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

The degree has greatly built a foundation for my future career and personal developments. It motivates and encourages me to embark on a self-learning journey that I would not have started otherwise. I was also able to explore different topic areas that were quite interesting to me personally while doing my undergrad, which helped in my personal research that really contributed to my career path.

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

It combines the rigorous disciplines of the Sciences while embracing various aspects that are psychological, emotional, or social. It’s the perfect approach to analyzing real life issues in a methodical way, being able to incorporate both social factors into an otherwise purely mathematical and scientific model.

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

Ask questions about everything you’re wondering about and pursue your interests during your time at school! I guarantee that it will be worth it on your career search. You may find yourself demotivated by the prospects and the availability of openings but remember that for us Social Science grads, we can work in any fields we’d like to, whether it may be as an academic researcher or as a banker or a businessperson – all it takes is your own imagination and how motivated you are to pursue your passion.

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.

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!

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

The Social Psychology program allowed me to delve into both psychology and sociology to learn more about human behaviour, group dynamics, and complex issues in our society. With its multidisciplinary nature, I gained a strong understanding of working with diverse populations which was a great foundation for my current work supporting post-secondary students with their career development journeys.

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

A Social Sciences degree provides students with excellent transferable skills including critical thinking and analysis, research and evaluation, oral and written communication, problem solving, teamwork, and leadership. Employers value students in the Social Sciences who have a strong ability to examine and analyze complex problems and find creative solutions, while considering a multitude of societal factors and focusing on equity, diversity, and inclusion.

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

Be open-minded and fully present in the career exploration process. Pursue a multitude of diverse opportunities so you can learn more about your interests, skills, and values and gain further insight into what’s right for you and what you want your future career to look like.

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

My degree gave me so many transferable skills that have lead me to a career I never imagined or pictured I would be in. From Economics and Political Science, I ended up having a career in technology and I’ve actually found a lot of movement and success in the industry at a young age (Currently a Senior Global Manager of a Customer Success Team at a tech company). I attribute a lot of that to both my social experience in University and also my specific degrees. I was fortunate enough to be exposed to different sectors of the world through competitions (Like the Ryan Clarke Competition) and different placements in Political Science, but also learned a lot from my peers.What I’ve found most beneficial is the critical thinking and “learning how to learn” that the degrees and courses taught me by challenging me and pushing me throughout my 4 years at McMaster.

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

The beauty of a Social Sciences degree is that it teaches you so many transferable skills that can be applied anywhere. At a very young age, we are pushed to make a decision about a career and a field. For some people, that’s an easy decision and they grow up knowing exactly what they want to do. For me, I knew I had a hunger to work hard and have an impact but I had no idea what looked like in the “real world”. Social Sciences degrees give you the room to grow so many skills and provide so many assets that can later be applied in either the major you chose to study, or something other capacity that would not be possible without a degree!

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

Learn how to sell yourself and network, put yourself out there (you have nothing to lose), and be open to opportunities and learning things you never thought you would be interested in!

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

What I found to be most beneficial about my degree is that the work you complete during your time at McMaster truly transfer over to the work you complete in your career. The dynamic is very much the same when working in a school project team vs. a work project team. Deadlines still need to be respected, teamwork is valued and ultimately everyone is here for the same reason. The life lessons you learn in your program will be utilized when you graduate university on a daily basis.

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

What I found to be most beneficial about my Sociology and Anthropology degree is the understanding of how valuable community is to our society. As I continue my career in the Labour Market field, I notice a lot of my Stats courses and Cultural Anthropology courses really come in hand when dealing with community organizations and partnerships. The Social Sciences really prepare you for everyday work life balance.

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

Try to move towards the courses that you are interested in and that suite your personality. If you prefer to work alone, take courses that focus on individual work. If you like to work in group settings and presentation, investigate experiential learning courses. Always read the course outline that can be found on google before determining what class to pick. The courses you choose at Mac will help determine your career pathway. I would also recommend joining MSU committees and volunteer in the community. You will learn so much about yourself that way!

