Career Focus: 5 reasons Victoria is a great place to start your career in tech

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There’s a lot to consider when choosing the right place to study, from the quality of the university and its programs to the location and the opportunities available! As the #2 comprehensive university in Canada, the University of Victoria will arm you with a prestigious degree and prepare you for life after graduation — especially for those interested in the world of tech.

Also known as “Tectoria”, Victoria is home to an exciting tech industry, where start-ups and entrepreneurship thrive, and global businesses seek top talent. It’s also only a short plane or ferry ride away from major tech hubs like Vancouver, British Columbia and Seattle, Washington, which means even more potential for a successful career.

Here are five reasons Victoria is a great place to start your career in tech.

1. A top-ranking university

There are lots of great study options at UVic, with over 80 bachelor’s degrees and select master’s degrees available to pick from, including highly-ranked programs such as mathematics, computer science, business, and more!

Whatever you choose to study, you’ll get a quality education from some of the best researchers and faculty in Canada. Since 2020, over 30 professors at UVic have been elected as Fellows of the Royal Society of Canada or Members of the College of New Scholars in recognition of their outstanding contributions to academia and Canadian public life. This list includes faculty members in economics, computer engineering, and mechanical engineering!

2. Victoria’s entrepreneurial spirit

Victoria has made a name for itself as the place for innovators looking to start a business. From software businesses and design agencies to gaming companies and sustainability organizations, many companies get their start here.

For instance, Metalhead Studios, which has since been acquired by EA SPORTS, had its humble beginnings in the co-founder’s basement — and still has its head office in Victoria today. Whether you find an opportunity at a gaming studio or even start a company of your own, a career in video games might be just around the corner!

There are also several rapidly growing businesses founded by UVic alumni with headquarters in the Greater Victoria area! This includes Niricson, a company focused on making infrastructure safer through technology. Or if green energy interests you, consider Solaires — an innovative solar cell technology company.

You can also be part of a connected tech community by joining VIATEC! This organization aims to build a sense of belonging and grow Victoria’s tech sector to over $10B by 2030. Attend VIATEC-hosted networking events, view job boards, or apply for their accelerator programs.

3. Global career in an affordable city

Close to major tech hubs in Vancouver, Seattle, and Silicon Valley, Victoria is full of opportunities for remote or hybrid work — including at Fortune 500 businesses! Companies like Google, Amazon, Tesla, and the Canadian Space Agency are among the top employers of UVic students.

Situated on Canada’s west coast, Victoria is also one of the best small cities in the world. This picturesque city is the perfect place for those seeking affordability, but with the opportunity for a career at a global company. Victoria’s cost of living, including rent, is 4.9% lower than Vancouver and 24.6% lower than Seattle.

4. A variety of opportunities across sectors

When people look for tech jobs, they often move towards big-name tech companies. But lots of organizations, regardless of sector, require people with technical, business, or communication expertise. It’s important to broaden your search and think about what you’re truly passionate about.

From government jobs and healthcare to the arts and education, the opportunities are endless in Victoria. You could find a great job at the BC Public Service, which employs about 35,000 people across the province with almost half located in Victoria. Or you could work at one of the many non-profit organizations in Victoria, such as the Synergy Foundation which works to support businesses and turn innovative dreams into reality.

Previous UVic graduates have worked for all kinds of companies, including:

• AbeBooks
• Aecon Construction Group
• BC Transit
• Canadian Space Agency
• Carmanah Technologies
• Global Affairs Canada
• Microsoft
• RebalanceMD
• Rocket Lab
• Western Digital Thailand

5. UVic’s outstanding career services

As a top 10 school in Canada for employability, UVic has earned a reputation for getting students ready for their career. The University’s renowned co-op program is a great way for you to get paid work experience in the tech industry and make advantageous connections with business professionals.

UVic offers many types of co-op, including an entrepreneurial co-op! This program is open to all students, but is especially ideal for those studying business, engineering, and computer science and are looking to develop a product or business of their own.

UVic’s Career Services is also a valuable resource for current students and recent graduates, with lifelong access to career and professional development services, assistance with getting your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), and many career fairs.

Go far with a degree from UVic

UVic and the city of Victoria are welcoming and full of possibilities. With a degree from a globally recognized university, and a city full of local and global opportunities, you’ll be ready to begin a wonderful career in tech!

At Kaplan, we’ll support you with applying to UVic, settling into a new city, and preparing for life after graduation. If you have any questions, reach out — Kaplan is here to help.