Opportunities After Graduation

Education is a life-long process that does not stop with a degree. Incorporating new knowledge and technologies contributes to one’s daily life.

Employers know the value of getting a university education and many recruit on campus each year. It is important to make the most of the career resources available to give you the best opportunities after graduation. In an article by Mary-Kay Whittaker, who is a former Director of Health Sciences at the Council of Ontario Universities, she suggests “dedicated, highly skilled and competent health care professionals are the foundation of the Ontario health care system.” She goes on to say that “a career as a health professional offers a rewarding opportunity to improve the health of the people of Ontario.” (February 2001, INFO Page 14)

A February 17, 2000 article in Western News indicated that the Bachelor of Arts degree "remains a pathway to successful, satisfying and well-paying careers for many university graduates." One study was conducted by economist Robert Allen of the University of British Columbia who found that "the demand for all university graduates in the Canadian economy appears to be growing as rapidly as the supply of graduates." Further information on this study is available at the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.

"What’s a university degree really worth? More than you think, according to the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada – and the payback is greater than just money."

There are several key questions you should ask yourself when looking at future careers:

What are the educational requirements to enter this profession?
What are the key activities involved in this profession?
What are the essential skills required to do the job?
Is there any special experience required?
How can I make entry into this profession as easy as possible?

Graduates of the Bachelor of Health Sciences Programs at Western have gone on to a wide range of successful careers. According to Ontario Job Futures, job creation will continue to grow in the service industries such as health care. They also predict the best job prospects within occupations that require university degrees are physicians, dentists, pharmacists, physiotherapist, registered nurses, audiologists, etc. With an aging population and the retirement of a significant number of health practitioners, there is a projected shortage in many health disciplines. As a result, below are some examples in a variety of fields you may consider. It is important to note that professional careers require additional study beyond your undergraduate degree.

More information about opportunities after graduation is available by following the links in the menu at the top right side of this page. In those pages you will find more specific information about job prospects and links to useful tips when planning your career path.

If you have any questions, please contact the School of Health Studies Office in room 222 of the Arthur & Sonia Labatt Health Science Building. If you want to make an appointment to discuss your options in more detail, please call the Office at 519-661-4119.