Career Compass: Canadian Studies

As a Canadian Studies student in the Faculty of Arts, you will learn about Canadian themes from a broad range of disciplinary perspectives. Economics, French, Indigenous Studies and Linguistics are just some of the areas of study which contribute to the interdisciplinary approach to the Canadian Studies program, allowing you to understand how the country you currently call home came to be now and where it is going tomorrow.

Skills you will gain by studying CANADIAN STUDIES

• The ability to collaborate with individuals of differing perspectives and disciplines.
• An in-depth understanding of Canada from a variety of disciplinary perspectives and from a national and international context, including language, geography, culture, history, etc.
• The ability to place events in economic, political, cultural, social and historical contexts.
• The ability to effectively communicate: verbally through discussions and presentations, and in writing by preparing reports and papers.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
6 credit hours at the 1000 or 2000 level from the list of approved courses in Canadian Studies.

To do this year:

1. Know the requirements for your degree. Meet with an academic advisor in the Faculty of Arts to help you plan your program.
2. If you need academic support, visit the Academic Learning Centre for workshops or to meet with a learning skills instructor.

CAREER TIPS

Start planning your career:

1. Meet with a career consultant to generate career ideas based on your interests, values, personality and skills.
2. Research occupations that match your skills and interests.
3. Set up a UM Connect account to view job postings and register for workshops and events.
4. Explore your Experience Record, an official record of university-approved activities.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Link experiences to your career interests. Options include:

1. Student groups including the Arts Student Body Council and UMSU.
2. Volunteer for UM Orientation events, Downtown Biz or join the Student Leadership Development Program.
3. Student work opportunities including Work-Study, STEP Services or Federal Student Work Experience Program.
4. Experiential education opportunities such as UM Community Volunteers and the Community Action Poverty Simulation.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Considering international opportunities? Visit the International Centre to learn about international opportunities for UM students.

Explore communities and cultures you want to work with: Visit Migizii Agamik or the International Centre, take part in the Intercultural Retreat or learn about local agencies via 211 Manitoba.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:

Honours: Refer to the Academic Calendar for course requirements. 

General: Refer to the Academic Calendar for course requirements.

To do this year:

1. Should you follow a 3- or 4-year plan? Meet with an academic advisor and career consultant to map out your options.
2. When choosing a minor, take courses that will open opportunities.

CAREER TIPS

Make professional connections:

1. Join the Career Mentor Program to learn from professionals.
2. Attend career fairs to connect with employers.
3. Become a Student Affiliate with the Association for Canadian Studies and The Canadian Studies Network.
4. Develop professional connections with professors and apply for an Undergraduate Research Award.

Market your skills: Develop your resumé and cover letter and refine your interview skills.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Explore student research opportunities: Apply for an Undergraduate Research Award or inquire about research assistant positions.

Gain practical experience by volunteering: Festival du Voyageur, Lower Fort Garry, Riel House, the Manitoba Museum and local historical societies.

Find opportunities to market yourself: Become a Faculty of Arts Student Ambassador.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Develop global career skills and expand intercultural learning: Consider a student exchange with The University of Washington (Seattle, USA) or Trent University, My World Abroad or SWAP for a “working holiday.”

Staying local? Check out the pavilions of Folklorama, Fort Gibraltar, Doors Open Winnipeg, the Manito Ahbee Festival or the WUSC Student Refugee Program. Consider learning a new language and culture through the Language Partner Volunteer Program.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:

Honours: Refer to the Academic Calendar for course requirements. 

General: Refer to the Academic Calendar for course requirements.

To do this year:

1. Meet with a faculty of arts advisor for Honours program approval.
2. Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora (3-year option).

CAREER TIPS

Investigate your career options:

1. Look at sample job postings to ensure you have the qualifications upon graduation.
2. Develop employability and essential skills sought by employers.
3. Explore supports available to entrepreneurs for business planning including the Stu Clarke Centre for Entrepreneurship, World Trade Centre Winnipeg, and the Manitoba Government.
4. Create a LinkedIn profile to network with professionals.

Consider continuing your studies: check out the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Extended Education or professional programs at the U of M.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Continue or start research: Participate in the Undergraduate Research Poster Competition.

Check out volunteer opportunities with: Folklorama, MayWorks Festival of Labour and the Arts, and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.

Search for job opportunities online: Check out the Canadian Heritage Information Network, Job Bank, Find My Job, Indeed or other search engines.

Use your networks and connections: Inquire about unadvertised job openings (the “hidden job market”).

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Did you travel abroad? Become an exchange mentor for the International Student Mentorship Program, join the exchange student community at the University of Manitoba or write an article about your experience.

Participate in the multicultural opportunities on campus: Participate in the Intercultural Development and Leadership Program or take part in Graduation Pow Wow.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:

Honours: Refer to the Academic Calendar for course requirements. 

CAREER TIPS

To do this year:

1. Meet with a Faculty of Arts advisor for Honours program approval.
2. Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora.

Start job search 9 months in advance: Contact Career Services to refine your job search and self-marketing strategies. You can visit the office up to 6 months after graduation.

If you are continuing on to graduate school: Finalize your application materials and take required tests. Use the awards database to search for funding and awards to help finance your continuing education. Contact your department to find out how their awards deadlines are advertised. Contact your department to find out how their awards deadline are advertised.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Ensure you have references in place: Ask your professor for a reference or a letter of recommendation if you’re applying for graduate school.

Assess your resumé: Identify any gaps in experience and fill them through volunteering, work placements or internships such as the Post-Secondary Recruitment Program.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Prepare to work in a multicultural environment: Visit Canada's National Research Centre for Truth and Reconciliation on campus. Get access to LinkedIn Learning through the Winnipeg Public Library and take courses to develop you cross-cultural intelligence.

Sample jobs with an undergraduate degree and related experience

• Alumni Relations Officer
• Border Services Officer
• Citizenship/Immigration Agent
• Communications Officer
• Community Organizer
• Conciliation/Mediation Officer
• Editor/Digital Editor
• Employment Equity Officer
• Foreign Service Officer
• Immigration Officer
• Intelligence Officer
• Lobbyist
• Mediator
• Political Aid
• Recruiter
• Student Advocate
• Sustainability Specialist
• Volunteer Coordinator

Options requiring other education

• Archivist
• Biographer
• Historian
• Journalist
• Labour Relations Officer
• Lawyer
• Marketing Manager
• Ombudsperson
• Policy Analyst
• Social Worker
• University Professor
• Urban Planner

Industries such as business, communications, education, government, health and law would value a Canadian studies major in combination with the employability skills that are highly sought after by employers. These include:*

• Critical thinking
• Oral and written communication
• Problem solving
• Teamwork
• Numeracy and data use
• Digital technology
• Information management
• Continuous learning

Attain skills through your classroom education and take advantage of experiential education opportunities.

*Information has been adapted from Employability Skills 2000⁺ and Workplace Education Manitoba – Essential Skills.