What I like about Social Science is the balance of industry-specific technical know-how with career-critical soft skills: written and verbal communications, research and dissemination,...

What have you found most beneficial about the specific degree program you completed at McMaster?

Learning at McMaster within the School of Earth, Environment, and Society, I was exposed to the plethora of challenges that humanity faces – whether that be socio-political resource access issues at the local level or the worsening global climate crisis. Motivated to make a positive impact, this program equipped me with the skills necessary to perform research, think critically, and identify solutions to these issues.

In your opinion, what is the value of a Social Sciences degree?

Throughout high school, I was encouraged to pursue a career in STEM and so when I started my post-secondary education in Environmental Science I was confused as to what was missing – for me it was a focus on people. The human element that was centred in all conversations within my specialization in human geography compelled me to relate and connect better with content. What I like about Social Science is the balance of industry-specific technical know-how with career-critical soft skills: written and verbal communications, research and dissemination, time and conflict management, etc.

What advice would you give to a current Social Sciences student who is exploring?career options?

Research labour demand, specialize, and gain practical experience. University allowed me to explore at a high-level the theories, worldviews, and concepts across several disciplines. In this sense, being in university can easily make you a generalist so I would encourage you to find your specialization or niche within your interests. I strongly recommend enrolling in your program’s co-op to gain the experience that employers are looking for while helping inform your career path in a low-risk environment.

How did completing a Social Sciences internship help shape your career planning or your post-graduation journey?

Through the connections I made at McMaster and within the Hamilton community, I became involved with municipal civil engagement working at the City of Hamilton in Planning and Economic Development. It was that experience that awoken a passion for urban planning, leading me to pursue a Masters in Planning from Toronto Metropolitan University, and eventually working as a Planner in transportation and housing. The faculty and career resource staff empowered me to get involved in the community and started me on my career path.

Research that is done with community has benefits that can be seen, felt, and lived. It is powerful and impactful not because of a paper, report, or presentation that comes out of it...

Research that is done with community has benefits that can be seen, felt, and lived. It is powerful and impactful not because of a paper, report, or presentation that comes out of it. Nor does it become “community-engaged” because someone put that title on it. It is transformational through the honest, trusting, and accountable, relationships that are forged, solidarities that are built, and allyship that is not about any one of us, but of us together.

What I liked most was the diversity of experiences offered by the many different areas of sociology taught by the department. I was able to tailor my learning to the areas of ...

What do you like most about your program?

What I liked most was the diversity of experiences offered by the many different areas of sociology taught by the department. I was able to tailor my learning to the areas of sociology which were of the most interest to me, while still being confident that the core courses of the program would provide me with the theoretical and practical foundations of the discipline. On top of that, the sociology program provided me with enough room to round out my learning through elective courses, again providing a great amount of diversity.

What do you find beneficial about your program?

What I found most beneficial was how open both professors and teaching assistants were to discussions to both further my learning and ensure that I was being as effective as I could be during evaluations. There were many times when the conversation I had with a professor truly made a difference and allowed me to achieve success. This openness also allowed me to form the kind of connections that have been beneficial as I move into the next phases of my academic career.

In your opinion, what is the value of a Social Science degree?

I think the value of a Social Science degree can only be measured by what you are willing to put into it. By engaging with material, the learning process itself, and with peers and faculty, you are able to really set yourself up for future success. Not only can you learn the skills needed in so many areas – skills such as research, effective written and oral communication, and approaching problems from different points of view – but you can also develop a network of experts and academics who might one day become colleagues.

What advice would you give to a current student interested in career options?

My biggest piece of advice would be to engage with your professors. Many people in the sociology department are involved in all kinds of different projects, both directly related to the university or more involved with community organizations. You might be surprised at just how much conversations with individuals in the department about your career interests can lead to opportunities, or even just a perspective you hadn’t considered before on how you might be able to leverage your education.

What advice would you give a future student interested in the department or programs?

Sociology provides a path to learn about so many aspects of society, from healthcare to the judicial system. It is also a discipline that has been derived from so many different viewpoints, allowing students to tackle issues using their own lived experiences, as well as learn how others might take on the same problems. Once you’re in the program, just as with any program, do your best to always be engaged. Sociology is best learned through discussion and taking part in that discussion instead of interacting with it passively will go a long way in your learning and help develop relationships with peers and faculty.