There are plenty of opportunities to earn money as a student in Canada; you just need to know where to look. As a student, you may be looking for extra cash to buy yourself something nice or to keep your bank account healthy while you’re studying at university or college. Or maybe you’re planning on returning to school after working full-time and want some more experience under your belt before you start applying for jobs again.
Job search strategies
The first thing to do is just get out there and apply. Apply everywhere you can think of: big companies, small companies, mom-and-pop stores. Look at websites like canadajobs.ca, craigslist.ca and Kijiji for listings of available jobs, no matter how far away from your ideal position they seem at first glance. You never know where your next great opportunity might pop up! When applying for jobs (whether in person or online), make sure that you’re prepared ahead of time with relevant work experience—even if it’s part-time or volunteering—to support your application.
The best cities for students to find jobs
In order to find your best city for jobs, it’s important to decide what kind of job you’re looking for. If you have an advanced degree and are looking for something professional and specialized, Toronto is your best bet. A majority of opportunities for students with professional degrees can be found here; however, these jobs tend to pay quite well. Alternatively, if you’re an arts student looking for something more cultural and laid-back, Montreal might be your ideal choice—this city has tons of things to do that aren’t just limited to tourists. You’ll get a taste of what it’s like living and working in Canada while also making enough money to spend on whatever else you want during your time off!
Part-time jobs vs Full-time jobs
When students start their job search, they’ll typically have one of two goals: either looking for part-time jobs to earn some extra money, or looking for full-time jobs that they can turn into career prospects. The differences between these types of jobs are very important to understand when it comes time to make your choices. Consider them carefully before you rush off and apply for anything. Here’s what you need to know about student jobs in Canada, whether you’re working toward part-time income or something more long term. (For more information about working in Canada as an international student, check out our Canadian Jobs Guide.)
Tips for landing your first Canadian job
To land your first Canadian job, it’s important to do two things: research and network. Finding and applying for jobs is easy when you know what type of work you want and where. Research upcoming opportunities by talking with other students, alumni associations or relevant organizations. Try posting online or walking around your city’s business district; there’s no better way to get face time with potential employers than being there, asking questions. Once you have landed an interview, make sure you’re ready for anything—you may be asked about personal topics such as financial responsibility or family planning, so think about how you’ll respond before arriving at your interview.
Earning extra cash through multiple streams
There are plenty of ways you can earn money while you’re still a student, but it’s important to make sure they won’t interfere with your schooling or add too much stress. While it may be tempting to work around your class schedule, don’t jeopardize your studies by doing so; instead look for extra-curricular jobs that will complement your regular studies and leave you time for recreation. A great example of such an option is babysitting: It will allow you to spend more time with younger kids and give back by caring for them, plus provide free childcare when you need it—all while earning an income on top of what you receive from your parents. Another popular way for students and recent graduates to make extra cash is freelancing.
Freelancing vs Work from Home
Freelancing jobs often don’t provide health benefits or 401(k) plans, but they do have certain advantages over working from home. Freelancers typically must pay their own taxes, can set their own hours and choose who they work with. That’s not to say freelancing isn’t without its drawbacks; there are times when you may need an employer-sponsored plan, such as if you have a serious illness or if you want family coverage through your spouse’s employer. Before deciding between freelancing and working from home, weigh your pros and cons. You might find it beneficial to alternate between freelance work and steady work at home jobs, for example.
How Much Should You Expect To Earn As A Newcomer In Canada?
Everyone who decides to make Canada their home for an extended period of time eventually needs money. Usually, newcomers have their own reasons for coming here and since each person’s situation is unique, it’s hard to say what you should earn once you arrive. The best way to find out how much students can earn in Canada is by asking yourself some basic questions: What are your education and experience? Where do you want to live? How much income will I need? Are there any opportunities that could help me reach my goals faster? Once you have these answers, it will be easier for you to estimate how much student can earn in Canada per month. Remember that earning potential varies widely depending on your location and skill set.
The Highest Paying Student Jobs in Canada
1. Art Teacher $23,000 – $37,000 2. Helicopter Pilot $17,000 – $37,000 3. Film or Video Editor $28,800 – $41,600 4. Paralegal/Legal Assistant $24,900 – $45,300 5. Survey Researcher <$20k 6. Flight Attendant / Stewardess <$20k 7. Market Research Analyst $25,400 – $42,100 8. Copywriter <$25k 9. Computer Systems Analyst (Analyst) $27,200 – $46,500 10. Technical Writer <$30k 11. Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) <$30k 12. Web Designer/Developer (Web Developer) <$35k 13.
Find a Student Job in Canada
Finding a student job is actually easier than you might think, especially if you start early. First off, search through your school’s career center or on campus. Often, schools will have job boards with all their local employers who are looking for students. Next up, think of some companies that are hiring in your area and check out their website (and social media accounts) for open positions. Finally, check out some of these third-party websites that specialize in helping students find work—we like The Muse and College Recruiter , but there are many others.
What I Wish I Knew Before Moving to Canada
If you’re moving here from another country, there are several things that you need to know about how your money will be affected by your move. Here are some tips for making sure you do it right. First, contact your bank and ask them to convert all of your accounts into Canadian dollars before you leave. While they may charge you an exchange fee (which will be deducted from your total) at least everything will be set up properly before you arrive so that you don’t have any nasty surprises when it comes time to pay rent or buy groceries or anything else. It is always better not to deal with these things while jetlagged!
