
Why hire a Social Sciences student?
Our students bring fresh insight and contribute current and relevant skills and solutions.
Social Sciences students are trained to analyze tasks and bring a fresh approach to group settings. Their creative thinking and flexibility are highly valued as well as their connection to today’s technology and communications channels. Our students are developing valuable skills through our innovative and industry-leading academic programs.
Social Sciences Students Skillsets
- Think critically and solve problems
- Communicate effectively and comprehend information presented in a variety of formats
- Manage data using appropriate technology and information systems
- Work with others to achieve goals
- Manage projects in a timely and organized manner
- Work well under pressure
- Demonstrate adaptability and respond constructively to change
- Use a variety of modern technologies
If these are the skills your business needs, read on to find out why you should hire a McMaster Social Sciences student.
Employers and Community Agencies
Employers
Social Sciences students bring a unique skill set to the workplace:
- critical thinking
- research
- communication
- problem-solving
- collaboration
- creativity
You can host students from any Social Sciences discipline in Internships (paid work opportunities) to assist you with achieving your company objectives, or in Career Placements (unpaid job shadow experiences) to mentor and inform students about future careers.
Community Agencies
We offer diverse opportunities for students to be involved with, learn from and contribute to your organization:
- Academic Placements (unpaid volunteer placements related to a course)
- Internships (paid work opportunities)
- Career Placements (unpaid job shadow experiences)
We can also work together to form new initiatives that either bring students into the community or your organization into the classroom
Campus Recruitment & Engagement
If you are interested in engaging with Social Sciences students at McMaster University, we offer several ways to get involved. Get to know our students, build your brand on-campus, and secure your McMaster talent well before graduation day. Email us, exp.ed@mcmaster.ca, for more details or to book a career talk.
Frequently Asked Questions

What programs are available in the Faculty of Social Sciences?
Our students come from diverse academic programs including:
- Anthropology
- Economics
- Geography and Earth Sciences
- Health, Aging and Society
- Indigenous Studies
- Labour Studies
- Political Science
- Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour
- Religious Studies
- Social Psychology
- Social Work
- Sociology
In addition to these disciplines, Social Sciences students can also complete certificates of study in:
- Applied Behaviour Analysis
- Business Studies
- Leadership and Management in the Not-for-Profit Sector

What kind of jobs are Social Science students eligible for?
Students in the Faculty of Social Sciences develop a breadth of essential and transferable skills through their academic work and co-curricular activities, which makes them highly competent in a range of industries. In addition to gaining a knowledge base in their chosen subject area, Social Science students develop strong competencies in the following foundational skill areas:
- Critical thinking
- Written and oral communication
- Reading comprehension and argumentation
- Social perceptiveness
- Cultural awareness and diversity
- Active listening
- Complex problem–solving, decision-making, and judgement
- Emotional intelligence
- Leadership
- “Big picture” thinking
Check out our Skill and Career Options by Department and Program page for a detailed analysis of why you should hire a Social Sciences student.

When can I hire a Social Sciences student?
Students can begin an internship in Fall (September), Winter (January), or Spring (May). Social Sciences internships are paid, part-time or full-time work terms of 4, 8, 12 or 16 consecutive months in duration.

Can my work opportunity be unpaid?
No, all internship and work experiences facilitated through the Faculty of Social Sciences must be paid.
See more information on our Internship page.
OUR LOCATION
CONTACT INFORMATION
Email: exp.ed@mcmaster.ca
OFFICE HOURS
Monday – Friday
9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.