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Internships

Social Sciences Internships

Internships are non-credit, paid work opportunities lasting 4, 8, 12, or 16 months. They can be part-time or full-time, and upon completion, the placement is noted on your official transcript. Internships help students explore careers, build employability skills, and make valuable professional connections

Do you have questions about the Social Sciences Internship Program and want to learn more? This video covers all the information you will need!

Understand How Internships Work

Before you apply, get familiar with the key pieces that shape your internship experience. From eligibility requirements and application options to program fees and job search strategies, these pages will help you prepare, plan ahead, and make the most of your opportunity. Whether you’re exploring cultivated postings or creating your own, it all starts here.

Internship Options

Cultivated Internships

Throughout the year, the Careers & Experiential Education team works with employer partners to post curated internship opportunities on OSCARplus. While some roles have short hiring timelines, many employers begin recruiting a term in advance – so check often and plan ahead to find a placement that fits your goals.

Student-Initiated Internships

Eligible students can secure their own internship and have it recognized on their transcript. These self-directed placements offer flexibility and can be just as valuable as cultivated roles – giving you the chance to shape your experience around your interests and career goals. For details and deadlines, please see the Student-Initated Internships Page.

Internship Documents & Resources

Before applying, review key resources like the Internship Handbook, OSCARplus guidelines, and job search strategies. Learn how to find both visible and hidden job opportunities, make cold calls, volunteer strategically, and approach employers with confidence.

These tools will help you build connections, refine your outreach, and prepare for meaningful internship experiences.

Deadlines to apply:

  • Term One: Second Friday of September
  • Term Two: Second Friday of January
  • Term Three: Second Friday of May

Eligibility

To apply, students must:

Internship Fees

To help cover administrative costs, internship placements include a program fee.

Students pay $200 per 4-month term for full-time internships and $100 per 4-month term for part-time internships.

These fees support the coordination and oversight of your experience through the Faculty of Social Sciences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about internships? You’re not alone. From application timelines to transcript notations, this section covers the most common questions students ask – so you can feel informed, prepared, and confident as you explore your options.

Student Intern Examples

Social Science students have completed a wide range of employment-based internships. Here is one example:

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Still have internship questions? Connect with our team:

Contacts

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Keri Long

Co-op & Internship Manager

kerlong@mcmaster.ca
KTH 129 (Student Services Office)
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Karen Thorburn

Co-op & Internship Student Manager

thorbk1@mcmaster.ca
KTH 129 (Student Services Office)