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.

Asian Studies at UM

As an Asian Studies student in the Faculty of Arts, you will explore East and South Asia through the program’s arts, languages, literatures, cultures, histories and religions. You will have the opportunity to learn an Asian language in your second year, or you may choose a language concentration from your first year onwards. Languages taught include: Korean, Chinese (Mandarin) and Japanese.

Skills you will gain by studying ASIAN STUDIES

  • A working knowledge of one or more Asian languages (writing, speaking, reading, listening and translation).
  • The ability to interpret another culture’s way of thinking and the ability to mediate between cultures and languages.
  • The ability to critically evaluate text, media and other cultural forms and independently research new areas of information.
  • Knowledge of intercultural communications.
  • The ability to effectively communicate: verbally through discussions and presentations, and in writing by preparing reports and papers.

Year 1 - 30 credit hours

ACADEMIC SUCCESS


Course requirements: ASIA 1420 and ASIA 1430

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. Explore organizations that sponsor study abroad programs.
  3. If you need academic support, visit the Academic Learning Centre for workshops or to meet with a learning skills instructor.
  4. If you wish to concentrate on languages, you may take an Asian language course at the 1000 level.
  5. When choosing a minor, take courses that will open opportunities

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. Set up your Experience Record, an official record of university-approved activities.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE


Link experiences to your career interests. Options include:

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

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES


Considering international opportunities? Visit the Language Centre and check out the International Centre website to learn more international opportunities for UM students. Consider an exchange program in China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea or Taiwan.

Explore communities and cultures you want to work with: Visit the Manitoba Japanese Canadian Cultural Community Centre, the Winnipeg Chinese Cultural and Community Centre, explore Winnipeg’s Chinatown established in 1909 or attend Asian Heritage Month in May. Learn about local agencies via department advisors and 211 Manitoba.

Year 2 - 60 credit hours

ACADEMIC SUCCESS


Course requirements:
6 credit hours in a 1000 level Asian language course

6 credit hours from ASIA 2080, ASIA 2620 or ASIA 2630

6 credit hours from 2000 level approved course list in the Academic Calendar.

To do this year:

  1. Meet with an academic advisor and career consultant to map out your options.
  2. If you have some knowledge in an Asian language talk to an advisor, you may be able to take an Asian language course at the 2000 instead of the 1000 level.
  3. Participate in the Chinese Language Partner Program through the Asian Studies Centre.

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. Explore supports available to entrepreneurs for business planning including the Stu Clarke Centre for EntrepreneurshipWorld Trade Centre Winnipeg, and the Manitoba Government.
  4. Create a LinkedIn profile to network with professionals.

Expand your network:

  1. Join the Career Mentor Program to learn from professionals.
  2. Attend career fairs to connect with employers.
  3. Develop professional connections with professors by applying for an Undergraduate Research Award.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE


Explore student research opportunities: Apply for a research assistant position, Undergraduate Research Award or inquire about research assistant positions. Participate in the Undergraduate Research Poster Competition.

Gain practical experience by volunteering: Check out Folklorama, and opportunities in cultural communities. If you have the language skills, try volunteering at one of the community heritage language schools.

Check out student job opportunities with: the City of WinnipegGovernment of ManitobaTourism WinnipegTravel Manitoba or Parks Canada.

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

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES


Develop global career skills and expand intercultural learning: Consider an international student exchange to China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea or Taiwan through the International Centre. Apply for scholarships through the Japanese and Taiwanese governments when studying in their countries. Check out my My World Abroad or SWAP for a "working holiday."

Staying local? Check out the pavilions of Folklorama. Consider enhancing language and culture knowledge through the Language Partner Volunteer Program.

Year 3 - 90 credit hours

ACADEMIC SUCCESS


Course requirements:
6 credit hours from courses at the 3000 level and above as listed in the Academic Calendar or 6 credit hours of Asian language courses at the 2000 level.

To do this year:

  1. If you have knowledge in an Asian language, you may take an Asian course at the 3000 level instead of the 2000 level.
  2. Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor, and declare intent to graduate in Aurora.

CAREER TIPS


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

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 search for funding and awards to help finance your continuing education. Contact your department to find out how their awards deadlines are advertised.

Consider graduate programs? A provisional year may be required to compliment this three year degree.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE


Search for job opportunities online: Check out WorkInCultureJob BankFind My JobIndeed or other search engines.

Use your networks and connections: Inquire about unadvertised job openings (the "hidden job market"). The JET program in Japan accepts this three year degree.

Ensure you have references in place: Ask your professor for a reference or a letter of recommendation if you're applying to a professional program.

Assess your resumé: Identify any gaps in experience and fill them through volunteering, work placements or internships such as the Post-Secondary Recruitment 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: Volunteer for Graduation Pow Wow.

Prepare to work in a multicultural environment: Visit Canada's National Research Centre for Truth and Reconciliation on campus. Get access to LinkedIn Learning through the Winnipeg Public Library and take courses to develop your cross-cultural intelligence. Consider teaching English in South Korea.

What do employers want?

Industries such as business, government, non-government organizations and tourism would value an Asian studies major in combination with the employability skills that are highly sought after by employers. These include:*

  • Written and oral communication
  • Cultural competency
  • Numeracy and data use
  • Critical thinking
  • Problem solving
  • Teamwork
  • Digital technology
  • Continuous learning

Attain skills through your classroom education and take advantage of experiential education opportunities.

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

Get one-on-one help

  • Meet with a career consultant

    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

    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.

    Find your advisor

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Select a Career Compass

Use Career Compass as a guide to develop a strong connection between your studies and your occupational choices. It will provide you with suggestions for academic and career planning specific to your program.

Information for career counsellors

Contact us

Asian Studies Program
306A Fletcher Argue
15 Chancellors Circle
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada

204-474-6626