We are excited to introduce the second edition of our textbook, expanding on the success of From University to Career: Creating a Successful Transition (available here). When we first launched this resource, we had no idea how far it would reach. With over 7,000 visits across 96 countries, the response has been incredible. Students, faculty, work-integrated learning practitioners and career practitioners have used this textbook to support career transitions and prepare students for the evolving world of work.
Why a Second Edition?
Work-integrated learning and Career Education are constantly evolving, and we wanted to ensure this resource remains current, inclusive, and reflective of today’s student needs. This edition responds to student and faculty feedback, integrates key emerging trends, and expands on critical topics to better prepare learners for meaningful careers.
What’s New?
We’ve added new perspectives and expanded content to reflect the changing nature of work and career education.
New Chapters
This edition includes several new chapters to address key issues in today’s career landscape:
- Career Planning Theory
- Cultural Diversity and Workplace Barriers
- Intercultural Communication in the Workplace
- Indigenous Inclusion in Employment
- Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) & Employment
- Professional Ethics in the Workplace
New Authors
A huge thank-you and warm welcome to our new contributing authors, whose expertise and insights have enriched this edition:
- Shawn Read
- Harshita Dhiman
- Kyra Garson
- Amie McLean
Other Updates
A new, more inclusive title that reflects all forms of education and career pathways.
- A refreshed design, including an updated color scheme for better readability and accessibility.
- Integration of emerging trends, including the role of AI and digital disruption in work-integrated learning.
The Process Behind This Edition
Creating this edition was a truly collaborative effort. Here’s what shaped the process:
- Author Retreat: We brought together most of our contributing authors for a focused retreat, aligning our learning objectives and ensuring a consistent tone and vision for the textbook.
- Student & Institutional Feedback: We carefully reviewed input from students, faculty, and post-secondary institutions to refine existing chapters and identify new content areas.
- Global Career Trends: Recognizing major shifts in the career landscape, including automation, AI, and the evolving nature of work, we ensured this edition reflects these realities.
A Personal Note
As career educators, we are passionate about equipping students with the tools they need to navigate career transitions successfully. This textbook is more than just a resource—it’s a reflection of our commitment to helping learners from all backgrounds find meaningful career paths in an ever-changing world. A special thank you to all who contributed to this edition, from our dedicated authors to the students and faculty who shared their experiences. We extend a very special thank you to TRU’s Open Press for funding and facilitating our authors retreat plus editing and formatting the final deliverable. Without the help and support of Brenda Smith, Marie Bartlett, Dani Collins, Kaitlyn Meyers, Jessica Obando Almache, Domenica Obregon, and Sanjeeda Saji this project would not have been possible.
Looking Ahead: Your Role in This Conversation
We hope this second edition continues to support students, educators, and career professionals in their journey. We welcome your feedback—whether you are using this textbook in a classroom, a workplace, or your own career development. Your insights help us improve and ensure this resource remains valuable for future learners.
Your support and engagement make this work possible.
Sincerely,
Jamie Noakes, MES, CPHR
Chairperson, Career and Experiential Learning Department
Thompson Rivers University
