Philanthropy & Social Impact Executive

How would you describe the current stage or most recent stage of your career as a Philanthropy & Social Impact Executive?

As a Philanthropy & Social Impact Executive, I work with universities, nonprofits, and charitable organizations to secure funding, build partnerships, and create programs that make a meaningful difference in communities. In my most recent role, I have led fundraising strategies across a large university, collaborating with faculty, alumni, donors, and community partners to support student success, Indigenous initiatives, and equity-focused projects. On a typical day, I might meet with a prospective donor to explore their philanthropic interests, work with colleagues to design a new scholarship or program, or review strategies to strengthen long-term partnerships. My role blends relationship-building, strategic planning, and a deep commitment to equity and social change. I enjoy this work because it allows me to connect people’s generosity with causes that create lasting impact—whether that’s removing barriers to education, advancing reconciliation, or addressing social inequalities. Every project is an opportunity to bring resources and ideas together to make change happen.

What was your first ‘real’ job after graduating?

My first “real” job after graduating was as a Health Promoter in Chronic Disease Prevention. I was drawn to the role because it combined my interest in public health with my passion for community engagement. I worked with community organizations, schools, and health professionals to design and deliver programs that helped people make healthy lifestyle choices and reduce their risk of illnesses like diabetes and heart disease. This role taught me how to translate big-picture ideas into practical programs that could make a real difference in people’s lives. It also gave me experience in building partnerships, listening to community needs, and measuring impact—skills that I still use every day in my career as a philanthropy and social impact leader.

How did your ideas about career options evolve from the time you entered first year university to your final year and beyond (and what influenced those ideas)?

When I started first year, I didn’t know much about the range of careers in health, and I assumed my options would be limited because I wasn’t in a health-related degree program. That changed when I became the Outreach Lead at the Student Health Education Centre (SHEC) and a lead volunteer with the Campus Wellness Centre. Those roles opened my eyes to public health as a career path I hadn’t even considered before. Through planning events, creating health education campaigns, and working closely with peers and professionals, I saw how public health could improve lives on a broad scale. That experience inspired me to start my career in chronic disease prevention—and eventually led me into philanthropy and social impact work that still focuses on improving community well-being.

What advice would you give to the next generation of current students about how to make the most of their time in university?

Say yes to opportunities that take your learning beyond the classroom. For me, co-chairing the McMaster World Congress, participating in Model UN, and leading in the Campus Wellness Centre were just as valuable as my coursework. These experiences taught me leadership, teamwork, and how to adapt to new challenges—skills I still use every day. Get involved in student clubs, conferences, or volunteer roles that interest you, even if they’re outside your field of study. The people you meet and the perspectives you gain will help you grow in ways that textbooks can’t—and might lead you to career paths you hadn’t even imagined.

Did you get involved in any on-campus clubs, associations, or leadership roles? If so, how do you reflect on that experience?

Yes—I was very involved in student life, and those experiences shaped both my career and who I am today. I co-chaired the McMaster World Congress, participated in Model UN, served as Outreach Lead at the Student Health Education Centre (SHEC), and was a lead volunteer with the Campus Wellness Centre. These roles gave me hands-on experience in leadership, event planning, public speaking, and collaboration with people from diverse backgrounds. They also introduced me to mentors, deepened my friendships with people whose values and interests aligned with mine, and exposed me to career paths I had never considered. Looking back, those activities weren’t just “extras”—they were where I built the skills, networks, and confidence that have guided my career ever since.

Which degree(s) did you complete during your education, either at McMaster, or at another institution? Please add any degree program details you think are relevant to understand your academic path (e.g. specializations, minors, post-graduate certificates, etc.)

• BA Political Science – McMaster University
• BA (Hons.) Political Science – McMaster University
• Master of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership – Carleton University
• Masters Certificate, Integrated Marketing Communication for Behavioral Impact in Health & Social Development – New York University
• Communication Management Professional (CMP)
• Master Financial Advisor – Philanthropy (MFA-P™)
• Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE)

BScN Nursing Student

What skills or knowledge did you learn throughout your degree that you have found most useful in your career?

