Indigenous Student Employment Readiness Program (ISERP)

Are you thinking about your future career? Do you feel ready for what comes next? Career Services is offering the Indigenous Student Employment Readiness Program (ISERP) which is an Indigenous-grounded program that uses Indigenous ways of knowing and learning to help you to be better prepared to enter the world of work. 

What is the Indigenous Student Employment Readiness Program (ISERP)?  

The ISERP program, generously supported by Scotiabank's ScotiaRise program, provides a culturally grounded, strengths-based approach to supporting students as they identify, develop and articulate employment-related skills. Each student attends a 33-hour program spanning the fall, winter, or spring term and will receive a $500 honorarium for their participation.  

When is it being offered?  
 
ISERP is offered weekly from 12:30pm-3:00pm. The Fall term will run from October-November and the Winter term will run from February-March.

What will I learn?  
 
In ISERP, we will focus on:   

• Self-reflection exercises that identify your strengths  
• Building community  
• A deeper understanding of our own and each other's strengths  
• Building your career readiness   
• Ability to communicate your personal and cultural strengths as skills employers are looking for  
• How to be effective in your job search process  
• Creating persuasive resumes and cover letters   
• Practicing your interview skills  
• Learning financial literacy
• Land-based and cultural learning opportunities 

What are the perks? 

ISERP will include many benefits & advantages to students who participate in the programs (such as, but not limited to):   

• A $500 honorarium upon completion of the program  
• Free lunch every session   
• Confidence in your own career development journey  
• Opportunities for networking with variety of Indigenous organizations and USask alumni within Saskatchewan and beyond   
• Transportation to and from land-based activities   
• Opportunity to develop relationships  
• Understanding and navigating campus services

ISERP will run over the Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 terms, with a possibility of running in the Spring 2025 term. The program is open to all undergraduate Indigenous* students. 

 *Indigenous people are those who identify themselves as First Nations, Métis or Inuit.

Please see deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin Indigenous Truth Policy on Indigenous citizenship/membership for more information.

• Apply here

Participant Testimonials

Third Year Student, Arts & Science (2023) 

The Indigenous Student employment readiness program provided me so much knowledge about the workforce that I did not know prior to this. It helped me tailor my resume/cover letter specifically to a job posting and how to seem ‘attractive’ to potential employers through showcasing my hard and soft skills. I feel much more confident after completing this program for my future career. Before, I was unsure on how to reach out to employers, how to network, and was not sure on what I felt I needed to have a work-life balance. Now I know how to use LinkedIn to connect with people, and how to advocate for myself to have a work-life balance. 

Third Year Student, Arts & Science (2023) 

My ISERP experience has been full of learning, support, genuine fun! I think the best way to learn is when you’re surrounded by people who are eager to learn, and to have mentors/facilitators who are very patient and who provide a creative and collaborative environment. I would recommend the ISERP program to anyone who values personal growth and building impactful relationships with others" 

Second Year Student, Arts & Science (2023) 

The decision to participate in the Indigenous Students Employment Readiness Program (ISERP) was one of the most significant and transformative choices I have made during my time as a student here at the U of S. As an Indigenous student, I have always been aware of the unique challenges and barriers that our community faces in accessing equal opportunities for education and employment. Recognizing the importance of addressing these systemic disparities, I felt compelled to join the program and seize the opportunity to better myself while contributing to the growth and empowerment of my community. ISERP serves as a critical support system for Indigenous students, providing resources and training aimed at enhancing our career prospects. By offering a culturally-sensitive and safe space, this program acknowledges and validates our experiences and identities. I think it is essential for Indigenous students to have access to such an environment, as it fosters a sense of belonging, understanding, and encouragement that is often missing from mainstream educational and employment support systems.  

Co-Curricular Record (CCR)

ISERP is CCR approved.

For questions, please send reach out to: