College graduate prospects in Canada

Study college in Canada

Post-secondary education system in Canada

Post-secondary schools can be divided into many different groups. Although the changing roles of institutions are making this kind of distinction less clear, universities continue to grant more degrees, while colleges of all types continue to grant more diplomas, certificates, and attestations. In an increasing number of cases, the same institution is both degree-granting and non-degree-granting.

If we simplify the system of tertiary education, we can divide schools into 3 categories – colleges, universities and VET schools (Vocational Education Training). Information Planet exclusively cooperates with all 3 types of institutions. Most of them are also able to grant Work Permit as an addition to Study Permit.

 

What are advantages of colleges?

• Small classrooms
• Specific training but also education in general subjects (English, Math, Science, Psychology…)
• Interactive teaching
• Possibility of continuing studies (Bachelor’s Degree)
• Professionally oriented
• Partnership with employers and professional organizations

 

What options do I have as a college graduate?

Colleges are professionally oriented educational institutions, which offer valuable education in different fields. You can choose from number of programs, which can be divided into 5 main categories:

• Business
• Information Technology
• Hospitality and Tourism
• Health care
• Trade

There are major differences in income according to education obtained. In table below you can see approximate difference between salaries grouped by education.

Education	Average Gross Salary
Less Than High School	51,382 CAD
High School	51,191 CAD
Some College	56,581 CAD
College/Bachelors Degree	69,710 CAD
Masters Degree	88,365 CAD
Doctorate Degree	130,066 CAD

 

 

Business

Overall program description

Most are a combination of experiential classroom based lectures, workshops and seminars, small group discussions and presentations, role plays and debates. Various programs with business mindset deliver current business concepts and real-life examples to illustrate a worldly view of the business environment. Starting with Accounting course, ending up with Business Management Diploma, programs are designed to help students develop a solid foundation in traditional business topics with a global mindset, the greatest asset and most critical skill in business today.

 

Employment opportunities:

Depending on the level of chosen course in Business program (certificate, diploma, and degree); you might seek jobs in fields below:

• Administrative Clerk/Administrative Support
• Office Manager
• Accounting Assistant
• Executive Assistant
• Marketing Director
• Project Manager
• Researcher
• Including manufacturers, market research companies, international marketing and sales, cultural relations, educational institutions, retailers, brokerage houses, banks and other financial institutions, international business consulting firms, and other large and small entrepreneurial businesses at home or abroad.

 

Average salary*:

Position	Average Annual Net Salary
Certified Management accountant	71 900 CAD
Business Development Manager	69 142 CAD
Bank Manager	61 142 CAD
Finance Manager	54 165 CAD
Marketing Manager	50 916 CAD
Financial Adviser	47 235 CAD
Financial Analyst	40 304 CAD
Accountant	39 744 CAD
Administrative Assistant	28 108 CAD

 

Information Technology

Overall program description

The IT courses are experiential classroom based lectures and workshops, which usually consists of practical work experience as well to provide students with essential real-world technical experience in an English speaking environment. As students return to their home country, the combination of a diploma and co-op is not only a competitive advantage, but allows students the opportunity to understand and experience the cultural and business nuances. IT courses at college are therefore not only technically, but also business oriented.

 

Employment opportunities:

• Network Administrator
• Help Desk/Customer Service
• Database/System Administrator
• IT Technician
• Network Specialists
• And other practical individuals with technical knowledge, good communication and strong leadership skills.

 

Average salary*:

Position	Average Annual Net Salary
Software Engineer	63 522 CAD
IT Manager	60 833 CAD
IT Project Manager	55 834 CAD
System Analyst	52 355 CAD
System Administrator	48 070 CAD
Software Developer	44 441 CAD
Web Developer	43 406 CAD
Customer Service	36 400 CAD

 

Hospitality and Tourism

Overall program description

The hospitality industry is a rapidly growing market that encompasses hotel, food services, tourism, event management, as well as club and resort management. Job opportunities, as well as salaries, are steadily increasing in all sectors of this service-oriented field. Students learn the knowledge and skills that industry professionals have identified as important for on-the-job success. Studies usually involve on-campus academic studies with hands-on work experience. Employers seek individuals who possess technical knowledge, practical, communication, and strong leadership Students are taught the ability to anticipate the needs of customers, and to deliver exceptional customer service.

 

Employment opportunities:

• Hotel Front Desk
• Restaurant Managers
• Housekeeping Manager
• Resort Manager
• Food Service Supervisor
• Catering companies
• Sales & Marketing
• And many more positions within this developed service industry.

 

Average salary*:

Position	Average Annual Net Salary
Hotel Manager	60 833 CAD
Marketing Manager	50 916 CAD
Salesman/saleswoman	46 257 CAD
Advertising	43 820 CAD
Store Manager	39 000 CAD
Customer Consultant	36 400 CAD
Restaurant Manager	34 666 CAD

 

Health Care

Overall program description

Health Care Assistants and Attendants are widely need in Canada, therefore there are many colleges specializing on providing education in Health Care. Programs focuses on the enhancement of social, physical, intellectual, cultural, emotional and behavioral growth of the clients, both typical and atypical (special needs) through the use contemporary and alternative or complimentary methods. Students are taught in classrooms and by e-learning, combined with practicum at various non-profit, government and community care facilities.

 

Employment opportunities:

• Residential Facilities
• Home Support Agencies
• Hospice Care
• Club Houses
• Crisis Centres
• And many more help providing facilities to those in need.

 

Average salary*:

Position	Average Annual Net Salary
Health Care and Social Assistance	38 016 CAD

Hourly average wage of Registered nurse: $32

 

Trade

Overall program description

Trade Diplomas and Certificates equip individuals with the practical skills they need to succeed in today's competitive global marketplace. Studies are centered on international trade best practices and impart knowledge and practical skills that students can apply immediately – providing competitive advantage and elevating their position in world markets. Graduates will have the opportunity to work in a broad range of International Trade occupations including sales & procurement, logistics, finance, trade & investment and international affairs.

 

Employment opportunities:

• Risk Management
• Construction Management
• Business Development
• Civil Engineering
• Project Management
• Logistics
• Trading

 

Average salary*:

Position	Average Annual Net Salary
Risk Manager	68 600 CAD
Construction Manager	77 100 CAD
Logistics Manager	58 600 CAD
Project Manager	59 863 CAD
Mortgage Broker	52 500 CAD
Logistics Coordinator	33 583 CAD
Bookeeper	30 989 CAD

*Note that these values are based on comparison of average incomes mentioned in job offers in Canada in past year.