Throughout my Honours Political Science degree at McMaster University, I learned the importance of research analysis, and conducting academic research and writing. Moving from an arts degree to a science degree program, I observed how little some programs allow growth in academic research and writing. In my degree at McMaster, I also learned how to critically think about the material I am reading, which has helped me specifically in my BScN program, allowing me to pick out important information about cases, and with that I am able to critically think and conduct my judgement, which is a vital part of the Nursing process.

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

I would advise any current social science student in a degree program at McMaster that your options are limitless! With a degree in social science from McMaster University, it opens many doors for you to consider. I would also recommend for them to not take other people’s pathways as their own and explore them early on. Try to become involved in co-op, or if you are interested in law as I was, try studying for the LSAT beforehand to see if this is something you believe you want, or try to get involved in volunteer positions. All in all, don’t stress! I graduated from McMaster in Political Science, without a clue of my interests in the Political Science field and I ended up finding a pathway I love, and you will too!

How did your ideas about career options evolve from the time you entered first year university to your final year and beyond (and what influenced those ideas)?

When I entered my degree at McMaster, I thought career paths were linear, and I never thought about completing another Bachelors degree. As I neared the end of my degree, losing interest in my pre-law pathway, I ended up talking to the Social Sciences Career Development Advisor, Cindy, who helped me realize that my pathway was not set in stone, and that my degree can help me open many doors I would not have been able to without graduating from McMaster. Book an appointment with your Career Success office, and do not worry! Take it from me, the future is unpredictable!

Senior Compliance Analyst

How would you describe the current stage or most recent stage of your career as a Senior Compliance Analyst?

Currently, I am a Senior Compliance Analyst at the Canadian Tire Corporation in Toronto. As a Senior Compliance Analyst I research and track regulatory changes that impact the retail industry and work with business teams to implement compliance. I also serve as a key stakeholder to review and assess new initiatives and advise teams on how best to move a project forward while minimizing compliance risk. Some of my typical duties include conducting privacy impact assessments and compliance risk assessments, investigating and responding to regulators and customers on compliance concerns, completing and submitting required compliance reports to various ministries/regulatory bodies, creating internal reports to track key compliance metrics, writing internal policies and process documents, and working with business teams to create and implement action plans to close open compliance risks.

Compliance work is something that I love as it is a line of work where you are continuously learning, problem solving and using critical thinking skills – all of which I enjoy. The role is also a great balance between an art and a science; it involves a lot of reading, writing and researching but also includes working with data and figuring out how a tool or a process works. The role also provides opportunities to work both independently and collaboratively. As a graduate of both economics and political science, I get to apply a wide spectrum of skills and experience an overall sense of balance in my work.

What was your first ‘real’ job after graduating?

My first ‘real’ job was as a Category Business Analyst at the same company that I currently work at. As a Category Business Analyst I worked alongside a Buyer and a team of other specialized analysts to create national assortments for stores and drive overall business growth. I first came across the role when I worked alongside a Category Business Analyst through a student-initiated internship in an adjacent role. The role required a lot of cross-functional interaction which enabled me to explore different areas of the business and connect with different teams. It was also a great foundational role which let me build a lot of transitional skills around research and problem solving in business which I was able to apply to secure a role on the Compliance team.

What’s the most valuable or impactful piece of career advice you’ve received that you’d like to pass on?

“Regardless of your role, blossom where you’re planted” – I learned that advice at a recent women’s business leadership conference that I attended, and I think it applies to everyone at every stage of their career. Whether you are just starting your career or you are well established in your field, it is important to approach your work with a growth mindset and an appetite to learn and continuously improve. If you approach your career in this way, you will get the most out of your current experience while also finding new opportunities to explore along the way.

Which degree(s) did you complete during your education, either at McMaster, or at another institution? Please add any degree program details you think are relevant to understand your academic path (e.g. specializations, minors, post-graduate certificates, etc.)