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

Being a community health professional, my health and society degree comes into play on a daily basis. My degree taught me the importance of health narratives and being able to look at individual experiences within the healthcare system with an intersectional lens.

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

In my opinion, a social sciences degree allows you to develop important critical thinking skills about systemic issues. I believe that my degree taught me transferable skills in the workplace such as group work translating into working in a multidisciplinary team post-graduation. I believe McMaster’s Faculty of Social Sciences values looking at the real conditions of people’s lives and how to produce innovative solutions for them.

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

I believe exploring different career options during my degree truly is what led me to my Master’s degree, and current field of work. Going into university I believed that you should have it all figured out but I quickly found out that it was much more beneficial to be open to multiple career paths. Partaking in job shadows with the Student Success Centre, and community engagement-focused courses within my department and CityLAB Hamilton allowed me to understand a variety of careers post-graduation. I would highly recommend as many exploratory opportunities as possible throughout your degree.

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 completed HLTHAGE 3BB3 and it assisted me post-graduation in a variety of ways. While pursuing higher education the research aspect of this placement course heightened my ability to carry out community-engaged research at the graduate level. The course allowed me to make connections with professionals and engage with a career I was interested in. I believe these courses allow students to get an idea of what different career paths could look like in a one-semester time frame, rather than a full internship year if they are unsure exactly what they would like to pursue post-grad.

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

By completing a double major in the Faculty of Social Sciences, specifically in Religious Studies and Sociology, my worldview quickly expanded as I began learning about diverse communities, belief systems, theories, and perspectives. I learned about religion, practices, and traditions, as well as studying specific texts by asking questions and engaging in critical analysis. I learned about our society, its past and how it has evolved, as well as all the issues various communities continue to face. This program introduced me to topics that I am deeply passionate about. I continue to educate myself, and now my students, on the issues and concepts I learned during my time at McMaster.

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

The Social Sciences encourages having an open mind, applying a critical analysis of concepts or theories, and always developing new ideas or building off of existing ideas. These are skills that can be translated to any career, any setting, or any aspect of your life. The Social Sciences opens your eyes to a multitude of perspectives and ideas which enhances your understanding of the world and the people around you. It has proven to be invaluable in my own education, career, and daily life.

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

I encourage current social sciences students to make connections and explore various opportunities. Make connections with other social sciences students as they pursue their goals and progress through their program. (I found out about my future graduate program from a friend I met on the Social Sciences rep team!) Don’t forget to try new opportunities such as going to the office of Experiential Education and asking about placements, volunteering, or community outreach. (EE helped set up a volunteer placement for me which I spoke about during an interview for graduate school – I got in!)

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

The degree programs I completed at McMaster taught me to see the world through a socio-cultural lens and apply theory to understand past, present, and future. Seeing the world through this lens has immensely shaped my thinking and approach to every facet of my life (both in my work and personal life) and has deepened my connection to understanding peoples’ experiences and supporting their diverse needs.

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

I’ve always had a curious mind and during my time as a Social Sciences student at McMaster, I was given the tools to take my curiosity and build it into a career path. In many of my courses, we were not only learning social theory, but also given practical projects and opportunities to examine specific issues and build highly sought-after critical thinking skills to address inequities in social determinants of health. This is when I discovered my passion for understanding experiences of food insecurity and health outcomes in our local communities. The value of a Social Sciences degree certainly sets you apart from other job candidates, but also changes your vision of the world and how you interact within in.

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

The main advice I can give is to take chances on opportunities while you’re a student – now is the time! Volunteering is one great way to test out different career paths while gaining amazing experience and building your network. I volunteered at a non-profit for most of my undergrad and found this experience so enriching! Also, if there’s classes that you are inspired by, connect with the Professor, and show your interest – they often love to share more about what it is they do and how they got there! It’s also never too early to visit the folks at McMaster’s Student Success Centre and learn more about what services they offer to support ongoing career planning.

