By: Sahra Mohamed
Even though many Canadians have an education, finding a job that matches their qualifications can be tough. It’s not just about having a degree or a diploma, it’s about navigating the challenges that come with the job market. For example, many educated Canadians end up in roles that don’t require their level of expertise, meaning they’re underemployed. This often happens when university graduates take on part time or lower paying jobs that don’t match their qualifications. The job market also looks different depending on where you live. In big cities like Toronto or Vancouver, there are plenty of job opportunities, but the competition is incredibly high. If you live in smaller towns or rural areas, there might not be as many jobs available, which makes it even harder to land a position that fits your education and experience. For international graduates, immigrants or students who studied abroad, it’s even trickier. If they have strong credentials from their home country, their qualifications may not always be recognized in Canada. On top of that, without Canadian work experience, they face extra barriers when trying to break into the job market. The struggles of having to settle for jobs that don’t match your education, dealing with job shortages in certain areas, and overcoming obstacles as an international graduate, are issues many educated Canadians have to face when trying to find work that matches their skills. One major problem is underemployment, where people end up in jobs that don’t require their level of education. A 2024 study by Statistics Canada found that international student graduates had lower employment rates and were more likely to work in jobs that didn’t require a university degree compared to Canadian graduates.
Another challenge is the skills mismatch, where the skills employers need don’t match what graduates have. A 2024 report from the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC), titled “Accelerating Canada’s Workforce,” says that even though Canada has an educated workforce, there is a shortage of skills needed in the digital economy. The report stresses that workers need both technical skills for specific jobs and social, emotional skills that can be used in different situations to meet current and future job demands.
This skills gap is especially noticeable in fast growing industries like technology, healthcare, and trades. As a result, even graduates with degrees may not be fully prepared for the job market, leading to frustration and long job searches. Regional differences also make finding a job harder. In big cities like Toronto or Vancouver, there are many jobs, but the competition is tough. In smaller, less active areas of Canada, skilled workers may have fewer job options. According to Statistics Canada, in December 2023, Newfoundland and Labrador had an unemployment rate of 10.7%, while Quebec’s rate was 4.7%. These figures indicate that Newfoundland and Labrador had a significantly higher unemployment rate compared to Quebec during that period.
Looking for a job, especially one that matches your education, is challenging and painful. The constant rejection and the motivation required to keep going can feel draining. Months of searching, only to land an interview that may not even be in your field, can be disheartening. For those passionate about what they studied, it can feel as if the job market doesn’t reflect their dreams and hard work. Millions of Canadians are facing this same struggle, and trust me, you are not alone. Searching for a job is, in essence, a full time job in itself. Believe it or not, sometimes the struggle can be a blessing in disguise. The right job will come at the right time, even if it doesn’t happen immediately. Here are some tips to help you along the way:
LinkedIn: I know it’s tough to get a hold of recruiters, but connecting with people in your field can go a long way. Keep sending those invites because you never know who will accept. Networking is crucial, and sometimes a single connection can open doors.
Refine your cover letter: It’s tiring, I know, but the more you refine your cover letter, the more effective it can become. Keep updating and tweaking it, because you never know which application it could help land.
Don’t lose hope: Easier said than done, but I’ve been through it myself. Job hunting can feel hopeless, especially when you’re focused on a field you’re passionate about. To keep hope alive, engage in activities related to your field. If you’re a writer, keep writing. If you’re a scientist, keep researching. The world needs innovators who stay passionate about their work.
Work outside your field: Sometimes, it helps to step outside of your ideal job. You can take a part time job in your field, which may eventually turn into a full time position. It’s not easy, but it can be a stepping stone.
Finally, surround yourself with people who believe in you, even if that one person is yourself. Sometimes, all it takes is that belief to make it through. Don’t give up; you’re closer than you think.
To sum it all up, even though Canada has a highly educated population, finding a job that matches your qualifications isn’t always easy. Many educated Canadians face issues like underemployment, not having the right skills for available jobs, regional job shortages, and extra barriers for international graduates. To fix this, we need changes that better match education with what the job market needs, improve skill development programs, and make policies more inclusive for immigrants and international students. Until these issues are addressed, many educated Canadians will still struggle to find the right job but with persistence and the belief that the right opportunity will come, things can still turn around.
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