Updates From The Post-Secondary Desk: August 2026

When considering post-secondary education, it is helpful to think about the career opportunities your studies may support. For example, have you considered applying to CN Rail, either while you are still a student or after graduation?

At CN, students and recent graduates can explore a dynamic and diverse work environment with opportunities for professional growth. CN offers rewarding internship roles for full-time students in applicable fields who have recently graduated or completed at least one year of their program. CN offers much more than train operations, with career pathways across a wide range of fields. https://www.cn.ca/en/careers/

Ontario Parks also offers employment opportunities, including summer positions and full-time roles. Summer students support Ontario Parks in many different areas, including administrative support, backcountry ranger positions, and park store clerk roles. A full list of opportunities is available on the Ontario Parks careers page: https://www.ontarioparks.ca/careers

Hospitals and larger health organizations offer more than clinical roles. They may also hire air and vacuum technicians, social workers, finance and payroll staff, data entry clerks, information technology professionals, and food services workers. These organizations are worth considering as part of your career exploration.

If you are interested in working at sea, the Canadian Coast Guard offers co-op opportunities and employment pathways for students. https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-coast-guard/corporate/careers/opportunities-students.html

Great Lakes shipping is another career area to explore. Great Lakes Maritime Careers also offers a newsletter for those interested in learning more about opportunities in the sector. https://greatlakesmaritimejobs.org/

For those considering the Canadian Armed Forces, there are training programs and career pathways available for Indigenous Peoples. Some CAF pathways may also support post-secondary education. Skilled trades applicants may wish to review current recruitment bonus opportunities. https://forces.ca/en/careers

If you are interested in heritage, culture, or museum-related careers, consider exploring opportunities through the Canadian Museum of History. Some internship opportunities are designed to help participants gain career-related skills and may not require applicants to be registered post-secondary students. https://www.historymuseum.ca/indigenous-heritage/indigenous-internship-program

There are many possible pathways from education to career. Exploring several options before making a decision can help students identify programs, credentials, and career directions that best align with their interests and goals. Resources such as the Ontario Transfer and Pathways Guide can help students discover new education and career pathways.
https://ontransfer.ca/i/ontransfer+home

Students can combine this information with program options available through the Ontario Colleges Application Service, the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre, and Indigenous Institutes to make informed decisions about a path that supports their long-term goals.

https://www.ontariocolleges.ca/en
https://www.ouac.on.ca/
https://iicontario.ca/indigenous-institutes/

Post-Secondary Application Due Dates

Spring/Summer (May-Aug.)
Application Portal Opens: December 1st
Application Portal Closes: February 1st

Fall/Winter
Application Portal Opens: March 1st
Application Portal Closes: May 1st

Winter (January-April)
Application Portal Opens: August 1st
Application Portal Closes: October 1st