Family Law Lawyer

How would you describe the current stage or most recent stage of your career as a Family Law Lawyer?

I am an Associate Family Law Lawyer at a firm in Vaughan, Ontario. I assist clients with all areas of family law, including negotiation, litigation or alternative dispute resolution processes, such as mediation or arbitration. Day to day, I am often in meetings with clients, drafting court documents and correspondence, or conducting legal research and advising clients on their options and strategy. This career path was something that I had my heart set on since I was a little kid – I love to think critically and put my brain to work whenever I can. I enjoy reading and writing, which is probably about 90% of being a lawyer. I also enjoy problem solving and oral advocacy, which are skills I put to use almost daily in my career.

What was your first ‘real’ job after graduating?

I followed a fairly linear path after graduating from McMaster in the spring of 2019. In the fall of 2019, I started law school at Windsor Law, where I graduated in 2022. Following my graduation from Windsor Law, I followed the traditional path of articling for 10 months before being called to the Ontario Bar in 2023, after which I re-joined the firm where I completed my articles as an associate. I honed many of my skills at that firm and created lifelong connections there. In April 2025, I started as an Associate lawyer at a new family law firm in Vaughan. I had always worked part time jobs throughout most of my academic studies – You could often find me serving or bartending, or sometimes even photographing weddings.

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

I was heavily involved in the McMaster community, which was a large part of why my application for law school was so strong. I was a member of the McMaster Social Sciences Society for 3 years, acting as a welcome week representative, photography coordinator and media coordinator. I also was a member of the executive team for the McMaster Sociology Society as VP of Public Relations and with McMaster Relay for Life. My engagement in these roles led me to some of the closest friendships I have ever had, and that I still cherish and nurture to this day. Although the coursework was critically important, I genuinely believe that the most impactful part of my time at McMaster was my involvement in campus clubs/organizations and the connections that I made with other students.

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

You’re only human and you’re bound to mess up sometimes. The most important thing is to give yourself grace, take accountability and take steps to fix it. Allow yourself to be human, make mistakes and learn from them – this is how you grow and get better!

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.)

• Honours BA Social Psychology – McMaster University
• Juris Doctor – University of Windsor Faculty of Law

Entrepreneurs, Senior Support Care

Q: Spencer, how would you describe the business you co-founded, Senior Support Care?

Spencer: Senior Support Care is a home care company I co-founded with Mikaela to support seniors in maintaining their independence, dignity, and quality of life. We provide personalized, one-on-one caregiving services tailored to each client’s unique needs, whether that’s companionship, personal care, or more complex support like dementia care. What really sets us apart is our focus on building strong, trusting relationships between clients, caregivers, and families. We’re deeply committed to providing compassionate, consistent care and ensuring that our clients feel safe, respected, and genuinely cared for in their homes.

Q: Mikaela, how did your journey lead to you two starting a business?

Mikaela: I never imagined I’d start my own business. I didn’t come from a background in entrepreneurship, but from a young age I knew I loved leadership roles. I went to leadership camps, worked as a rec therapist at a retirement home, and spent most of university working as a government-funded personal support worker. I took a lot of risks early on, applying for big roles before I felt “ready” because I was determined to figure out what I really wanted to do. Looking back, I realize I started from the bottom of the ladder young. By the time I graduated, I had so much hands-on experience that my path felt a lot clearer than I ever expected. Spencer and I had lived together for three years when we started the business after university, and we had such a strong friendship. We knew we worked well together, and that made taking the leap into business feel natural. Senior care was something we both felt genuinely good at. We had been told time and time again that this work was our purpose and over time, we really came to believe that too. When Spencer and I started our business, there was no five-year plan filled with bold milestones or revenue goals, it really began with us doing the jobs we had done in school ourselves, and letting it take us where it was meant to. What we had was purpose. We had both seen the gaps in senior care and believed we could do things differently. We were willing to get our hands dirty, lead with compassion, and build something rooted in meaning.

Q: Looking back, what has been the most useful knowledge or skillset from your courses in the department of Health, Aging & Society?

