Social Science

Industrial Relations & Human Resources

Centre for Industrial Relations and Human Resources, Faculty of Arts & Science

Rumeet Billan is not only named one of Canada's most powerful women, she's also an Industrial Relations & Human Resources grad.

Rumeet Billan (B.A. 2006, M.Ed. 2010, Ph.D. 2014) owns for-profit and non-profit educational businesses. She also teaches the Leadership Essentials Course at McMaster University. Rumeet credits her success to an interdisciplinary approach to entrepreneurship. Read more about Rumeet here.

What skills can Industrial Relations & Human Resources graduates use in their careers?

Within two years of entering the labour market, 84% with undergraduate degrees in this area of study are employed with a median salary of $74,800/year.
69% of those graduates go on to pursue further education. _{(Sources: Statistics Canada Employment Income and Further Education Data from Class of 2020.)}

Industry Pathways

Alumni with a degree in Industrial Relations & Human Resources have often pursued these industries:

Human Resources & Talent Development
Consulting (Management, Strategy, HR)
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)
Project & Program Management
Public Administration
Postsecondary Education (Colleges & Universities)
Operations Management
Nonprofit & Advocacy Organizations

Further Education Pathways

Alumni with a degree in Industrial Relations & Human Resources have often pursued these further education options:

Master of Industrial Relations and Human Resources (MIRHR)
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Master of Management (MMgt)
Master of Arts (MA)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Graduate Diploma
Executive MBA (EMBA)

Exploring connections between your degree and career

Learn about yourself

Register for Job Shadowing to connect with professionals in your field of interest through a half- or full-day placement that helps clarify your goals and explore career paths.

Attend an In the Field program to meet professionals working in various roles within one organization.

Find a Work Study Position to apply your academic skills in paid, on-campus roles that offer hands-on experience and insight into career possibilities.

Join a career workshop or small group conversation to explore options, understand your strengths, and plan for your future. Visit the Career and Co-Curricular Learning Network (CLNx) for more information.

Build Your Network

Find the University of Toronto on LinkedIn and connect with peers, professionals, and alumni who can support your career journey.

Access U of T's Hub on Ten Thousand Coffees —an online networking platform with over 12,000 students and alumni—to exchange career advice, attend webinars, and explore career paths through one-on-one conversations.

Join networking events, panels, and career fairs through CLNx to connect with employers and alumni for career advice, informational interviews, and referrals.

Volunteer opportunities are a great ways to expand your connections and gain industry insight.

Explore identity-focused mentorship opportunities—such as the Black Alumni Mentorship Program—to connect with mentors who share your lived experiences and can support your personal, academic, and professional growth. If you have questions about the program, connect with Modele Kuforiji at mod.kuforiji@utoronto.ca.

Student Life’s Mentorship & Peer Programs also provide engagement opportunities for African Black Caribbean, Latin American, Southeast Asian, and First-Generation students, helping to promote academic and career wellness while fostering belonging and community. If you have questions about this programming, contact Adonica Huggins at adonica.huggins@utoronto.ca.

Explore Your Program

Explore your area of study by connecting with faculty and peers and finding opportunities that enrich your academic and professional journey.

Talk to professors to better understand your discipline and identify meaningful learning experiences.

Get involved in student groups and leadership roles to spark new ideas, expand your perspective, and open unexpected opportunities.

Take advantage of faculty advising and support services, and explore internships through professional associations to gain hands-on experience in your field.

Apply to the Arts and Science Internship Program (ASIP), where you will complete Professional Development programming plus a minimum of 12 and maximum of 20 months of paid, full-time, academically related work experience.