Careers by Major - Canadian Studies

 

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This program is offered through the Department of English and Drama

Each Careers by Major page provides lots of ideas on various career areas, as well as how to gain related skills and experience. Useful resources and job samples are also provided.

Table of Contents 

1. Sample Occupations and Jobs
         1a. Sample Occupations
         1b. Sample Job Listings
         1c. Sample Areas of Employment
2. Program-Related Skills
3. Explore Careers & Build Networks
4. Get Experience
         4a. On-Campus
         4b. Off-Campus
5. Useful Resources & Next Steps 

 

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1. Sample Occupations and Jobs
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Below is a sample of the many types of occupations and jobs pursued by graduates of this program.

1a. Sample Occupations

 
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Note: This is not an exhaustive list. Detailed career profiles are available in the Career Centre. Some occupations require further education and experience.

  • Environmental Economist
  • Aboriginal Liaison
  • Mediator
  • Political Commentator
  • Social Media Specialist
  • Public Relations Representative / Specialist
  • Researcher
  • Teacher / Professor
  • Journalist
  • Arbitrator / Conflict Resolution Specialist
  • Historian
  • Policy Advisor
  • Sustainability Specialist
  • Settlement Worker
  • Land Agent
  • Canadian Intelligence Officer
  • Lawyer
  • Human Ecologist
  • Editor
  • Accommodation Manager
  • Fish and Wildlife Officer
  • Legal Assistant
  • Communications Consultant
  • Manager of Volunteer Resources / Volunteer Manager
  • Probation Officer
  • Recreation Coordinator
  • Immigration Appeal Officer
  • Diversity Coordinator
  • Environmental Communications Officer
  • Child and Youth Worker
  • Archivist
  • Fund Development Professional
  • Heritage Interpreter
  • Border Services Officer
  • Bylaw Enforcement Officer
  • Curator
  • Legislative Assistant
  • Political Reporter
  • Marriage and Family Counsellor / Therapist
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Librarian
  • Union Communication Specialist
  • Training and Development Professional
  • Chief Administrator Officer
  • Immigration Officer
  • Community Planner
  • Environmental Educator
  • Creative Writer
  • Critic
  • Demographer
  • Economist
  • Foreign Service Officer
  • Lobbyist
  • Biographer
  • Politician
  • Social Welfare Research Officer
  • Economic Development Officer
  • Aboriginal Employment Program Officer

1b. Sample Job Listings

 
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Below is a sample of delisted positions that have been posted on UofT's Career Learning Network (CLN). To access current listings, login to CLN and click on Jobs

  • Build Heritage Conservation Assistant, The Architectural Conservancy of Ontario
  • Municipal Affairs Reporter, NRU Publishing
  • Social Justice Union Organizer, UNITE HERE Canada
  • Employee Relations Advisor, Ministry of Government and Consumer Services
  • Junior Policy Analyst, Ontario Ministry of Education
  • Student Assistant, Electoral Event Services Division, Elections Ontario
  • Petitions & Examinations Assistant, Office of the Registrar, UTM
  • Youth Engagement Coordinator, Me to We
  • Environmental Education Instructor, Canadian Diabetes Association
  • Legal Assistant, Szemplinski Law Offices
  • Cultural Presenter, Halton Multicultural Council
  • Community Logistics Coordinator, Office of Advancement, UTM
  • Market Research Coordinator, Central 1 Credit Union
  • Development Coordinator, Grant Writer, WE
  • Energy and Environmental Assistant, City of Markham

1c. Sample Areas of Employment

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  • Youth shelters
  • Community organizations
  • Environmental organizations
  • Universities, colleges and schools
  • Public relations agencies
  • Land development companies
  • Inter-municipal service agencies
  • Publishers
  • Unions
  • Political parties
  • Regional health authorities
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Libraries
  • Conservation agencies
  • Museums
  • Research and policy institutions
  • Social service agencies
  • Government courts
  • Newspapers, magazines and journals
  • Public interest groups
  • Oil and gas companies

 

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2. Program-Related Skills
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Academic courses in this program provide opportunities to develop the following types of skills. Make a career counselling or an employment strategy appointment to discuss how you can demonstrate these skills to employers.

