a variety of fields. Finding a job in Kamloops post graduation has been challenging for a lot of international students.
“I would love to stay in Kamloops, however it has been challenging for me to find a job with my degree, since I don’t know where to search. ” says Mustayeen Sharaf, MBA
The Kamloops Chamber of Commerce is a committed advocate for students, recognising their unique challenges and needs. The Chamber actively encourages business growth through a variety of member services and apprenticeship programmes. Brian Jones, Membership and Development Manager of the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce, emphasizes the plethora of entry-level job opportunities available in industries such as hospitality, accounting, marketing, entrepreneurship, and many other areas, all of which provide opportunities for growth.
“As a manager of membership and development, I’m very involved in fostering our members and promoting their ideas within the business community,” Jones said. “Kamloops Chamber focuses on bringing the local business community together, to share opportunities for students in business sector and entrepreneurship”
Thompson Rivers University takes an important part in assisting students and alumni with their professional development, by offering resources aimed at supporting students in education and employment. The Experiential Learning programme, which intends to advance learning through practical experiences. Shawn Read, Chair of TRU’s Experiential Learning Department, emphasizes the department’s objective to help students transition from academic to professional life.
“Our office is located in Old Main Building 1712. Whether you’re a student looking for part-time, a co-op opportunity, or going on your post-graduate journey, our Department is set up to support students in transition from school to the world of work” noted Read.
TRU’s Experiential Learning Department has a specialized team of 10 faculty members and a network of over 900 contacts throughout many different organizations. Their goal is to connect students with potential employers, prepare them for interviews, and help them succeed in their chosen career paths.
“Internships and a COOP program at TRU supported my education and helped me fully understand the differences between what I am studying and the actual job in my chosen field. I am grateful for this opportunity to gain experience in the real world during my studies. I recommend everyone to do that if it is possible” says Francisco Rodriguez, 4th year Computer Science COOP student.
To learn more about career opportunities in Kamloops, visit Kamloops Chamber of Commerce website, or book an appointment with TRU Experiential Learning Department.
https://www.tru.ca/cel/experience-learning-hub.html
