Post-secondary education empowers graduates with intellectual exploration and personal growth, opportunities to make valuable relationships and networks, and a solid foundation for a successful career.
At Thompson Rivers University (TRU), with campuses in Kamloops and Williams Lake, the programs offered, from certificate to graduate, are just as varied and comprehensive as other institutions across B.C. Still, the areas have distinct advantages in terms of affordability and geographical expanse.
"This institution is unique in that we have a trade school, as well as a law school, and over 140 on-campus programs, and 60-plus Open Learning programs, drawing in students from across British Columbia," says Corey Wiwchar, marketing manager at TRU.
"There's also a variety of opportunities such as study abroad, undergrad research, and practicums," Wiwchar adds.
Additionally, TRU is a global leader in sustainability for post-secondary institutions and is the first Canadian university to earn the platinum STARS global award twice; both Master's and Bachelor's degree programs offer study and research opportunities in this field.
The broad education and targeted skills that TRU graduates obtain prepare them for career success and advancement in the job market.
To that end, TRU has been ranked as one of the top 50 universities in Canada for graduate employability in 2023 by the QS Graduate Employability Rankings. That's good news for TRU, especially when the B.C. Labour Market Outlook reports there will be over one million job openings within the next ten years, with nearly 80% requiring some form of post-secondary education.
BC Student Outcomes Data from 2020 to 2022 from 672 respondents among TRU's overall program area reveals 86% of TRU graduates are working full-time with a Bachelor's degree, 94% with diplomas, and 95% in apprenticeships; 92% said the knowledge and skills gained were useful in performing their job.
Campus life satisfaction
The Kamloops campus is ideally located in the centre of the city, with convenient proximity to restaurants, grocery stores, gyms and shopping centers, plus plenty of on-campus TRU food options in buildings like Old Main.
"We have a great deal of green space for people to enjoy the outdoor environment, too," says Amy Watters, TRU Future Students coordinator, program & events. "The campus itself is very walkable, and you can get from one side to the other within ten minutes."
TRU also offers various support services to help students acclimate to campus life via the Student Life Office within the Faculty of Student Development, which assists in various parts of the student journey.
Open house opportunities
Prospective students, parents of students, and community members are invited to explore the campus and discover what TRU has to offer at its upcoming open house.
"More than 15 buildings will be open across campus, with over 100 displays and hands-on experiences," describes Watters. "No matter what perspective students are interested in, they'll have multiple takeaways."
Expect to experience campus tours; Adventure Studies demonstrating rope rappelling and ascending; the Haunted Physics lab; hydrogen rockets in the Science building; Simulation labs in the Nursing building, and the shops in the Trades and Technology building, to name a few.
There will be merch giveaways, and a chance to win an iPad. A grand prize will also be given to one lucky prospective student who will receive a tuition award for a full semester.
The TRU open house is happening Saturday, October 21, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free. However, pre-registration is required. Enjoy four TRU Food Service outlets, on-site food trucks, and complimentary coffee and donuts.
For more information, visit tru.ca/itsyourmove.
