What I liked most about the Economic Policy program at McMaster University is how well it prepares you to enter the job market ... the focus is teaching you skills that you will ...

What do you like most about your program?

What I liked most about the Economic Policy program at McMaster University is how well it prepares you to enter the job market. You still go over important micro/macroeconomic models and maximization problems, but most of the focus is teaching you skills that you will implement in your future career. The professors in the program are very knowledgeable and always willing to put in some extra time to help you out with your studies and career. One of my professors (Professor Sweetman) even helped me update my resume and regularly sent me job opportunities that he thought would fit my skillset.

What do you find beneficial about your program?

There are many benefits to taking the Masters in Economic Policy program, the first one is the length it takes to complete your degree. You gain so much important knowledge in a short amount of time and in just 12 short months you are a master’s graduate; the opportunity cost is definitely worth it. Being around like-minded people with similar goals is also very beneficial. I have learned almost as much from my peers and their various backgrounds as I did from the policy program.

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

In today’s climate, an Economics degree is invaluable. It can lead you to so many different career paths in the public or private fields: economist, financial/data analyst, researcher, accountant, consultant, etc. Furthermore, it can help you understand and analyze everyday policy changes that are occurring in your city/province/country. Having a basic understanding of Economics can help you develop better spending habits, gain important knowledge and skills that employers want, and enable you to contribute to the greater good of society.

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

You have to be passionate about what you’re doing if you want to make it your career. Go out of your way to get involved on campus, go to your department events and get to know your professors. Seek internship opportunities early on, the more work experience you can get early on in your degree the better equipped you will be when you’re on the job hunt after graduating. Find a balance with your social life, burnout is a real problem! If you can find a healthy balance between your social life and your schooling/work, you’re going to be set up well for a good future.

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

Ask lots of questions! You will quickly learn that people love talking about the things they are passionate about. Ask about what the student life on campus is like, what you can do with this type of degree, how many students typically get jobs after graduating. Don’t be afraid to ask the tough questions that you think are important, this is YOUR future and you deserve to have the best opportunities.

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.

I had the opportunity to do my HLTHAGE 3EE3 placement at a long-term care home, St. Joseph's Villa in Hamilton. This community-engaged placement allowed me to explore how...

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

The most beneficial part of any Social Science program at McMaster is that the first year is general. Students have the chance to explore varying courses and decide what social discipline(s) they are most interested in. By choosing to study both Gerontology and Sociology, I deepened my cultural understanding of the diversity and interconnectedness found in everyday life. There were many opportunities to discuss the research, theories and real-life complexities. Like many other Social Science majors, you become captivated by the ever changing perspectives of ourselves, people and the wider society.

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

The value of a Social Sciences education is how multi-faceted it can be. You have the freedom to apply your diverse knowledge in all aspects of your life such as your career, relationships and personal interests. Through this program, the academic skills you obtain are comprehensive, valuable, and transferrable.

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

As you discover what you want to do, it is important to maintain a supportive group of individuals that will celebrate your success and ongoing interests. Thus, my best advice is to make connections with other students, your professors, McMaster Alumni and professionals. This provides a collective network of people that can help you advance your future career.

How did completing a community-engaged placement in an academic course (i.e. HLTHAGE 3EE3/3BB3) help shape your career planning or your post-graduation journey?

I had the opportunity to do my HLTHAGE 3EE3 placement at a long-term care home, St. Joseph’s Villa in Hamilton. This community-engaged placement allowed me to explore how I could make a difference in others’ lives. I had meaningful relationships with the residents as well as the staff and I was able to hone in on my passion to help others. Not only did this course offer insight of what working with older adults would be like, but it established my desire to work with them. As an associate director of sales, I currently enjoy supporting residents and their families with their transition into senior living. It is the start to my fulfilling career in gerontology and I am thankful to have completed a community-engaged placement to this day!