How Canada's Future-Ready Universities Shape Adaptable Careers

We live in a world that seems to change almost daily. In this fast-moving time, higher education must offer more than just academic knowledge. A university education should also help students grow in other ways, such as developing confidence, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Students should seek out an education that will help them develop adaptable skills and a global mindset to help them successfully navigate the future of work.

For students seeking international opportunities, scholarly achievement tends to share space with more pragmatic priorities: gaining work experience, learning in-demand skills, and having the chance to potentially settle long-term in their host country. One country continues to stand out as a great choice with a huge upside: Canada.

Canada Continues to provide an Edge

Canada is a welcoming country for international students and for good reason. Despite evolving immigration policies and geopolitical tensions, Canada still stands out today as a destination of choice for international students, and the country welcomes hundreds of thousands of them every year. They are drawn to a country that is inclusive, safe, and with world-class universities that are embedded right into their local community and economy. With its strong emphasis on innovation, diversity, and real-world learning, Canadian universities are uniquely positioned to equip graduates with the tools they need to thrive in an evolving, interconnected world. Because Canadian universities are recognized around the world, a Canadian career-oriented education is globally transferable.

In Canada, foreign students can work while they study, an important aspect for many. A university degree also makes students eligible for a “Post-Graduation Work Permit” that opens the door to work experience and a possible foothold toward permanent residency.

It is important to recognize that every Canadian university is different in what it prioritizes and what it can offer to international students. For those who are considering undertaking an international degree, one that gives them an edge in career readiness, I offer several questions to consider.

Does the school look ahead to the future of work?

Today’s students will undoubtedly graduate into a world with professions that look different and career paths that may not even exist yet. Consider the many intersecting global trends affecting the course of so many industries: automation, AI and digital technology, sustainable business models and “green” technology, the need for resilient supply chains… the list goes on. These trends demand a new kind of professional: one who is highly adaptable, creative, and capable of diverse problem-solving and lifelong learning.

Does the university you are considering prepare its students for the future of work by focusing on transferable, in-demand skills and knowledge? Does it act as an incubator for ideas and encourage students to build skills and confidence by tackling real-world problems? Successful universities must look ahead to anticipate the future of work and adapt their programs to meet it.

Does the university authentically drive innovation?

Universities play a unique and essential role in establishing innovative ecosystems and building industry partnerships. Today’s students will graduate into a world where innovation and creative solutions will be continuously needed.

In higher education, many universities talk about innovation – but here are several things to look for in a university that doesn’t just “value” innovation but makes it a priority: These include the opportunities for students to build, test and launch ideas, dedicated innovation spaces on campus, mentorship via practitioners and alumni innovators, ensuring that innovation is embedded in curriculum across all programs, not just in business or engineering faculties, core courses (not just optional workshops) that teach creativity, design thinking and systems change and established partnerships with startups, social enterprises and industry.

For instance, at TMU, our “Zone Learning” system supports student-led ventures across various sectors. It’s a purpose-built network for innovation and entrepreneurship that delivers hands-on experience to grow an idea, gain work experience, or connect with other curious minds. At its core is the DMZ, one of the world’s top university-based incubators that provides mentorship, cross-border collaboration, and funding to ensure innovative ideas have the chance to take hold.

Are there diverse experiential learning opportunities?

Part of preparing for the future of work is learning not just the “why” but the “how.” Look for a university that will prioritize experiential learning and that has a strong track record of interesting co-op placements, internships, applied research projects, and community-based assignments. They allow students to gain valuable work experience before they graduate, build all-important professional networks, and ensure their knowledge is current with industry demands. It is not unreasonable to expect experiential learning for any field of study: at TMU, we have 100% such coverage across more than 60 programs. I firmly believe this is a key reason why more than 90 per cent of our students are employed within two years of graduation.

Conclusion

Any decision for pursuing post-secondary education internationally must align with a student’s personal and professional goals and aspirations. Canada offers a world-class education system designed not just to transmit knowledge, but to transform students into career-ready, adaptable and global-minded leaders.

About the Author:

Dr. Mohamed Lachemi is president and vice-chancellor of Toronto Metropolitan University.  An internationally recognized researcher and accomplished academic administrator, he has been a key contributor to the growth and development of the university over a transformational time in its history.  A graduate of L’Université des Sciences et de la Technologie d’Oran in Algeria and L'Université de Sherbrooke, Dr. Lachemi is a Board member of Rogers Communications Inc., DMZ Ventures, WUSC (World University Service of Canada), and GTAA (Greater Toronto Airports Authority). In 2022, Dr. Lachemi was appointed to the Order of Ontario, the province's highest civilian honour, recognizing extraordinary contributions.