Career Ready: International Student Conference

Career Ready: International Student Conference

Your career journey starts here.

Friday, February 21, 2025   
9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.   
Second Student Centre 
 

This full-day conference will feature a variety of speakers, interactive workshops and networking opportunities aimed at supporting your development of professional and personal skills necessary to navigate the Canadian recruitment process and job market. Connect with hiring managers, learn from current international employees, meet successful international alumni and enter to win a Toronto Raptors prize pack valued at $1000, includes dinner and game tickets for two people.

After you register, to pay your conference fee virtually, please purchase your ticket on this website and follow these steps:

  1. Select 1 ticket and "add to cart".
  2. View your shopping cart 
  3. Select the checkbox for "I agree with the terms of service..."
  4. Select "checkout"
  5. Register and create your account using your student information, including your YorkU email and student number.
  6. Complete the payment and you're all set!

Conference Highlights

  • Interactive Workshops and Sessions: Learn from industry experts in partnership with the Career Centre to help you land your next job or leadership role.
  • Inspiring Keynote Speaker: Gain insights to help you kickstart your career journey.
  • Networking Lunch and Career Fair: Connect with employers and expand your professional network.
  • Engaging Panel Discussion: Hear from professionals who’ve been in your shoes and get practical advice.
  • Professional Headshots: Get your professional headshot taken to use on LinkedIn!

Meet our Keynote Speaker and Panelists

Agenda

Kick off the day with a warm welcome and an overview of the conference.

Choose between the following sessions for this timeslot:

Session Option #1: Getting Job Ready: Leveraging the Career Centre for Success

Are you an international student unsure of how to kickstart your career journey? Join us for an engaging, interactive workshop designed to introduce you to the Career Centre’s services at York University. Learn how to access support for job searches, résumé reviews, and interview prep, and discover how to connect with career counselors who can guide you in achieving your goals. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for specific resources, this workshop will help you take the first step toward career success in Canada. Let’s get you career-ready! 

By the end of this workshop, students will:  

  • Understand Career Centre Services: Gain a clear understanding of the range of services offered by York University’s Career Centre, including résumé reviews, job search assistance, and interview preparation.  
  • Know How to Access Support: Learn how to book appointments with career counselors, attend career events, and access resources through the online portal.  
  • Build Confidence in Seeking Help: Practice how to initiate conversations with career counselors and understand what to expect from a session.  
  • Identify Personal Career Needs: Reflect on their own career goals and identify which Career Centre services will support them in achieving these 
Session Option #2: Connect with Confidence: Networking Skills for the Global Job Market

As an international student, it is essential to build a professional network to support with your career goals. The network you build will open doors to various opportunities, including internships, mentorships and other working arrangements. In this session, we will provide you with practical tips and strategies to learn how to connect with anyone, anywhere and at any time.  

By the end of this workshop, participants will:  

  • Understand the value and importance in networking in various settings  
  • Demonstrate how to make an effective personal introduction    
  • Identify tools and resources available to build your network  
  • Create an actionable plan to begin building your professional network

Choose between the following sessions for this timeslot:

Session Option #1: Work Opportunities While Studying: Understanding On and Off Campus Work Authorization, Co-op Work Permits, and Study Permit Conditions

Workshop content to be updated soon.

Session Option #2: Preparing for Graduation as an International Student: Navigating Immigration Pathways and Planning for Your Next Chapter

Are you an international student graduating within the next year? Join us for this interactive workshop to learn how to prepare yourself for a successful transition to life after graduation. We will cover topics like working, taking another program, inviting family members to convocation, and timelines for everything you'll need to do.  

By the end of today’s workshop, participants will:  

  • Understand the steps to transition from a York International student to successful alumni  
  • Identify various resources, services and supports available to support with your academic and career needs in your final year  
  • Determine your eligibility for a post graduate work permit (PGWP) and the various pathways for choosing to stay in Canada after graduation  
  • Identify how to request for documentation from York University to apply for a PGWP

Enjoy a sit-down lunch followed by a dynamic networking fair. Connect with campus partners, external organizations and industry professionals to explore opportunities.

Connect with York alumni from national and international organizations:

  • BMO
  • CIBS
  • EdgePoint Wealth Management
  • TD Bank
  • Bell
  • Metrolinx

Meet with on-campus hiring managers and co-op teams:

  • York University Career Centre
  • Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies - Co-op Program
  • Faculty of Health - Experiential Education
  • Faculty of Science Co-op and Experiential Education Team
  • Asian Business and Management Program

Choose between the following sessions for this timeslot:

Session Option #1: Future-Proof: Building the Skills You Need for Workplace Success

In this session, students will be able to understand the importance and value of developing certain soft skills to thrive in the workplace. Through a series of hands-on activities, students will enhance their communication, collaboration, problem solving and time management skills necessary for their career advancement.  

By the end of today’s workshop, participants will:  

  • Understand the importance of developing technical and soft skills necessary  
  • Identify various work and volunteering opportunities to build and develop skills for their career advancement  
  • Demonstrate various skills like communication, collaboration, problem-solving and time management   
Session Option #2: From Handshakes to Emails: Mastering Canadian Workplace Practices

As an international student, you may find the Canadian workplace culture new or different from that of your home country. Practices like shaking hands, dress codes, using personal names and communicating with supervisors and co-workers vary amongst cultures. In this session, you will learn about workplace norms and expectations to help you succeed in Canadian workplaces.   

By the end of today’s workshop, participants will:  

  • Understand the value in researching the culture of the company or organization you’re interested in working for  
  • Create professional correspondence depending on the situation and the audience  
  • Identify appropriate clothing to wear in various professional settings  
  • Learn about important workplace etiquette    

Join international alumni from various industries as they share valuable insights on recruitment cycles, networking strategies and showcasing international experience.

Panel Speakers:

Ridhima Malhotra, Shayandeep Das, Zeynep Celik, Ahmed Ga’al

Wrap up the day with key takeaways and final thoughts.