Career Compass: Labour Studies

Labour Studies provides a broad interdisciplinary learning experience with real life applications. As a labour studies student in the Faculty of Arts, you will examine the social, economic and political realities of work and explore the past, present and future of the labour movement and the wide-ranging effects of globalization on our daily lives. Labour Studies has many opportunities for you to explore with the option to choose between a degree or diploma program.

Labour Studies will provide you with an understanding of work and society and prepare you for employment in a number of fields. The Labour Studies degree program is also an excellent foundation for graduate study in industrial relations and Labour Studies as well as law school.

Labour Studies has an agreement with the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (CPHR) Manitoba to apply to waive the CPHR National Knowledge Exam for students who do an advance major or major in Labour Studies. Contact your academic advisor for further details. 

Skills you will gain by studying LABOUR STUDIES

• An understanding of the political economy of labour, social justice and fundamental rights, and the dynamics of power in the workplace
• The ability to understand work past, present and future from social, political, and economic perspectives
• The ability to think critically and use theoretical and practical approaches to develop solutions to problems that affect people’s working lives
• An in-depth understanding of labour, employment and human rights law, health and safety legislation and labour policy
• The ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
LABR 1260 and LABR 1290

To do this year:

1. Know the requirements for your degree. Meet with an academic advisor in the Faculty of Arts to help you plan your program.
2. If you need academic support, visit the Academic Learning Centre for workshops or to meet with a learning skills instructor.

CAREER TIPS

Start planning your career:

1. Meet with a career consultant to generate career ideas based on your interests, values, personality and skills.
2. Research occupations that match your skills and interests.
3. Set up a UM Connect account to view job postings and register for workshops and events.
4. Register for the Experience Record, an official record of university-approved activities.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Link experiences to your career interests. Options include:

1. Student groups including UMHRA, Arts Student Body Council and UMSU.
2. Volunteer for UM Orientation events to help welcome new students to campus while gaining experience or join the Student Leadership Development Program.
3. Student work opportunities including Work-Study, STEP Services or Federal Student Work Experience Program.
4. Experiential education opportunities such as Community Engaged Learning programs.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Considering international opportunities? Visit the International Centre to learn about international opportunities for UM students.

Explore communities and cultures you want to work with: Visit the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives or learn about local agencies via 211 Manitoba.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
LABR 2100 and LABR 2300, plus additional LABR courses and/or electives

To do this year:

1. Declare your major in labour studies and send confirmation to the program coordinator.
2. Should you follow a 3-or 4- year plan? Meet with an academic advisor and career consultant to map out your options.
3. Consider choosing a second language for your minor to enhance your employability prospects upon graduation.

CAREER TIPS

Make professional connections:

1. Join the Career Mentor Program to learn from professionals.
2. Attend career fairs to connect with employers.
3. Become a student affiliate with a professional organization such as the Canadian Association for Work and Labour Studies.
4. Develop professional connections with professors by applying for an Undergraduate Research Award.

Market your skills: Develop your resumé and cover letter and refine your interview skills.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Explore student research opportunities: Apply for an Undergraduate Research Award and inquire about research assistant positions.

Gain practical experience by volunteering: Check out Manitoba Legislative and N.E.E.D.S Inc.

Find opportunities to market yourself: Become a Faculty of Arts Student Ambassador.

Earn while you learn: Consider applying to the Arts Co-operative Education program once you have completed 48 credit hours.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Develop global career skills and expand intercultural learning: Consider an international student exchange or Travel Study program, an international service-learning program, My World Abroad or SWAP for a "working holiday".

Staying local? Check out the WUSC Student Refugee Program, Community Engaged Learning or participate in Next Up Winnipeg. Consider learning a new language and about a new culture through the Language Partner Volunteer Program.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
6 credit hours of LABR courses at the 3000 level, plus additional LABR courses and/or electives.

To do this year:

1. Consider taking the Labour Studies Field Placement in Year 4 for an experiential learning opportunity. Take the knowledge gained in the classroom and put it into practice.
2. Meet with your co-op advisor (if applicable).
3. Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora (3-year option).

CAREER TIPS

Investigate your career options:

1. Look at sample job postings to ensure you have the qualifications upon graduation.
2. Develop employability and essential skills sought by employers.
3. Create a LinkedIn profile to network with professionals.
4. Explore supports available to entrepreneurs for business planning including the Stu Clarke Centre for Entrepreneurship, World Trade Centre Winnipeg, and the Manitoba Government.

Consider continuing your studies: Check out the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Extended Education or other academic institutions.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Continue or start research: Participate in the Undergraduate Research Poster Competition.

Check out student job opportunities with: Safe Work Manitoba, YES! Winnipeg, employment agencies or local unions.

Assess your resumé: Identify any gaps in experience and fill them through volunteering, work placements or internships such as Management Internship Program or the Manitoba Legislative Internship Program.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Did you travel abroad? Become an exchange mentor for the International Student Mentorship Program, join the exchange student community at the University of Manitoba or write an article about your experience.

Participate in the multicultural opportunities on campus: Participate in the Intercultural Development and Leadership Program, volunteer for the International Student Mentorship Program or take part in Graduation Pow Wow.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
Complete any additional outstanding degree requirements.

To do this year:

1. Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora.
2. Meet with your co-op advisor (if applicable).

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 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.

Search for job opportunities online: Check out the Province of Manitoba website, 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

Prepare to work in a multicultural environment:
Visit Canada's National Research Centre for Truth and Reconciliation on campus or explore Manitoba Start, which offers events and free workshops for newcomers to assist their job search.

Sample jobs with an undergraduate degree and related experience

• Business Analyst
• Conciliation/Mediation Officer
• Corporate Trainer
• Disability Support Worker
• Employee Advocate
• Employment Equity Coordinator
• Employment Counsellor
• Employment Standards Officer
• Health and Safety Officer
• Human Resources Professional
• Human Rights Investigator
• Immigrant Settlement Worker
• Labour Market Analyst
• Labour Relations Specialist 
• Legislative Assistant
• NGO Program Officer
• Recruitment Officer
• Return to Work Coordinator
• Union Representative

Options requiring other education

• Arbitrator
• Business Development Officer
• Commercial Real Estate Agent
• Industrial Relations Specialist
• Journalist
• Lawyer
• Policy Analyst
• Public Relations Specialist
• Researcher
• Social Worker
• Talent Acquisition Specialist
• University Professor
• Urban and Regional Planner
• Workforce Development Officer

Industries such as business, government, industrial relations, law and policy development would value a labour studies major and diploma in combination with the employability skills that are highly sought after by employers. These include:*

• Critical thinking
• Problem solving
• Teamwork
• Oral and written communication
• Numeracy and data use
• Industry specific knowledge
• Digital technology
• Continuous learning

*Information has been adapted from Employability Skills 2000⁺ and Workplace Education Manitoba – Essential Skills.