The impact of technology on international students’ workforce integration

Principal Investigator: Daniel Gulanowski, International Business
Project Title: International Students and Workforce Integration through Technology: The Future of Canada’s Prosperity
Co-Investigator: Greg Sears, Management
Funder: SSHRC Insight Development

International students represent a valuable source of talent and can play a key role in addressing skill shortages and increasing workplace diversity and innovation in Canada. Yet, many international student graduates wishing to stay in Canada report difficulties in finding suitable employment and integrating into the Canadian labour market. Communicating virtually has become the primary way for international students to network, seek information and search for jobs. However, many international students face difficulties in reading social cues, developing social relationships and forming connections with Canadian employers. This research aims to explore and deepen the understanding of the impact and role of different online technologies on international student graduates’ job search as well as determine how to better integrate international students into the Canadian workforce using these online technologies.