Testimonials

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!

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...

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.

A Social Sciences degree provides students with excellent transferable skills including critical thinking and analysis, research and evaluation, oral and written communication, problem solving, teamwo

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 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.

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.

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...

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.

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...

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 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.

Community-engaged research provides the unique opportunity for researchers to help support positive change in our communities. In my own research...

Community-engaged research provides the unique opportunity for researchers to help support positive change in our communities. In my own research, my collaboration with the Canadian Mental Health Association provides the tools and resources that enable us to share the knowledge gained from our research in a more impactful way.

Partnerships with post secondary institutions are tremendously important in the development of evidence based research and best practice guidelines...

Partnerships with post secondary institutions are tremendously important in the development of evidence based research and best practice guidelines. However some partnerships go beyond that and develop a synergy and a network of ideas that become incredibly fruitful projects. Creativity is the ability to take an idea and make it tangible. The collaboration between McMaster University and YWCA Hamilton has turned several ideas into fully formed and comprehensive research grant proposals and applications. This process has helped bridge connections between passionate experts and researchers in the field with the on the ground project managers and nonprofit organizations doing the work. This has been tremendously beneficial to both stakeholders, and eventually we hope that we can then use the products and outcomes of the research projects to inform our practice so that we can benefit the most important stakeholders; the participants of our programs

"Through this welcoming program, I have learned about various new perspectives, concepts, and their applications, which has been extremely beneficial throughout my undergraduate experience."

The Social Psychology Program at McMaster has provided me with a variety of insightful perspectives and experiences. The program emphasizes how individuals interact and influence each other through various social interactions by assessing real-world scenarios and their applications. Through this welcoming program, I have learned about various new perspectives, concepts, and their applications, which has been extremely beneficial throughout my undergraduate experience.

SCaR opens students up to a different way of seeing the world and thinking, providing an intellectual framework that shaped my path toward law.

Being a SCaR student showed me the importance of critical thinking and questioning pre-conceived notions we may hold. SCaR opens students up to a different way of seeing the world and thinking, providing an intellectual framework that shaped my path toward law. Exploring the way that religion continues to shape our daily lives gave me deeper insight into how cultural and moral frameworks intersect with societal structures, ultimately reinforcing my commitment to a legal career.

The supportive professors and research experiences have empowered me to expand my knowledge and pursue my passions in ways I never imagined.

The Anthropology program fosters a welcoming environment of growth that allowed me to feel supported and encouraged to explore the various opportunities for hands on learning, research, and community engagement. The supportive professors and research experiences have empowered me to expand my knowledge and pursue my passions in ways I never imagined.