Career Engagement

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Graduate Students Who Excel in Career Engagement: 

Envision Multiple Paths to Career Success

You embrace curiosity, explore multiple possibilities, and experiment with different options that align with your expertise and goals. You integrate your values, interests, and strengths into your decision-making to create a purpose-driven career journey. 

Build a Network

You cultivate meaningful professional relationships and seek guidance from individuals who can help advance your career. 

Invest in Self-Development

You deepen your self-awareness and embrace learning opportunities to enhance your professional growth and development. 

Emphasize Relevant Accomplishments

You communicate accomplishments that emphasize your relevant expertise and skills and showcase the impact of your work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assess Your career engagement Skills  

2025-2026 Schedule

Monthly Career Advising Drop-in

Multiple Dates, 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. ET

Once a month, drop-by to meet with Career Coach David Feeney about any of the following topics/questions/concerns:

- Writing CVs and Resumes (feel free to bring yours in for review!)

- Job search techniques

- Tips for job interviews and informational interviews

- Networking skills

- Using LinkedIn

- General questions about your career path

Please feel free to just drop-in. However, if you would like to receive a reminder the day before, please register for one of the below dates.

Scholars to Leaders: Alumni Careers Discussion Panel - Arts & Humanities

March 30, 2026, 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. ET *Online/Virtual*

Are you curious about what career paths beyond academia are possible with your graduate degree in Arts & Humanities? Join us for a panel discussion with alumni who have pursued non-academic careers in a variety of sectors. Panelists will share details of their career journeys, including how they found their roles, what barriers they faced, and helpful tips for job searching, applications, networking, and more!

About the Panelists:

Dr. Sarita Addy (PhD Hispanic Studies, ‘20) currently holds the position of Director - Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at St. Joseph’s Health Care.

Dr. Nahmi Stuart (PhD English, ‘21) currently holds the position of Executive Communications and Events Coordinator at the BC Public Service.

Dr. Fanny Leveau (PhD French Studies, ‘23) currently holds the position of Corporate Operations Analyst at the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). Fanny has taught courses at Western in French Literature and French language. She is passionate about teaching, learning and intercultural communication. Prior to her current role, she worked in the NGO sector, coordinating programs and leading the submission of proposals.

Dr. Grace Gomashie (PhD Hispanic Studies, ‘20) currently holds the position of Portfolio Manager at Velocity. Her work sits at the intersection of health systems, language, equity, and knowledge mobilization. Her scholarship and applied research examine Indigenous language vitality, bilingualism, and language shift, with particular attention to decolonization, onomastics, and inclusive research practices in Indigenous and minoritized communities. At Velocity, Grace supports health-focused innovation by building strategic partnerships and advancing initiatives that connect research, policy, and practice.

Dr. Angelica Hernandez (PhD French Linguistics, ’21) currently holds the position of Policy Analyst at the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). She completed an Honours Bachelor of Science in Biology before pursuing her Master's and eventually her Ph.D. in French Linguistics. Following her Master's, she also served as an adjunct professor at the University of the Virgin Islands. During this time, while leading a study on the use of non-standard languages in math education, she became interested in policy analysis, which ultimately inspired her to transition into a career in government.

Dr. Michael Borgida (PhD Philosophy, ’15) currently holds the position of Senior Manager - Service Transformation at ServiceOntario. Michael's doctoral work focused on political and legal theory. Since 2016 he has worked for the Ontario Public Service in progressively senior roles in ServiceOntario. Michael lives in Toronto with his wife and two year old son.

Working in Canada: Understanding Academic Job Roles

March 31, 2026, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. ET *Online/Virtual*

This session is offered in partnership with Western International. It was designed for International graduate students, but domestic grad students are also welcome!

This workshop provides a general overview of navigating Canadian academic career pathways. Participants will gain understanding of the different academic positions in Canadian Universities and Colleges, and receive tips for creating effective marketing materials, including teaching dossiers, research statements, resumes, and CVs. Important facets of networking tactics, negotiation advice, and employment rights are also covered in the session. Participants will depart with useful tools and resources to boldly pursue academic employment prospects in Canada.

Postdoctoral Pathways Lunch & Learn: Strategies for Planning and Funding Your Next Career Move

April 13, 2026, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. ET

Interested in a postdoc after your PhD? Join us for an informative session with Mihaela Harmos, Postdoctoral Services Coordinator, where you will learn how to transition to a postdoctoral position and identify sources of funding. Discussion will also consider how a postdoctoral position can support your career journey for careers both within and beyond academia.

This is a lunch-and-learn session and pizza will be provided!

LinkedIn Lunch & Learn

April 15, 2026, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. ET

Did you know that many companies actively use LinkedIn for recruiting? LinkedIn is a powerful job search tool - if used right. Learn how to optimize your profile, build your professional network and make LinkedIn an asset in your job search.

This is a lunch-and-learn session and pizza will be provided!

This is a working session - bring your laptops to work on your LinkedIn profile!

Using LinkedIn - Online Workshop

April 21, 2026, 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. ET *online/virtual*

Join us for the online version of our popular lunch & learn session! Learn how to optimize your LinkedIn profile, build your professional network and make LinkedIn an asset in your job search.

This is a working session - please set up a LinkedIn profile in advance of the session!

Networking Skills for Conferences

April 29, 2026, 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. ET

Academic conferences are not only platforms for presenting research; they're gateways to learning, collaboration, and forging meaningful connections that can shape your professional journey. Whether you're an early-career researcher or a seasoned academic, this workshop will equip you with the tools and strategies to harness the power of conference networking.

more Career Engagement resources for Grad Students

Life Design (Career Education)

Life Design harnesses design thinking methods to support career and life planning.

Interviewing Support (Career Education)

Interviewing is an art and the key to success is preparation. Practice your skills in mock interviews, workshops, and more.

Career Education Workshops and Events

Check out upcoming workshops on topics including interview skills, using LinkedIn, resume writing, AI in career planning, and special topics for International students.

Employer Information Sessions

Every year, employers and educational recruiters visit campus to meet and recruit students.

Graduate Student Internship Program

The Graduate Student Internship Program is designed to bridge the gap between academia and the workplace.

International Student Services - Working and Volunteering

Learn about work permits, immigration, and more!