Career centres at Ontario universities prepare students for the changing labour market

TORONTO, Oct. 29, 2012 /CNW/ - Preparing students for their future begins in the classroom and is continually enhanced by many university services, including those offered by university career centres, which are showcased in a report released today by the Council of Ontario Universities (COU) and announced by the Hon. Glen Murray, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities.

The report, #MyCareer: How Ontario university career services prepare students for the future, includes colourful, real-world examples of the many ways in which career centres help students get ready for their careers or further education. University career centres ensure that students are equipped with the right tools for success, with such services as resume and interview critiques, post-graduate advising, networking opportunities, work-experience programs, work abroad support, mentoring programs, and many more.

"Labour market and employer needs are changing in Canada and throughout the world," says Alastair Summerlee, Chair of COU and President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guelph. "Universities understand this trend, which is why career centres are continually finding new ways of helping students thrive in today's environment, and providing employers with career-ready graduates."

Universities are also constantly innovating to meet the needs of the 21^st century learner, by offering more access to online education, improving Ontario's credit transfer system, advancing the definition and assessment of learning outcomes, sharing best practices in teaching and learning, and expanding opportunities for experiential learning.

"Robust career services that meet the needs of students are just one of the many ways Ontario universities are supporting student success," says Bonnie M. Patterson, COU President and CEO.  "Coupled with an enriching, valuable education experience, students are prepared to enter the workforce and job placement rates demonstrate that well."

View the full report here.

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SOURCE: Council of Ontario Universities

Jennifer Grass
Senior Director, Communications and Public Affairs
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