An analysis of international students' self-identified competencies gained through a co-curricular career development program

Abstract

International students form a potential pool of highly skilled immigrants in Canada. Literature shows that during their transition to employment international students encounter different barriers, including language barriers, cultural difficulties, policy barriers, and so on. Limited academic research had been conducted regarding how career development programs in post-secondary institutions help international students with transition to employment. -- This study aimed to investigate how the Professional Skills Development Program (PSDP) at Memorial University helped international students with transition to employment. A case study approach with mixed methods was employed. The findings of this study confirmed the importance of providing job search techniques to international students. The major findings also revealed how networking and service learning playa significant role in helping international students gain essential career competencies to enhance their transition to employment. Understanding what competencies international students self-identified through their participation in the PSDP will facilitate future career development programs in providing better services for international students.