Mikaela: One of the most valuable skills I gained from the Health, Aging & Society department at McMaster was the ability to advocate both in theory and in practice. We weren’t just studying systems, we were taught to see the people within them. The program helped me recognize real gaps in care and services and gave me the tools to do something about them. We explored how power, policy, and privilege intersect with healthcare and how, even as students, we could begin to challenge and change the system. What I appreciated most was how the program allowed us to specialize in topics that genuinely sparked our interest. A lot of people go into this program because they want to be the change. They want to make an impact and build a career that’s bigger than themselves. What’s important to know is that this program helps build those stepping stones. Beyond what you learn in the classroom, you also learn how to manage your time, balance school, work, and a social life, speak confidently in front of others, advocate for yourself, and ask for help when you need it. You learn to be creative, to work independently, and to figure out what kind of work actually excites you. For me, I didn’t leave this program knowing exactly what I wanted to do but I left knowing I had a passion, and the skills to figure it out.

Spencer: Looking back, I would say one of the most useful knowledge I gained from my time in the Health, Aging & Society department was an understanding of person-centered care. Specifically, I learned how important it is to recognize and respect each individual’s unique life history, preferences, and needs when providing support. It’s not just about assisting with daily tasks, it’s about preserving dignity, promoting independence, and truly listening to the person behind the care plan. This approach has been foundational in how we built Senior Support Care. It shaped the way we design our services, match caregivers with clients, and create care plans that are flexible and meaningful, not just clinical.

Q: How have you managed setbacks or challenges in your career?

Mikaela: Something I don’t talk about often is that my path into senior care and entrepreneurship didn’t come from a lifelong dream, it came from what I once saw as failure. In high school, I was a strong student. I came to McMaster expecting to go into psychology, with big goals and even bigger expectations for myself. But in the first year, I failed math and that one course completely changed the direction of my degree. I didn’t just fail once I tried multiple times to pass, determined to stay on my original path. If I wanted to stay in psychology, I would either have to change programs or even change schools. At the time, it felt like a major setback and a personal failure. I didn’t come to McMaster thinking I’d study Health Studies or work with seniors. That was never the plan. But looking back, I can honestly say that failure was one of the most important things that ever happened to me. It led me to a program I didn’t previously consider and ultimately a career that I never would have found otherwise. Another big “failure” came after graduation. I applied to the Master’s program at McMaster and wasn’t accepted. I was disappointed, discouraged, and unsure of what was next. But again what felt like a dead end actually opened everything up. If there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s that the moments that feel like rejection are often just redirection. I didn’t start with a dream of running a business but I did have the willingness to do the hard work. The full-circle moment came when, four years after starting Senior Support Care, I earned my Master’s and officially became a psychotherapist, something I once thought was no longer possible. Looking back, I’m genuinely grateful for the setbacks I faced, because the hands-on experience I gained along the way has made me a more grounded, empathetic, and effective in the work I do today.

Q: What advice would you give to students pursuing university today?

Mikaela: My advice for students would be: it’s okay not to have a clue what you’re supposed to be doing. No one else has the exact path you’re meant to be on and it’s completely normal not to have your future all figured out. What matters most is staying curious, and willing to try even if it doesn’t look like what you originally imagined.

Spencer: My advice to students in the Health, Aging & Society programs would be to really take the time to connect what you’re learning to real-world situations. The theories and concepts you study are powerful when you apply them with empathy and an open mind. Aging is complex and personal — it’s not just about health challenges, but about identity, independence, and quality of life. I’d also encourage students to stay flexible and open to the different paths their careers might take; the skills you develop in this program can be used in so many meaningful ways, whether that’s in hands-on care, policy, research, or advocacy!

Professional Contacts:

Connect with Mikaela on LinkedIn or Spencer on LinkedIn. Learn more about Senior Support Care on Instagram or visit Senior Support Care on Facebook.

Health, Safety & Labour Relations Specialist

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

I credit the totality of my career to the placement option that was offered during my fourth year of my Labour Studies degree program. I did not get placed in the placement I wanted, and I took a placement out of town, where I knew no one, in a sector that I had absolutely no experience. My placement challenged me to go out of my comfort zone, meet new people, who do kinds of work I had never even contemplated. By the end of the academic year and my placement, I was a changed person: I saw how the laws and practices we study for in the theoretical classes of our degree are made and I met the people who made them; I listened to stories of oppression from people who identify with equity deserving groups, and watched with a front seat as they fought for change; and, I sat with other workers from the receptionist, to the president of the organization and saw how both roles are vital in keeping the organization running. Ultimately, the organization I did my placement with hired me and I have worked with them for over a decade.

