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While many universities prioritise imparting knowledge, Dalhousie University goes a step further, guiding students toward their next steps after graduation. Alongside academic rigour, Atlantic Canada’s leading research university offers an all-encompassing support system aimed at propelling students into thriving careers. Its Management Career Services (MCS) stands out as a key player, bridging the gap between education and real-world experience.
MCS links students with tailored internships and co-op placements that not only enhance what students learn in classrooms but also cultivate the practical skills and industry insights vital for professional growth. Each work term provides students with full-time, paid work experience lasting typically 14 to 16 weeks, with a minimum of 490 total work hours.
International students particularly benefit from MCS’s initiatives, which include industry-specific knowledge sessions, Career Smart workshops and one-to-one appointments with Career and Recruitment Specialists. While Canada is the most welcoming of immigrants among Group of Seven developed countries, it does help international students to have as many opportunities and resources to help students adjust to local culture and workplace. In this aspect, Dalhousie is exemplary.
MCS sessions provide guidance and advice tailored to each student’s career goals, helping them navigate the job market with confidence. Over at the Writing Centre and through ESL Support services, students get training to become effective communicators on paper and in person. Participation in Toastmasters further enhances their public speaking, body language, and leadership abilities.
Mentors add another layer of support. They are either faculty or staff — but regardless of their role, mentors here do not merely instruct. Instead, they readily offer advice, share industry knowledge, and help students navigate the complexities of their chosen career paths. Indeed, they play the dual role of coach and counsellor to great effect, maximising Dalhousie’s support ecosystem and bringing out the best in each international student — as the following student success stories show:
Ding Fan
The MCS team works hard to ensure international students get their best shot at a career in Canada – something Ding Fan knows well. “I went to MCS services very frequently while I was in my fourth year and the advisor here at MCS helped me so much from the job hunting to the moment I got my first job,” she says.
From her very first day as a student in Halifax, Ding Fan from China felt comfortable enough to immerse herself in Dalhousie’s vibrant community. As part of the International Centre, she initiated the province’s pioneering “landing support” programme for Chinese students. This suite of services, from airport pick-up to translation assistance, set the tone for Fan’s impactful time at Dalhousie.
Throughout her undergraduate years, she dedicated time to supporting international students and won prestigious awards for her efforts — all while working towards pinpointing her life’s calling. “Initially, I was an environmental science student, but then I decided to pursue a Bachelor of Management degree,” she explains.
“I was fortunate enough to work at the university for two years after graduating. The experience solidified my decision to work in entrepreneurship and innovation. I am especially thankful to Dr. Ed Leach and Dr. Mary Kilfoil, who were my professors in my first year and later became my mentors and eventually my bosses, too.”
Fan’s passions revolve around helping people from all over the world feel respected and welcome. Source: Dalhousie University
As Fan’s connections grew stronger with time, so did Dalhousie’s commitment to student support initiatives tailored specifically for international students. “More internship and co-op opportunities were created for students with diverse backgrounds,” she shares. “The President even invited international student representatives to his house to celebrate Christmas. I also noticed more international students being elected as student leaders.”
Fan loved seeing others empowered, so she embarked on a career path focused on community building and entrepreneurship. She founded the Nova Scotia International Network Society and played a key role in attracting tech entrepreneurs to the province through her work at Innovacorp. She later established a career counselling business and created the New2 platform, connecting newcomers to their new community.
Her efforts have resulted in the welcoming of over 2,500 newcomers, the organisation of more than 500 events, and the establishment of over 14 innovative startups in Nova Scotia. Today, as a marketing manager at Marine Thinking, she uses the skills and connections forged at Dalhousie to find success in the rapidly evolving field of marine AI technology.
Jing Zhang
Jing Zhang left China for Canada in 2002, drawn to Dalhousie’s reputation for close student-faculty relationships. This decision proved pivotal, as it led him to meet his lifelong mentor, Dr. Bruce Smiths.
“Choosing Dalhousie was one of the most important decisions I have made in life,” he shares. “On my very first day, I met Dr. Smiths, who gave me wise insights on choosing statistics as my major, and who also later became my supervisor during my PhD studies.”
Inspired by his professors, PhD graduate Jing Zhang now gives his best whenever he’s in front of a classroom. Source: Dalhousie University
In his first months, Zhang faced the common challenges of adapting to a new culture and overcoming language barriers. Soon, he found solace and support in Dalhousie’s welcoming community, the International Student Office and the Chinese Student and Scholars Association.
His positive experiences inspired him to give back, eventually serving as President of the Chinese Student and Scholars Association for three years. “My job was to help the university ensure its international students were well taken care of,” he says.
Upon completing his PhD in Statistics in 2021, Zhang continues to promote the university’s programmes alongside faculty member Dr. Barry Lesser. As the vice president and co-founder of the Chinese Education Promotion Association of Nova Scotia, he led efforts to set up scholarships for Chinese students and those enrolled in the Chinese Studies programme at Dalhousie, ensuring future generations of students have access to the same opportunities he had.
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