Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Leader

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

My degree has allowed me to understand how people behave based on the values from the religions and cultures they have been surrounded by. As a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Social Impact Lead, I use the knowledge I have gained from my degree to create programs and processes to create inclusive environments where everyone is able to thrive and be successful.

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

Social sciences degrees allow you to be a versatile professional in the hiring market. We are taught to be critical thinkers, effective communicators, team players and more. Whether you are in sociology, economics, anthropology, or religious studies we are all taught through our lectures and assignments how to research and be analytical which is a transferable skill in any job.

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

Make sure you attend career fairs, company info sessions, and network! It may be nerve-racking to attend these types of events but, it will help you a lot in your career search. The reason why I work at my current company is because I went to a career fair and stayed connected with the recruiter who I had met at this event.

Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP)

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

My degree in social psychology focused on studying the relationship between individuals and society. It helped me identify how people behave in varying social settings. Not only does this benefit me in navigating my personal relationships it can be applied to work and professional settings too. Given that relationships permeate in any situation, I found my degree applicable to all aspects of my life.

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

A social sciences degree in my opinion really educates recipients on how to navigate the human experience in an increasingly diverse and globalized world. By focusing on the intricacies of the social/lived experience, a social sciences graduate is better equipped to be socially aware and understand how our differences can unite us.

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

For social sciences students who are currently exploring career options, I would highly recommend pursuing experiential opportunities to enhance their profile through real-work experiences! A good start would be enrollment in the SOCSCI 2EL0 career course; while also exploring internships, volunteering or other hands-on opportunities. I also recommend connecting with past alumni for career advice!

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

By completing the SOCSCI 2EL0 career course, it helped me better understand how to create my own value proposition and market my skills to future employers. I was able to learn industry trends for career planning that I still practice today!

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.