The Professional Skills Development Program is designed to develop transferable skills in international students as they prepare to enter the workforce. Over the course of two semesters, the program will cover topics such as interview skills, effective communication, culture in the workplace, volunteer experience, and understanding your own abilities. Once the program is completed, students should be familiar with the Canadian job market and the skills necessary to succeed in their academic and professional endeavours.
The program was created in 2013 by Julie Snair, Coordinator of International Education for all 3rd and 4th year international students at Acadia University. It is made available to international students free of charge but there is a limit of 10 participants per semester. A certificate is awarded for the successful completion of the program. Participating in this program is a great way of building up a resume and get references, which will come in handy when the student enters the Canadian workforce.
The PSDP achieves its goals through several methods that have proven successful in the past. The main component of the program is a 10-hour volunteer placement during the semester. This not only helps participants acquire valuable workplace knowledge and experience, but also provides students a new Canadian reference. There are also several workshops throughout each semester that will develop crucial skills that are highly valued in Canada. Workshops and information sessions such as Culture in the Workplace, Mock Interviews, and Communication all help to prepare international students who want to develop their career in Canada. The program benefits both parties involved, as the student gains experience and knowledge while the employer can increase the diversity of their workplace and, therefore, gain valuable new ideas and perspectives which will have a significant positive impact in the way day-to-day operations take place.
If you are a 3rd or 4th year international student or a local business interested in the program, please email the PSDP coordinator Rodolfo Rendon at [email protected] to learn more about how you can get involved. The Wong International Centre team looks forward to hearing from you!