• BA (Hons.) Economics & Political Science – McMaster University
• Minor in Business – McMaster University

Senior Policy Advisor

How would you describe the current stage or most recent stage of your career as a Senior Policy Advisor?

As a Senior Policy Advisor with the Government of Ontario, I help shape public policy ideas and advocate to turn them into real world decisions. My work is about problem solving and providing support for decision makers. On a typical day, I might be analyzing economic or social trends, coordinating input from multiple teams, or drafting briefing materials and proposals that go to senior executives or decision makers. Much of the job involves translating complex information into clear, concise advice so that leaders can make informed decisions in a fast paced and politically sensitive environment. Relationship building is also a big part of the work as I regularly collaborate with colleagues across ministries, central agencies, and external partners to align priorities and move initiatives forward.

This career path is a strong fit for me because it blends analytical thinking, writing, and collaboration. Every day is different as government priorities and direction constantly change. I enjoy that it’s constantly new and allows me to tackle complex challenges, learn about new policy areas, and contribute to work that has an impact on people’s lives. It’s rewarding to know that the analysis and advice I provide could help shape programs, investments, and policies that affect communities across the province.

What was your first ‘real’ job after graduating?

After McMaster I went on to pursue a Master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration from Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). What I loved about this program is that it blended real work experience with my degree as it has an internship built into the program. This led me to my first job as a Policy Analyst in the Ontario Government. While I was doing my master’s I met many public servants and did my internship in the Ontario Government which lead me to where I am now as a Senior Policy Advisor.

Did you get involved in any on-campus clubs, associations, or leadership roles? If so, how do you reflect on that experience?

While at McMaster I participated in several on-campus clubs such as being a Member of Model United Nations at McMaster University, a Member of the General Assembly for the Political Science Society, a Member of the McMaster Social Science Society and on several Intramural Sports teams. I would argue that being involved in clubs and extracurriculars can be just as important and rewarding as academics. It’s important to find a balance in focusing on your studies while also building a network and community that will follow you after you graduate.

What’s the most valuable or impactful piece of career advice you’ve received that you’d like to pass on?

One of the most important pieces of advice I would give when it comes to impact on your career is focus on the networking and people aspects as much as the technical skills. It can be easy to spend most of your time in university solely focused on studies, but getting involved with the University in clubs or other ways is also important and can go a long way when later searching for opportunities. Another good piece of advice I was told early on in my career is to “look for good people doing interesting work, and the rest will fall into place”.

Which degree(s) did you complete during your education, either at McMaster, or at another institution? Please add any degree program details you think are relevant to understand your academic path (e.g. specializations, minors, post-graduate certificates, etc.)

• BA (Hons.) Political Science with minors in in Philosophy and Sociology – McMaster University
• MA Public Policy and Administration – Toronto Metropolitan University

Ontario Labour Relations Board Mediator

How would you describe the current stage or most recent stage of your career as an Ontario Labour Relations Board Mediator?

I currently serve as a Mediator and Labour Relations Officer at the Ontario Labour Relations Board, facilitating the resolution of labour and employment disputes between parties under Ontario’s Labour Relations Act, Employment Standards Act, and Occupational Health and Safety Act. Having previously held positions with the Ontario Treasury Board Secretariat, I built deep expertise in public sector labour and employee relations — representing management at mediation, arbitration, and tribunal proceedings; advising ministry executives on complex collective agreement interpretation and grievance management; leading enterprise-wide collective bargaining and corporate settlements; and coordinating labour relations projects in partnership with bargaining agents and legal counsel across the Ontario Public Service.

What was your first ‘real’ job after graduating?

My first role after graduating was a Labour Relations Analyst/Intern through the Ontario Internship Program (OIP) Labour Relations stream. This built an upon the strong foundation of labour relations I had from my university studies. Particularly, the Labour Studies fourth year research placement with the Human Rights Tribunal was incredibly valuable experience for building my career.