  • Research & analytical: conduct interdisciplinary research; analyze policy and proposals; and interpret findings.
  • Technical: understand economic, political, cultural, and social history of Canada; knowledge of Canadian literary traditions and government; and multicultural awareness.
  • Communication: effectively present issues, proposals, and solutions; and collaborate with individuals from a variety of professional, academic, and cultural backgrounds.
  • Problem solving: approach problems from various angles; make decisions about social and political issues; conceptualize and implement projects.

 

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3. Explore Careers & Build Networks
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Career Exploration 101

Take our 15 minute online module. Gain access to UTM's career exploration programs:

Informational Interviews

Informational interviews are a great way to connect with professionals in a career area of interest and gain valuable insights about a particular career, company, or industry that would otherwise be difficult to find in books or online. Check out our tip sheet to learn more.

Alumni Profiles

Check out our Alumni Profiles page with submissions from UTM grads to find out how their experiences have affected their career direction.

Events

Attending career panels, networking events, employer info sessions, and career fairs is a great way to meet professionals and learn more about careers, companies, and industries. Login to CLN and click on Events & Workshops to see what's coming up.

Talk to Professors

Connecting with your professors can be a great way to explore the different paths a major can lead you to, as well as learn about possible opportunities for research, volunteering, or becoming a TA. Drop by during their office hours or request an appointment.

Student Organizations

Joining any student club or academic society at UTM is a great way to gain valuable skills and expand your resume. To view a list of current clubs and societies, visit the Student Organization Portal. Some organizations you may consider:

LinkedIn

Create a LinkedIn profile to connect with professionals in various fields, explore the career paths of UTM alumni, research employers, apply for specific positions, and more. Need help? Come to the Career Centre to book a LinkedIn profile critique.

Professional Associations

There are many benefits of becoming a member of association(s), such as developing a network of contacts, learning about industry trends, accessing industry-related job postings, and stating your affiliation on your resume. Some associations related to this major are:

 

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4. Get Experience
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Get some experience and exposure to the industry while being a student. This will increase your chances of finding a job after graduation, while helping you decide what area might be most suitable for you.

4a. On-Campus

 
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On-Campus Opportunities Booklet

Check out the On-Campus Opportunities booklet to view a list of some of the ways you can get valuable experience on campus.

Work Study Positions

The work study program provides eligible students with an opportunity to work on campus during the academic year and gain experience. Many departments use this program to hire UTM students during the Fall/Winter and Summer terms.

Research Opportunity Program (ROP)

UTM's Research Opportunity Program (ROP) allows undergraduate students to gain valuable research experience and earn a course credit by participating in a faculty member's research project. Courses are held during Summer and Fall/Winter terms.

Part Time and Volunteer Positions

  • Attend the annual Get Experience Fair 
  • Check out our binder with detailed information on volunteer opportunities; available in the Career Centre
  • Learn about the Co-Curricular Record (CCR), which can help you find opportunities beyond the classroom and have your skills and experiences captured on an official document

Student Organizations

Joining any student club or academic society at UTM is a great way to gain valuable skills and expand your resume. To view a list of current clubs and societies, visit the Student Organization Portal.

4b. Off-Campus

 
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Internships, Summer, Part Time and Volunteer Positions 

Full Time Positions

  • Networking is an essential element of job search today, as most jobs are not advertised. While you should still apply for positions you find online, building relationships with professionals is a proven way to access the "hidden job market" with some of the most desirable opportunities. Attend the "Learn to Network" workshop to discover proven techniques to effectively introduce yourself and make contacts.
  • Login to CLN and click on Jobs to access current postings advertised to graduating students and recent UofT grads. Note: You must attend the "Now That I'm Graduating, What's Next?" workshop to gain access to these postings.
  • Attend the annual Get Hired: Summer and Full-Time Jobs Fair
  • Check out our list of industry-specific job boards

 

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5. Useful Resources & Next Steps
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Career Resource Library

The Career Resource Library contains information about a wide range of occupations in all industries, resume and cover letter resources, effective work search methods, graduate/professional school preparation guides, and more.

Appointments

Career Planning by Year

Visit our Career Planning by Year page for ideas of important career related activities for each year. You can visit us in the Career Centre to find out more about career areas that interest you.

Additional Web Resources


updated July 2023