Today’s university students are preparing for the world of work in new and innovative ways. From hands-on research opportunities to internships and global study, Canada’s universities are preparing students for meaningful careers through non-traditional learning opportunities.

Universities and their students recognize the importance of connecting studies with the needs of the labour market, and that’s reflected in what’s happening on campus. Students prepare for rewarding careers through growing opportunities for experiential learning. Today, half of all undergraduate students in Canada will have a co-op or internship experience before they graduate.

"Employment data confirms that a university degree remains the best protection against unemployment. In fact, just 3.7 percent of 25 to 64 year-olds with bachelor’s degrees earned in Canada were unemployed in 2010 to 2011."

It’s not just the ‘how’ of learning that has evolved; it’s also the ‘what’.  New programs have been added to address the needs of our changing economy, emerging areas such as health science policy, non-profit leadership, community relations in extractive industries, palliative nursing, health industry management and design engineering.

"Regardless of subject area, a university degree gives students skills that are sought by today’s employers. And despite media criticism to the contrary, graduates in the social sciences and humanities also enjoy a significant income premium."

High demand, high enrolment

Students are aware of which disciplines are in high demand and are gravitating to these areas in growing numbers. From 2005 to 2010, enrolment has grown fastest in high-demand disciplines such as business, law, various health professions and engineering.

As a recent CIBC report highlights, the most in-demand jobs in Canada today require a university degree. These include managers in health, education, social and community services; human resources and business service professionals; and supervisors in manufacturing and processing.

"Awareness about the value of a university degree is reflected in growing enrolments. More than 1.2 million Canadians are currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Canada – a new record."

The value of a degree

University students know there are income level differences related to field of study. They are also aware of the significant income premium of a university degree across disciplines. Regardless of subject area, a university degree gives students skills that are sought by today’s employers. And despite media criticism to the contrary, graduates in the social sciences and humanities also enjoy a significant income premium. For example, full-time workers with undergraduate degrees in history earn, on average, around $60,000 annually – the same as graduates with degrees in biological and biomedical sciences.

Employment data confirms that a university degree remains the best protection against unemployment. In fact, just 3.7 percent of 25 to 64 year-olds with bachelor’s degrees earned in Canada were unemployed in 2010 to 2011. This compares to 6.9 percent unemployment for all others in this age group and to 6.6 percent for high school graduates in this age range.

Awareness about the value of a university degree is reflected in growing enrolments. More than 1.2 million Canadians are currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Canada – a new record.  In the last dozen years, Canadian universities have made space for a 50 percent increase in full-time enrolment.

Why such an increase?  Because the labour market has demanded it. Because students and their families see university as the surest path to prosperity.  And because, as a nation, we need the continued advantage of a well-educated population.