How did your ideas about career options evolve from the time you entered first year university to your final year and beyond (and what influenced those ideas)?

Pursue what you’re interested in. I never imagined I would have such a labour relations focused specialty as a career. I only knew that the courses that interested and excited me the most were what I wanted to pursue for a living – however that might turn out to look.

What advice would you give to the next generation of current students about how to make the most of their time in university?

Stay engaged and participate. The instructors at McMaster University are world class talent and an incredible resource.

What skills or knowledge learned in your university courses have you found most useful in your career?

Case law research and analysis as well as argument building and advocacy for a position.

What have you found particularly useful about the specific degree program(s) you completed at McMaster?

Passion, positivity and work ethic can take you anywhere you want to go.

What’s the most valuable or impactful piece of career advice you’ve received that you’d like to pass on?

Never stop learning. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you have nothing left to learn.

Which degree(s) did you complete during your education, either at McMaster, or at another institution? Please add any degree program details you think are relevant to understand your academic path (e.g. specializations, minors, post-graduate certificates, etc.)

• BA (Hons.) Labour Studies & Political Science – McMaster University
• Master of Industrial Relations (MIR) – Queen’s University

Related Pages:

• Career Options for Work & Labour Studies
• Career Options for Political Science
• Human Resources Professionals

Account Development Representative

What was your first ‘real’ job after graduating?

My first ‘real’ job was the Account Development Representative position at Survalent. This role, although seemingly unrelated to my political science degree, actually required many of the skills I had developed during my studies. In short, Survalent is the leading provider of real-time smart grid management systems for enabling visualization, optimization, and improved operations for utilities and renewable energy companies. The role entails researching and cultivating new business connections via warm and cold outreach, including LinkedIn, email, and phone calls. Specifically, in my case, it’s reaching out to Directors and C-suite executives in the renewable energy space, booking qualified introductory calls with prospects and my regional manager, and executing Survalent’s sales strategy throughout the cycle. Moreover, attending industry-specific conferences around North America and presenting our capabilities to prospects is also part of the overall job.

What skills or knowledge did you learn throughout your program that you have found most useful in your career?

The most important skill I’ve learned throughout the program, which benefits me greatly today, is the importance of efficient research. This skill, which involves not just finding information but also critically evaluating and synthesizing it, is crucial in a sales job and in life. I learned to efficiently research using different tools and methods like Google, databases, annual reports, etc. This skill was engraved in us during our undergraduate career by our professors, and I could not be more thankful.

Another skill I learned during my tenure in the political science program was collaborative and communication skills. McMaster does this well with its emphasis on group activities in certain courses and encourages active participation, which honed my communication and critical thinking skills to another level. Engaging, debating, or disagreeing with my colleagues in the classroom was vital in helping me appreciate new ideas, become an active listener, and invite criticism. These skills are not just important in academia, but also in the professional world, where effective communication and collaboration are key to success.

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

I cannot stress this more, but please take time to breathe and realize that not knowing what you want to do in the future is not the end of the world! A Social Science degree is the most diverse degree in the world. The job opportunities are endless and many doors are opened with it. For example, I graduated from the Political Science Department, intending to attend law school and become a lawyer. Now look at me. I work in a technical sales job at a World-Leading SCADA/Engineering software company. It’s almost the complete opposite of what I studied, but I would still never change a thing. Now, I’m not saying don’t have a career plan and figure it out at the last stages of your university career. Absolutely not. Having a plan and sticking to it is fantastic. “Think about tomorrow, yesterday.” – I love this saying because it makes you plan about the future that you want to have tomorrow and not walk on this earth blindly. However, it’s essential to know that life works in miraculous ways. One day, you want to do something, and the next, you want to pivot to something else, and that’s totally ok! McMaster does a great job assisting students who go through this, ensuring they follow their original or new dreams. That said, always know your worth and believe in yourself no matter where life takes you. Embracing change is a sign of open-mindedness and adaptability, two qualities that will serve you well in your career journey.