The secret to getting hired after graduation isn’t just a degree or diploma

We all know that entry-level positions are meant to fit those with little to no experience. It’s supposed to be an entry way to your career, however it appears to have become a buzzword employers use to bring our hopes up when in all actuality, the position they’re hiring for requires years of experience. 

How frustrating is it to try to get experience when no one will actually give you a chance?! We’re going to get over this hurdle by starting now! Whether you’re early on in your post-secondary journey or still figuring out what you want to do, you can start today by: 

1. Talk to your school counsellor or visit your career centre
   • Lay it all out on the table by discussing your career plans or interests. Many of these professionals have access to resources we may not know about which are helpful for finding jobs or internships. Creating a plan now will ensure you 
2. Check in with the city or province!
   • The city of Toronto and the government of Ontario have dedicated initiatives to helping youth secure employment and build experience. These programs also help youth seeking to start their own businesses. Check out the Ontario and The City of Toronto initiatives! 
3. Get to networking!
   1. One of the most valuable ways of securing employment is through referrals. By forming relationships with people, you expand your reach way beyond what you could if you solely rely on online applications. By knowing one person, you open yourself up to everyone they know as well. If you don’t have one already, create a LinkedIn account! It’s not just for the ‘older” crowd, this is where you can introduce yourself to decision makers who could get you that job! Looking for in-person networking events on eventbrite is a really good option as well. 

Check out some of these resources: 

CanWorks	Canworks is a developing Job board dedicated to helping young Canadians secure true entry-level employment and internships. The official launch for the site will be in May 2026!
Riipen	Riipen connects post-secondary students with employers who offer short-term internships. The best part is, It’s paid! They offer 4 different paid programs that help you gain experience while being paid! Programs to look out for: Labs, Level Up, Future Path, and Advance Ontario
Canada’s Work Integrated Learning (WIL) initiatives	This page outlines different initiatives the government has in place to help young Canadians gain valuable work experiences.
Canada’s Top 100 Employers for Young People	This site is a gem for discovering employers who are known for treating their employees well. This list is specifically curated with young Canadians in mind. You can view company job boards as well as a profile detailing why they’re one of the best!

Getting experience early on is great because many times we might not even know if the career we are pursuing is the right one for us. The best way to learn is by doing, so don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! 

Bonus listen to: How to land your first job (even as a teen)