Careers & Experiential Education

Careers & Experiential Education
Academic studies. Career exploration. Community involvement.
We aim to enrich undergraduate education in the Faculty of Social Sciences through fostering unique approaches to learning within the classroom and more actively engaging students in the community, as well as promoting strong relationships between academic studies, career exploration and community involvement.
The Social Sciences Careers & Experiential Education team at McMaster University offers a unique combination of education, career planning and practical experience.
Contact our team as early as your first year to find out how, over the course of your academic career, we can help you combine your education with hands-on experience to ensure you get the most out of your university learning experience.
NEED TO KNOW

Co-op
The Faculty of Social Sciences is introducing new co-op program options, available to current Level I students due to select a Level II program in Spring 2023.
Three co-op program options are now available:
- Economics Co-op (Honours BA)
- Work and Labour Studies Co-op (Honours BA)
- Political Science Co-op (Honours BA)

2EL0 Careers Course
Social Sciences 2EL0 is a six-week tuition-free course available to all full-time Social Sciences students. Part-time students or students from another program in a Combined Honours with Social Sciences can become eligible to take the course too. Topics include career options, skills identification, job search strategies, and more.

OSCARplus for Social Sciences
A module has been created specifically for Social Science students on OSCARplus, McMaster’s Online Student Career and Recruitment portal for our career development and experiential education needs.
Log in to OSCARplus using your MacID to access Faculty-specific events, career resources and more.

Individual Career Advising
Career Advising staff are here and ready to help social science career paths!
Students can request a one-on-one appointment for career services and support in the following areas:
- General career advice
- Career options and career information
- Social Sciences skills identification
- Resume critique
- Cover letter critique
- LinkedIn profile review
- Interview preparation support
To make an appointment, please use the Student Services Request tool.
Student appointments with Careers & Experiential Education
Meet with Careers & EE staff for information and advice about internships, career planning, course placements and funding for experiential learning activities.
You can also request an appointment to have your resume, cover letter, and/or LinkedIn profile reviewed.
How to book an appointment:
- Login into our booking system with your MacID. Use the same login and password you use for Mosaic.
- Complete the form fully.
- Click “Create” at the bottom of the page.
You should receive an email confirming that we have received the request.
You’ll get a second email with the details of your appointment within two business days.
Other Career and Education Planning Support Appointments
Social Sciences Career Counselling Appointments
In addition to the services available from the faculty team, Social Sciences students can meet with a professional career counsellor at the Student Success Centre to complete career assessments and develop a personalized plan. Staff can help you build self-awareness and connect your values, interests and skills with exciting industries and career paths.
To book an appointment through the Student Success Centre, visit OSCARplus. From the main menu, click on Student Success Centre > Appointments > Book an Appointment. Then click on Careers in the overview page.

Faculty Involvement
Faculty members can become involved in Experiential Education (EE) in a number of ways. Visit this page to learn how you can add an Experiential Element to the Classroom.

Eligibility for Careers & Experiential Programming
Activities offered through Careers & EE are available to undergraduate students who meet the defined criteria.

Internships
Internships allow you to explore careers, develop employability skills and make important contacts for now and after graduation.

Academic Placements
Unpaid, community-based experiences linking the theories learned in class to the diverse aspects of the community around you.

Career Placements
Unpaid, job shadow experiences that provide exposure to various occupations/professions in a field as preparation for careers.

Experiential Education Courses
Learn through hands-on experience and activities. Explore our experiential courses.

Employers & Community
We offer diverse opportunities for students to be involved with, learn from and contribute to your organization.

Career Options
Learn more about the careers a Social Science degree prepares you for.
OUR LOCATION
McMaster University
Kenneth Taylor Hall 129
1280 Main Street West
Hamilton, Ontario
L8S 4M4
CONTACT INFORMATION
Phone One: (905) 525-9140 ext. 24727
Phone Two: (905) 525-9140 ext. 23772
Email: socscfac@mcmaster.ca
OFFICE HOURS
Careers & Experiential Education
Monday – Friday
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.