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

The social sciences studies theoretically who we are as humans and what we do with our lives. From studying about why people pray, to how people work, to how we functionally make our world better; the study of social sciences is broad, yet foundational for every sector of work. Having a Social Sciences degree prepares you for working with other people, and that is a vital skill-set for any career, in any sector.

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

I have three important mantras I use myself when navigating my career: The first is to always look through a door of opportunity that has been offered to you. Sit on a committee you’ve been invited to, have lunch with that coworker, apply for that job even though you might not fit all of the criteria. You don’t have to take every opportunity, but at least investigate it and see if it is something you could be interested in. The second mantra I live by is to always lead with kindness. Many people advise networking to young professionals – which is great – but, you will meet hundreds of people and you may not (and they may not!) remember your name. They key is to be kind: ask deeper questions (than just their thoughts on the weather!), and make a conversation that they will remember for at least the rest of the rest of the day. My last mantra is to jump into your career without fear. New experiences, new people, new places are scary but if you are passionate about the work you are doing you will amaze yourself with who you become if you jump in.

Banking Industry Leader

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

McMaster provided me a well-rounded and enriching academic experience! The ability to explore courses outside of your main field of study can indeed provide valuable skills and insights. My background in Economics, combined with knowledge from Psychology courses, gave me a unique perspective on both market dynamics and human behavior helping me become a leader and have the insight to understanding team dynamics.

What was your first ‘real’ job after graduating and how did it lead you to where you are now?

My initial employment was at a local bank branch as a management trainee. This position afforded me the opportunity to engage with clients directly, develop expertise in various Bank products, create customized solutions to meet client needs and learn people management skills. The experience of learning from the ground up was instrumental in shaping my career trajectory. It is essential to remain inquisitive, embrace technological advancements, and continually seek opportunities for growth and development.

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

Employers value well-rounded candidates who can demonstrate a variety of skills. Learn how to connect the dots and articulate the skills you’ve gained from different experiences. Understand the implications of your actions and how they impact the team. Remember, every experience is valuable and contributes to your overall skill set. Don’t underestimate the importance of the skills you’ve gained from various roles and activities! If you need more specific advice or examples, ask for advice from your Careers Team.

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.

Employee Relations Assistant

How would you describe the current stage or most recent stage of your career as an Employee Relations Assistant?

As an Employee Relations Assistant at Halton Region, the most recent stage of my career has involved being a key point of support in maintaining a positive, respectful, and legally compliant work environment within the organization. My role centers on helping to manage the relationship between the employer and employees by assisting with workplace issues, supporting HR policies, and ensuring that employees feel heard and supported.

This career path is a strong fit for me because it combines communication, empathy, organization, and problem-solving. I enjoy being in a role that directly contributes to making the workplace better for everyone—whether that’s resolving a conflict, helping someone understand their rights and responsibilities, or supporting fair and transparent decision-making. It’s meaningful work that aligns with my values and allows me to grow professionally every day.

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 first year of university, my ideas about career options were quite broad and somewhat idealistic. Like many students, I was focused on fields that sounded impressive or familiar—like law, business management, or marketing—without fully understanding what day-to-day work in those areas actually looked like. I was mostly influenced by what I had seen in media, heard from family, or thought would lead to a “successful” career.

As I progressed through university, my perspective began to shift thanks to a combination of coursework, internships, and exposure to real-world workplace dynamics. I began to realize that I was more interested in the people side of organizations, rather than just operations or profit. Classes in human resources really clicked for me. I enjoyed analyzing how workplaces function, how culture is shaped, and how employee satisfaction and fairness can directly impact business outcomes.

Internships were especially influential—they helped me realize that I thrived in environments where I could support others, solve interpersonal challenges, and ensure fairness. These experiences steered me toward Human Resources, and specifically Employee Relations, because it blends policy with empathy and problem-solving.

By the time I finished university, I no longer just wanted a “successful” career—I wanted meaningful work that aligned with my strengths and values. That’s what led me to where I am now!

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

When I entered the Social Sciences program, I was unsure of the specialization I wanted to pursue. Luckily, I was looking for an elective to take in my first year and came across LABRST 1D03:Will Robots Take All Our Jobs. This course piqued my interest and opened my eyes to the world of Labour Studies, and I’ve been building my career in this field since. It is essential to take classes that interest you – you never know if you’ll end up loving them!

