Whether your journey to Bishop’s University was a quick commute or a voyage through terminals and boarding gates, starting university is a big transition for everyone. As an international student arriving at Bishop’s, this experience was even more overwhelming. Everything was unfamiliar—the campus, the people, the culture, and even the weather. I was eager for this new chapter of my life, but I couldn’t help but feel the weight of the unknown. Like many students, I faced the pressure of juggling my academic demands, social life, and the need to support myself financially.
But the biggest question on my mind? How do I find a job in Canada without any prior Canadian work experience? I wondered, what if I’m not qualified enough? The thought of starting from scratch in a new country was frightening. The Canadian job market felt like a maze, one that I wasn’t sure I could navigate. However, what I quickly learned is that with a bit of perseverance and willingness to seek out help, there are hidden gems—resources and opportunities—right on campus. These tools not only helped me grow professionally but also allowed me to build connections with people who became a vital part of my university experience.
Let me walk you through how I navigated the process of finding my first on-campus job and how it helped me build a strong resume that opened doors to even more opportunities.
Discovering the career and transition services and the B.U. job board
One of the most useful services I discovered early on was the Bishop’s University Career and Transition services. Their team offers everything from resume and cover letter reviews, interview preparation, LinkedIn support, and volunteer exploration sessions designed to help students succeed in their job search. What really made a difference for me was booking my first 30 minute “Job Search Support” session with Kim McFadden, one of the Career and Employment Advisors. I went in feeling uncertain, but within minutes, Kim helped me focus. She introduced me to the B.U. Job Board, a platform dedicated to on-campus job listings. At the time what eased my mind was knowing these jobs didn’t require years of experience—they were designed for students like me, just starting out and eager to learn.
Kim took the time to introduce me to the B.U. “Job Board” which is a platform where all the on-campus job opportunities are listed. The best part? These positions are designed to work around students’ class schedules. After that session, I began browsing through the on-campus job postings. To be honest, I didn’t know what to expect, but the process wasn’t as daunting as I’d imagined. I ended up applying for a few positions, and to my surprise, I landed my first job with Residence Life. For me this role wasn’t just a paycheck—it was my first real step into the Bishop’s community. Suddenly, I wasn’t just a student attending classes; I was part of something bigger. This job gave me the confidence and connection I had been missing, and it became the foundation for other opportunities that followed.
From job search to belonging
It comes as no surprise that I found myself turning to Career and Transition Services more than once. Their resume review and mock interview services were vital in helping me land one of the most meaningful roles I’ve had on campus, which was working at the Bishop’s International Office. What initially started off as another job search, quickly turned into one of the most transformative experiences of my time at Bishop’s. Through this role, I got to meet and support international students from all over the world, many of whom became my close friends—or as I prefer to say, my family away from home.
Being able to connect with people who, like me, were navigating life in a new country made the job more than just work. It was about building relationships, sharing experiences, and finding common ground. The friendships I made through Bishop’s International helped me feel like I truly belonged here. I wasn’t just working; I was growing and bonding with people who understood the journey I was on.
Be in control of your journey
Whether you’re reading this as a Canadian student or, like me, an international student navigating a new country, my advice is the same: be proactive. Start early and make the most of the incredible resources that Bishop’s offers—like the B.U. Job Board, One-on-One Job Search Support Sessions, and Workshops. These tools are here to help guide you, but the real key is taking that first step. And don’t forget to enjoy the process!
Remember How You Entered. Be Proud of How You Leave…