How did receiving an Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA) shape your career planning or your post-graduation journey?

Receiving an Undergraduate Student Research Award at the end of my undergraduate studies was the best way to end my amazing time at McMaster and a culmination of all my learnings coming together. The USRA gave me the opportunity to explore a career in community-based research and gave me hands-on experience with starting and completing a research project. Through this experience, I gained knowledge and was able to build my interpersonal skills and confidence to lead future research projects in the non-profit sector where I currently work as a Researcher.

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

I found the versatility of my program to be of great benefit during and after the completion of my degree. The program provided a great foundation of social science knowledge that can be applied to many areas of work and future studies. It helped me explore my interests in health, behavioral studies, graduate school, policy work, etc. The opportunities for various learning avenues also helped me graduate with strong experiences I could put on my resume, e.g., placements, independent study projects, and even published research.

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

I think a social science degree is invaluable, especially given the current labor market. I like how versatile and malleable my experience was, in that you can make it into what you want it to be. It isn’t restrictive, and it allows you to focus on building general career-progressive skills, not just subject matter expertise. A lot of people don’t end up working in the same subject matter area they studied in school, but those general career skills will help you navigate job changes effectively. I truly believe more undergraduate programs should be designed with this reality in mind.

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

My advice would be to stay curious and embrace every experience as a learning opportunity! The truth is that career journeys are rarely linear, and you can only plan so far. You also don’t want to box yourself into one subject area for years and end up miserable.  So yes, plan, but be adaptable. As we grow older and life happens, our interests will likely change too, and that’s very okay. It’s okay to know what you don’t want, highlight what your current interests and skills are and map out options from there, pursuing fulfilment and impact in your work rather than just job titles.

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

In the Department of Anthropology, I was able to blend my interest and passion for the human experience (past, present, and future) with practical skills for a professional career. As my path and career aspirations changed over time, I pursued the interdisciplinary minor in Archaeology combined classics, archaeology, and earth sciences, which ended up being pivotal in tailoring my experience at McMaster to launch my career in community-level climate change planning. This was beneficial to me as it was a way to blend my interests with more technical/scientific skills, which I knew was going to be important as an arts student looking to pursue a career in a field often dominated by engineering and science-based disciplines. It’s been my experience that both social and technical disciplines are important for well-rounded teams in my industry, so I am grateful that I found myself in a program that fostered my desire to learn and grow from day one.  

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

Completing a Bachelor of Arts degree at McMaster was a significant jumping-off point for me in my career. As a first-generation university student, I came into the program with little knowledge of what my experience would be like, or what I would get out of it. The faculty and staff in Social Sciences were an incredible resource to me as I learned what I liked (and what I didn’t like) and as I started to form a picture of what I wanted my career path to look like.  

I took a wide range of courses that helped me build foundational skills in qualitative research, analysis, report writing, effective communication, strategizing, and critical thinking. These are all transferable skills that I use daily in my career. 

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

Start to think early about what types of careers interest you, and what types of skills or credentials you might need to build in order to get there. Something that really helped me was to peruse job postings for positions I’d like to hold in the future and take stock of what types of skills they are asking for. Many professional organizations have student chapters, and there are many supplementary credentials, training courses, and certificates you can take while still a student to increase your employability as a new graduate.

Taking stock of what is asked for in the postings will help you dial into how best to focus your time and effort for maximum results. Taking this initiative was critical for me in transitioning the knowledge I had gained at McMaster (and later, graduate school), into a set of tactical skills that employers were looking for. Also consider whether an advanced degree is common in your field of interest. For example, I went on to do a post-baccalaureate in Urban and Regional Planning as a fast-tracked route to becoming a Registered Professional Planner, and then did a Masters of Environment and Management, designed for working professionals looking to become leaders in the environmental space. This ended up being the perfect bridge to blend all my formal academic knowledge into my very specific specialty, which is supporting communities in developing and implementing context-specific and actionable strategies for responding to the climate crisis at a local level.  

