Strengthening career development model connectivity between Canada and China

By Julia Nie

Framing the context

Canada has well-established practical career development models, education and research programs. What is the current status of career development in China? What are the challenges, opportunities and solutions? What are the strategies to change the situation?

Strengths: Career development initiative in China

In China, domestic university enrolment has been rising at a staggering rate over the past decade. Additionally, there are large growing numbers of returning overseas students entering the job market in China. The outcome of graduates’ jobseeking has drawn the attention of students, universities, government and communities. Now government, universities and private sectors in China are building their capacity around the tools and theories of career development.

Opportunities: Career development in China

Career development is a relatively new concept in China. There was no career development theory and practice before the 1990s. Jobs were assigned by government. Nowadays, China has a rapid-growth economy and changing labour market; there is huge demand for career development. Government and non-government sectors are building their capability to offer career development to university students. However, they are facing many challenges, such as a lack of trained and qualified career development practitioners to deliver services and outdated career development assessment software and tools. Government and non-government players in Canada can act as an enabler and facilitator opening doors for practice, research and partnership between Canada and China through institutional partnership building, research collaboration, internationalized career development curriculum, as well as sending delegations and hosting summits.

Aspirations: Career development model connectivity

In today’s globalized knowledge-based economy, the communication and connectivity, exchange and collaboration between Canada and China should be a cohesive strategy. Canada expertise export can build a Canadian brand.

Results: Canadian brand, communication and collaboration

The career development model connectivity between Canada and China will brand Canadian expertise, building a gateway that leads to positive change in the labour market of China and results in sustainable social and cultural communication and collaboration between the two countries.

Author Bio

Julia Nie is a career practitioner and researcher focused on career development, intercultural and international communication. She holds Career Development Practitioner certification from Simon Fraser University and is completing her MA in Intercultural and International Communication at Royal Roads University. She has over 10 years of experience in research, employment service and university management in intercultural communication context, working with diverse groups including immigrants, youth and people with disability and multi-barriers.