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 valuable pieces of career advice I’ve received and truly come to believe is: “Rejection is redirection.”

At first, rejection can feel discouraging, especially when you’ve put in a lot of effort or had your heart set on a particular opportunity. But over time, I’ve learned that every “no” has a way of guiding you toward something better suited to your goals, values, or growth.

Whether it was not landing a job I thought I wanted or being passed over for a role I thought I was ready for, those moments often led me to reassess what I wanted or opened the door to something even more aligned with my strengths.

Instead of seeing rejection as failure, I’ve learned to view it as useful feedback and redirection toward a path I might not have considered otherwise. If you stay open, reflective, and persistent, those detours can end up being the most valuable parts of your journey!

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 – McMaster University
• Concurrent Certificate in Work and Labour Relations – McMaster University

Research & Asset Management Professional

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

The Economics program not only allowed me to think more analytically and critically but also allowed me to look at things from different perspectives. In addition to learning about economic theory and financial markets, I really enjoyed the Economics courses that touched on various societal topics in health & aging, environment, political science and social psychology because I feel that they gave me a deeper understanding of how these topics are all connected and how economic decisions can have chain reactions that are sometimes not considered.

Being able to learn in depth about the economy, has helped me greatly in my personal life and professional career as I learned valuable knowledge that is highly applicable to everyday life. I am constantly considering the impacts that market and government changes have and thinking of what that could mean for me and others in the short and long run.

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

A Social Sciences degree can help to develop and refine skills such as communication, research, thinking outside of the box and problem solving. I think that a Social Sciences degree allows for better understanding of society, the issues that are present and the people and groups that are and can be affected by those issues.

What are some of the roles you have held along your career journey so far that have helped lead to your current role?

Wealth Consulting Analyst, Investment Associate, and now, Research & Asset Management Analyst.

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

Make sure to go out to any career fairs or any other career-related event and do not be afraid to network and reach out to professionals to learn more about their careers. LinkedIn is a great tool for networking and reaching out to professionals in potential careers you are interested in. Try doing an internship if you can to get a feel for what you like or do not like.

Learning Development & Technology Leader

How would you describe the current stage or most recent stage of your career as a Learning Development and Technology Leader?

Currently, I serve as the Director of Learning Technology at the Public Services Health and Safety Association, where I lead a team of Learning and Development (L&D) professionals that supports training design for many public sector organizations across Ontario. To put it simply—imagine helping thousands of people learn how to do their jobs more safely and effectively, using the latest tools and techniques. I guide the team that makes that happen, from designing the learning experience to ensuring the technology works seamlessly. This career path is a perfect fit for me because I’m passionate about helping people grow. I love blending creativity with strategy—whether it’s designing a new training program or finding the right tech solution to make learning more engaging and accessible. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how the right learning experience can empower individuals and transform organizations.

What was your first ‘real’ job after graduating?

My first job after university was as a Retail Sales Field Coach at a telecommunications company, and it sparked my passion for Learning and Development. I had always wanted to teach but wasn’t sure I’d find the right opportunity. While working in sales, my manager often had me train new hires—and one day, it clicked. Watching someone apply what I taught and succeed was my “aha” moment: I could teach outside the classroom. That experience led me to explore corporate training, eventually transitioning into a Training Specialist role where I began designing both classroom and eLearning content. That was the start of the career path I’m on today.

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

One of the most impactful courses I took at McMaster was SOCSCI 2EL0, which focused on career development and experiential learning. It gave me the tools and confidence to navigate the job market—everything from updating my resume to preparing for interviews. That course helped me feel career-ready and empowered me to pursue roles that aligned with my interests in teaching and development.

What was the sequence of job types for you after completing your undergraduate degree? For example, did you take survival jobs, or full-time jobs on a short-term contract? Did you immediately start an ongoing full-time position? Did you participate in gig work, consulting work, or entrepreneurship? Or was your first step further education?

After university, I chose to graduate early with my BA instead of completing the Honours program so I could immediately pursue a full-time role in Learning and Development. That decision set me on a clear path—since then, I’ve earned certificates in Adult Education and Instructional Design, and I’m excited about the possibility of completing an MBA or a degree in Educational Technologies in the future.

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 Sociology – McMaster University