Research Manager
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 it.
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 connect with the career offices on campus and learn more about what services are offered to support your 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.
