Start Getting Work Experience

There are many ways you can increase your employability. Employers are looking for a combination of the skills, experience, and attributes you gain through formal and informal education, paid and unpaid work, as well as the activities you pursue in your leisure time.

Build Your Resume Speak to an Advisor Prepare for Interviews

Start here

Organize your search
Schedule time to dedicate yourself to the search and create a record-keeping system to track the opportunities you have explored, your network of contacts, etc.

Be open to different opportunities
Explore a variety of options and let yourself be open to different experiences.

Prepare targeted work search tools
Use work search tools that are tailored specifically to the opportunity; your efforts will be far more successful than a one-size-fits-all approach. Use our resources  to get started.

Start thinking about potential references
Many opportunities will request a list of references, most often when applying for jobs and international opportunities. You will need three to five people who can communicate to the organization about your related skills. Use references that know you in a professional context (e.g. employers, supervisors, professors, etc.) over family and friends who only know you personally. Review our guidebook on reference letters for more information.

Give your references advance notice and keep them updated about who might be contacting them.

Perfect your interview skills
Interviews can arise on short notice so spend some familiarizing yourself with the interview process and practice answering interview questions.

Put personal supports in place
Adding a search for new opportunities to your already busy schedule can be challenging. Think about the supports you need to help you succeed. Our career advisors and career coaches can help you clarify your search goals, diversify your search methods and tools, and prepare for pursuing an opportunity.

Types of opportunities

Employment
Search our  for a variety of opportunities including full and part-time work, internships, summer jobs and temporary employment. We also hire Career Peer Educators.
Internships and Work Experience programs
Apply your academic knowledge to an opportunity in your field through these Programs.
Funding opportunities
Take advantage of funding opportunities to pursue professional development activities through these Grants and Funding Programs.
Undergraduate research
Put your ideas and your curiosity to work in high-impact, hands-on research experiences through the Undergraduate Research Initiative.
International experience

Go abroad to work, volunteer, or study and build intercultural skills that will enhance your employability in the global labour market.

Find international opportunities

  • Visit Go Abroad at the U of A International Centre
  • Check our job postings on
  • Explore the  Canada has with over 20 countries for work abroad
  • Learn about how to look for work abroad and types of positions and opportunities on , , or 
  • Research well-known exchange programs like , ,  and 
  • Consult the Government of Canada's  on going abroad

Key Questions Before Working Abroad

  1. Job & Compensation Fit: Am I comfortable with the role's duties, and will the salary and benefits (including health coverage) allow me to live comfortably, considering the local cost of living and any employer relocation support?
  2. Legal & Tax Compliance: Do I understand the visa and work permit requirements for my nationality, and the tax implications in both the host country and Canada?
  3. Living & Working Environment: What are the typical living and working conditions, and am I prepared to adapt to the local business and social customs?
  4. Support System & Safety: What kind of support will I have abroad, and have I researched any political or security concerns and how to stay informed?
  5. Personal Impact & Well-being: How will this experience impact my overall lifestyle (e.g., social life, communication with family, daily routines) and personal well-being?
  6. Financial Preparedness: Have I budgeted for all travel expenses and initial settling-in costs, and is my financial plan realistic?
Career Alignment: How will this international experience contribute to my long-term career goals and professional development?
Leadership activities

Leadership skills are an essential skill in a broad range of industries and occupations.

U of A opportunities

Volunteering

Choose your level of commitment as you explore new areas of interest. Examples are: