IEC hosts Thrive-Out conference for international students
The annual networking event covered job search, immigration pathways, and networking with employers and alumni.

On March 5, the International Education Centre (IEC) hosted its annual Thrive-Out professional development conference, offering international students guidance on navigating careers, immigration pathways, and life after university.

The two-hour event brought together students, campus advisors, and professionals from a variety of industries to share practical advice about transitioning from university into the workforce in Canada. Beginning with a welcome and agenda overview led by IEC event hosts Rishika Nagpal and Manahil Hissam, the event featured sessions on job searching, immigration pathways, and networking with alumni and industry professionals.

Understanding the transition from student to professional

The first session of the evening, Life After Graduation, was led by IEC Supervisor Kay Kim and focused on the shift students experience when moving from university into professional environments.

Kim highlighted the structured nature of academic life, where expectations are clearly laid out through course syllabi, rubrics, and deadlines. Success as a student often follows a predictable path: enrolling in courses, completing assignments, and meeting outlined requirements.

However, Kim explained that the professional world operates differently.

In job applications and interviews, employers are often asking a deeper question: who are you, and why should they care? Rather than simply listing achievements, Kim emphasized the importance of telling a clear personal story through resumes and applications. Experiences should not appear as disconnected accomplishments but as part of a larger narrative about a candidate’s goals, motivations, and strengths; more importantly, what they bring to the table.

Employers frequently skim applications quickly, Kim noted, making it essential for students to present their experiences in a way that clearly communicates what problems they can solve and why their experiences matter. By explaining what they did, why they pursued those opportunities, and what they learned from them, applicants can create a stronger and more compelling professional profile.

Navigating immigration pathways after graduation

The next session was led by Arshdeep Bindra, a regulated Canadian immigration consultant and international student advisor at the IEC, who provided an overview of immigration pathways available to international graduates.

Bindra focused primarily on the federal government’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows eligible international students to work in Canada after completing their degree.

The PGWP can be issued for up to three years, depending on the length of a student’s academic program and is a one-time opportunity for international graduates. Unlike some other work permits, the PGWP does not require students to secure a job offer before applying. Students can begin applying for jobs and even accept offers before submitting their PGWP application.

Bindra also addressed common questions about eligibility and timelines, including situations involving leave of absence during studies and when students may be eligible to work full-time while waiting for their final grades.

The session briefly covered documentation required for PGWP applications, navigating the online application portal, and general considerations for students interested in pursuing permanent residence pathways in Canada.

Career strategies for entering the Canadian job market

Following a short dinner break that allowed students to connect informally with speakers and peers, the conference resumed with a session led by Career Centre Employment Strategist Lucille Yi. The presentation offered an overview of the Canadian job market and practical strategies students can use to strengthen their job search.

Yi discussed employer expectations and highlighted the importance of networking, professional communication, and tailoring job applications to specific roles. She also encouraged students to think about how to effectively leverage their international experiences when applying for positions.

Experiences gained through studying abroad, multicultural perspectives, and global experiences can be valuable assets when presented clearly to employers. The Career Centre session also introduced students to campus resources that can support their job search, including resume and cover letter critiques, career advising appointments, workshops, and networking events.

Alumni and employer perspectives

Later in the evening, students had the opportunity to hear from a panel of professionals and alumni working across different industries. Panellists included Aneesha Sharma from PwC, Hamza bin Waheed from RBC, Naharin Anni from McMaster University’s medical school, Sauhaard Walia from Amazon, and Anil Wasif from the Government of Canada.

The panel discussion addressed topics such as hiring international graduates, navigating workplace challenges, and adapting to the Canadian professional environment. Panellists shared their own experiences transitioning from school to professional careers, offering insight into the skills and strategies that helped them succeed. An audience Q/A session followed, where students had the opportunity to ask panellists about career development, networking, and professional growth.

The conference concluded with closing remarks summarizing key takeaways before transitioning into an open networking session. During the open networking portion of the event, students had the chance to speak directly with panellists, advisors, and peers in a more informal setting.