The University of Manitoba campuses and research spaces are located on original lands of Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anisininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Dene and Inuit, and on the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. More
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada, R3T 2N2
Map out your career pathway from the start of your academic journey!
Get the information you need for academic planning and connect with experiences to develop the knowledge, skills and attributes that employers are seeking.
This resource is meant as a guide to provide suggestions throughout your time at university (refer to the Academic Calendar for a complete list of program requirements). Develop a plan and timeline that suits you best. Make intentional choices for your courses and work experiences.
Student spotlight
“The best advice I can give to students interested in physical sciences is to get involved in research. As a student you will gain knowledge in classes, however you must know how to apply that knowledge. This may be achieved by finding a professor in your field and asking about summer research opportunities.”
Gabrielle Fontaine, physics and astronomy student
As a physical sciences student at the University of Manitoba, you will learn about the properties of energy and non-living matter. The Faculty of Science has many opportunities for you to explore with three main areas of study in the physical sciences:
SKILLS YOU WILL GAIN BY STUDYING PHYSICAL SCIENCES
ACADEMIC SUCCESS
Course requirements: PHYS 1050 (or PHYS 1020) and PHYS 1070, MATH 1500 and MATH 1700, plus additional course requirements for your major*
To do this year:
CAREER TIPS
Start planning your career:
VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE
Link experiences to your career interests. Options include:
CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES
Considering international opportunities? Attend World Opportunities Week in November for information about opportunities around the world.
Explore communities and cultures you want to work with: Visit Migizii Agamik, the International Centre for Students or learn about local agencies via Manitoba 211.
ACADEMIC SUCCESS
Course requirements: Refer to the Academic Calendar for course requirements in your honours or major program
To do this year:
CAREER TIPS
Make professional connections:
Market your skills: Develop your resumé and cover letter and refine your interview skills.
VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE
Explore student research opportunities: Apply for a research assistant position, Undergraduate Research Award or NSERC grant.
Gain practical experience by volunteering: Check out Let's Talk Science, The Manitoba Museum, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and Winnipeg Interdisciplinary Student-Run Health (WISH) Clinic.
Earn while you learn: Consider applying to the Science Co-operative Education program once you have completed 60 credit hours in chemistry or the joint chemistry-physics program.
CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES
Develop global career skills and expand intercultural learning: Consider an international student exchange to Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, an international internship or service-learning program, My World Abroad or SWAP for a “working holiday.”
Staying local? Check out one of the local service-learning programs. Consider learning a new language and culture through the Volunteer Language Exchange Program.
ACADEMIC SUCCESS
Course requirements: Refer to the Academic Calendar for course requirements in your honours or major program
To do this year:
CAREER TIPS
Investigate your career options:
Consider continuing your studies: Check out the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Extended Education or other professional programs.
VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE
Continue or start research: Participate in the Undergraduate Research Poster Competition.
Check out student job opportunities with: City of Winnipeg, Mini U and WISE Kid-Netic Energy.
Search for job opportunities online: Check out Science.ca, Eco.ca, Job Bank, Find My Job, Indeed or other search engines.
Use your networks and connections: Inquire about unadvertised job openings (the "hidden job market").
CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES
Did you travel abroad? Write an article about your experience for World W.I.S.E magazine.
Participate in the multicultural opportunities on campus: Attend International Week, participate in Intercultural Leaders or take part in the Graduation Pow Wow.
ACADEMIC SUCCESS
Course requirements: Please refer to the Academic Calendar for course requirements in your honours or major program
To do this year:
CAREER TIPS
Start job search 9 months in advance: Contact Career Services to refine your job search and self-marketing strategies. You can visit the office up to 6 months after graduation.
If you are continuing on to a professional program or graduate school: Finalize your application materials and required tests. Use the awards database to search for funding and awards to help finance your continuing education. Contact your department to find out how their awards deadlines are advertised.
VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE
Ensure you have references in place: Ask your professor for a reference or a letter of recommendation if you're applying for graduate school.
Find opportunities to market yourself: Present your research at the CAP Congress or CSC Conference.
Assess your resumé: Identify any gaps in experience and fill them through volunteering, work placements or internships such as the Science and Technology Internship Program.
CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES
Prepare to work in a multicultural environment: Visit Canada's National Research Centre for Truth and Reconciliation on campus or register for a Workplace Cultural Competence Workshop through Extended Education.
*Options requiring education and/or training beyond a bachelor’s degree
Industries such as aerospace, biotechnology, business, education, government and medicine would value a physical sciences degree in combination with the employability skills that are highly sought after by employers. These include:*
Attain skills through your classroom education by taking advantage of experiential education opportunities.
*Information has been adapted from Employability Skills 2000+ and Workplace Education Manitoba – Essential Skills.
Meet with a career consultant for a confidential discussion about your career goals, job search, resumé/CV and interview preparation.
Contact Career Services at cs.receptionist@umanitoba.ca or call 204-474-9456 to make an appointment.
Talk to an academic advisor who will guide you to resources to help you make important decisions for your future. Advisors are specialized, often by program, faculty/school or unit.
Briefly, tell us about your job. What do you find most rewarding? What are your greatest challenges within this profession?
I am presently a senior occupational health and safety specialist with the provincial government. My job entails crafting occupational health and safety legislation and supporting the health and safety of workers in the province in various other ways. Prior to working for the provincial government, I worked in a similar capacity in the private sector to protect the health and safety of workers as well as the environment. Being able to see how my work improves the quality of life of workers and by extension their families and the broader community is by its very nature rewarding. I find developing public policy challenging (in a positive way) because there are many competing needs and many perspectives on what things should be done by government. It feels great finding solutions that meet everyone’s needs.
What experiences and activities helped you to map out your career pathway?
While I was an undergraduate chemistry student, I obtained a part-time job with a hazardous waste management firm. This job had a number of inherent health and safety hazards and my ‘exposure’ to chemicals is what led me to gain a keen interest in chemical health and safety.
As a student, did you see yourself in your current career? What stayed the same and/or changed?
When I graduated with my undergraduate degree in chemistry, I didn’t feel that I was quite ready to leave the academic world. I turned to the University calendar and discovered the certificate program in occupational health and safety, which I completed. During my studies in occupational health and safety, I discovered the specialty of industrial hygiene of which chemical health and safety is a subset. I discovered that chemists, when provided with some additional training, can make excellent industrial hygienists and set this as my career goal. In the years following graduation, I worked as an industrial hygienist, safety and environmental coordinator in the private sector and actively focused on my professional development. The provincial government then hired me as their senior industrial hygienist, which for me was a dream come true. Along my professional path I became a Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) and a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) and through the professional chemists association, I obtained my Professional Chemist (P.Chem.) designation. After working in the public sector for some time, my interest in public administration grew and I began expanding my education in this field, which I had not predicted pursuing when I was an undergraduate student.
What advice do you have for students who are interested in pursuing a degree in chemistry?
It is helpful to recognize is that chemistry is broadly considered to be the ‘central science.’ From a practical perspective, this means that people who earn a chemistry degree can follow many different career paths. Careers can range from analytical, pharmaceutical or paint chemists to environmental or occupational health and safety professionals, to name a few.
What job search advice do you have for students and recent graduates?
Before searching for a job, consider your career path – what you want to do in the future. You might not get there in your first job, so pursue jobs that help you gain experience towards where you want to end up. When you do get a job, do your very best as it is the reputation you earn, the experience you gain and the service you provide that will help propel you forward.
Tell us a fun fact about your career path.
When I was still a junior in my career, I managed to make my way to attend an international industrial hygiene conference. This was years before I obtained my professional certification in the field. While at the conference, I attend a ‘fun run’ that was associated with the conference. Those who signed up for the fun run were put on a bus to be taken to and from the run location. Sitting next to me on the bus was a seasoned industrial hygienist who had an immense level of wisdom and technical expertise. This kind and amazing gentleman took me under his wings by mentoring me for many years until I myself reached senior professional status. As we lived in different countries and email hadn’t become a thing yet, we communicated mostly by telephone. As the saying goes, when the student is ready the teacher will appear. I am forever grateful for the kind generosity of my mentor.
Faculty of Science
239 Machray Hall, 186 Dysart Road
(204) 474-8256, science_advisor@umanitoba.ca
umanitoba.ca/science