How did completing the SOCSCI 2EL0 career course shape your career planning or your post-graduation journey?

This course was important for me to learn how to translate my knowledge, skills, and experience as a student/new grad into the language being spoken by prospective employers. Again, as a first-generation university student, these weren’t skills that were readily passed on to me by my family. I felt somewhat nervous that I would fall behind relative to my peers in that respect, and this course was an excellent solution. In the course, I was exposed to the full experience of job searching and career development, including tailoring a cover letter and resume to a specific posting, presenting yourself well in an interview, attending industry events, and building an effective network. I wouldn’t be where I am today without these underrated skills.  

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.

What do you like most about your program?

My program provided me with a valuable perspective that is often forgotten: We can try to understand how things impact each other, it’s not as important as understanding why things impact each other. Keeping this piece in mind really helps you navigate issues in life and ultimately positions you to be a more thoughtful and critical thinker.

What do you find beneficial about your program? 

I really loved having the opportunity to conduct my own research. Whether or not research is something you are interested in, it is a breath of fresh air between all of the studying you do for exams. I also learned crucial hard and soft skills like data presentation, collaboration, and delegation skills. Not to mention, accomplishing something so time-intensive and collaborative really improved my self-confidence academically.

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

There are many fundamental aspects throughout all social sciences degrees that provide you with a unique lens to be adaptable and versatile to a number of career paths. The foundational skills I developed at McMaster have played a huge role in me progressing through my career path. The problem solving, critical thinking, and project management skills were central components to the classes I took—even those “boring” or textbook heavy classes ended up being valuable!

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

Don’t be afraid to reach out to your professors or professionals online to gain insight into potential career paths. You will likely have a few different career paths, and while it can be pretty daunting, it doesn’t have to be. It’s also important to remember that your goals and dreams may change so don’t put too much pressure on finding a “dream job.” Let yourself be open to change and be curious!

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

Try not to focus too hard on prospective career paths based on your program. Most employers don’t care what your major was, they really just want to know what kinds of skills you have. My program provided me with ample opportunities to build my resume and strengthen my skills. Take a look at the courses offered in each program and take whatever interests you the most—it comes in handy to be interested in the subject matter when you are writing papers or cramming for exams!

What do you like most about your program?

My favourite part about the Anthropology program was the experiential education opportunities. Through the programs at McMaster, I was able to work directly with professors and their labs to learn the ins and outs of research, while getting my own hands-on experience. This took my learning outside of the classroom and encouraged me to consider the different types of careers I could pursue following my degree.

What do you find beneficial about your program?

Anthropology allowed me to explore a wide variety of topics and research interests. As someone who felt drawn towards biological anthropology and archaeology, I felt like I could combine these interests to really get the most out of my degree in terms of information and experience.

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

Social Science allows students to receive a more holistic form of education which centres the wide variety of human perspectives and experiences within our communities. Throughout my degree, I felt like I was gaining valuable information which could benefit me in any career I chose to pursue. Social Science focused so closely on the human experience that it taught me the value of community, allyship, and the pursuit of making a world more safe and accessible for all.

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

I would say, try as many opportunities as possible! There is no telling what career in Social Sciences may interest you. And don’t feel limited by what program you are in – the career you’re interested in could be within your field or could be connected to it in a cool way. I personally used my degree in Anthropology and Indigenous Studies to pursue a work focused on cultural retention within Afrocentric communities. If there is not a career, lab, or research that you feel properly suits your passion, don’t worry – there is always the potential for you to be the one to bring your passion to life!

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

If you are interested in topics like science, history, health, community, and culture (especially your own), you will feel at home in the Anthropology program! It truly allows you to flex your own interests while gaining valuable information that will benefit you in any career. Anthropology is so much more than the limited scope we often see portrayed in the media (ex. Indiana Jones) – it is an opportunity for you to experiment with a wide range of ideas and to work alongside students who are all passionate about widely different topics.