Explore options for building your own company or side hustle(s) this summer.
Are there any tools I can use to encourage employers to hire me?
Depending on the type of work you are looking for, there may be funding options to help employers. These are usually in the form of a wage subsidy – meaning the employer gets funding for part of your salary, usually for a specific period. Several wage subsidy programs are listed below on this page. If any apply to the work you want to do, you can let prospective employers know about them. Including information about the benefits of these wage subsidies might make employment more feasible for the employer.
Each wage subsidy has unique eligibility criteria and reimbursement criteria.
When preparing to connect with employers about wage subsidies, think about these strategies:
- What questions do you anticipate the employer might ask you? Can you find an answer before speaking with them?
- Are there any ways you can reduce the amount of work an employer would be required to do to complete the wage subsidy? For example, can you clearly outline what they would be required to do to make an application?
- Are your ready to provide a short, targeted summary of the benefits of this wage subsidy for the employer and what makes you eligible?
- Are you able to identify the employer’s current needs for their company? How will you align yourself with those needs when exploring a potential opportunity? And if you don’t yet know this, how could you get more information, either through your network, or during a conversation with the employer?
ITCT Work-Integrated Learning - Digital Subsidy Program
The Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) facilitates the Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Digital Subsidy program which helps employers grow their businesses by providing financial assistance for hiring post-secondary students. Successful applicants will receive a subsidy of 75% of the student’s salary (up to $7,500).
As a current Queen’s student, you may want to consider incorporating information about the benefits of this wage subsidy when reaching out to relevant employers in the digital economy to discuss employment opportunities. Employers will need to start the online application and send you an invitation before you can complete your portion of the application, which means you will need to collaborate with an employer to receive this funding. Make sure you understand eligibility requirements and benefits of this program for students and employers!
Summer Company
Summer Company Program (Youtube video and information - here)
Canada Summer Jobs
Canada Summer Jobs (Government of Canada)