In an era where global interconnectedness is the norm, equipping young professionals for international careers has never been more crucial. A recent report titled “Closing the Employer Gap on Global Skills Gained Through Mobility,” funded by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and administered by Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), dives into how studying abroad impacts career prospects for Canadian students.

The project, led by the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC), along with a consortium of four other higher education institutions, and supported by Expertise in Labour Mobility, as an independent consultant, takes a closer look at how international mobility affects employability. Through conducting semi-structured interviews with employers from various industries, the research highlights the top skills that Canadian employers seek in recent graduates and how these align with the skills gained through international experiences. 

ELM’s approach to data collection involved semi-structured interviews, striking a balance between gathering consistent information and digging deep into insights. This method provided a comprehensive understanding of employer expectations across different industries.

So, what are the top five skills identified?

1. Communication

2. Adaptability

3. Problem-solving

4. Teamwork

5. Time- and self-management

These skills, often built during international experiences, are critical for new hires. However, the report emphasises that while international experiences are beneficial, they are not a guarantee for employment. Graduates need to be able to effectively articulate how their time abroad has helped them develop these sought-after skills.“Having spent time abroad is certainly a benefit, but not a prerequisite for us to hire a candidate. Having had different experiences is important though. But what we value most is good work ethic and the willingness to learn and participate in activities.” is how Nick MacGregor, General Manager at MacGregors Industrial Group, puts it.

Employers value interpersonal skills and social responsibility. Graduates with international experience who have engaged in community tasks or voluntary work are seen as more adaptable and capable of making positive contributions to the workplace. According to Binu Saradakutty, Coordinator of Community Development at the City of Brampton: “International experience helps in understanding global issues. It provides you with a lens to understand different people and different needs. It teaches self-awareness and open-mindedness. It enhances people skills.”

The report underscores the significant benefits that studying abroad offers Canadian students such as fostering the development of crucial soft skills. Soft skills such as enthusiasm, engagement, motivation, and communication were highlighted as more critical than technical expertise for recent graduates in interviews. These skills are highly prized in the job market, particularly by employers who have experienced international mobility themselves. Kendal Senko, Advisor Talent Attraction at Nutrien sums it up nicely: “Communication is definitely a top priority. It’s something we look for in candidates regardless of the position. Next, I would say teamwork and the ability to collaborate with others are crucial, no matter what position they’re in. Even with a lot of independent work, cross-departmental communication is essential. Lastly, I would highlight adaptability and a willingness to learn and problem-solve. Especially when hiring for entry-level positions, I’m looking for someone who can think on their feet and quickly pick up new skills, even if they don’t have the exact experience.”

Despite these clear benefits that studying and internships abroad bring, the report highlights that simply having international experience is not enough. Graduates must be adept at demonstrating how their experiences have built skills relevant to their prospective job roles, especially as the report also found that employers prioritise “potential” capabilities over “proven” capabilities for recent graduates. And with this in mind, a lot of potential doors open for new graduates. As Jim Louie Senior Partner Talent Acquisition at Belron Canada mentions “We can teach the hard skills but the soft skills are very hard to teach. We love people who have great communication skills, a willingness to learn and the ability to take feedback.”

One of the standout takeaways from the report is the importance of teaching students how to effectively showcase the skills gained during their international experiences. This can be achieved through well-crafted written applications, and especially during job interviews. One of the employers mentioned how AI can craft a ‘perfect’ CV, but it’s the ability to articulate these skills that significantly enhance a graduate’s employability. “It’s hard to judge a resume. AI can give you the best resume nowadays. Going abroad in itself is not doing the trick for me. You differentiate yourself if during the interview you can make me understand why you have chosen a particular degree and if I see your enthusiasm and love for the field you have chosen.” says Tereza Cairns, Global Talent Acquisition Manager at Sulmara.

The report concludes that aligning the skills gained through international mobility with employer expectations can significantly enhance the employability of Canadian graduates. By increasing the number of graduates with international experience, Canada can develop a more skilled and globally aware workforce, ultimately benefiting the economy.

For (Canadian) higher education institutions, the report underscores the need to provide guidance to students on how to articulate the skills gained through international experiences. As this bridges the gap between education and employment, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the rapidly changing job market.For those seeking a deeper understanding of these findings and their implications, the full report (add hyperlink) offers a comprehensive analysis and valuable recommendations for both educators and employers. This document is a must-read for anyone invested in the future of education and the global job market.

Written by Melanie Siegfried of Expertise in Labour Mobility