Seasonal employment refers to temporary jobs with pre-determined end dates. Many employers require additional help at certain times of the year, often during the winter holiday season and over the summer. Seasonal positions help to fill this need. 

Employment options will vary based on the time of year. In the fall and early winter, you may find opportunities with farmer’s markets, malls, retail and grocery stores, garden centres, event and catering services, banquet halls, service areas (tailors, salons, party rentals/party rooms) and more. Some examples of roles include servers, cashiers, catering, customer service, greeters, stocking, merchandising and many more. 

The benefits of seasonal employment 

• Earn money over a fixed period — this can be a great way to build up your savings. 
• Gain valuable experience to add to your resume. 
• Expand your professional network. 
• Open the door for future opportunities. Did you know that some companies may contact you directly for future seasonal positions? So, getting a job this winter could also result in a summer job. 

 How to be successful in your job search 

1. Search for roles related to your specific skills. You can also tap into your hobbies and interests.  
2. If you plan to job search in person, dress as if you were going in for an interview. 
3. When introducing yourself, give yourself time and be prepared, as they may ask you to interview on the spot.  
4. When you go to a store or business, ask if the manager, assistant manager or staff involved in hiring is available to discuss your application. 
5. You may be asked to drop off your application if no one is available. Follow up in a few days to ensure an appropriate staff member has received your resume. 
6. Some employers have specific application forms for you to fill out. These may be available on their website. 
7. In your application, describe your relevant experiences in addition to providing a resume. Experiences could be related to employment, academics, volunteering and so on. 
8. Specify if you’re available part-time or full-time based on your schedule. Include weekends, as they may be high-demand periods for employers. 

Locations to consider 

• Canadian Tire 
• Giant Tiger 
• Retail stores  
• Local malls  
• Hardware stores 
• Garden Centres 
• Ancaster businesses 
• Dundas businesses 
• Westdale businesses 

Tip: Many stores and companies will post signs in their storefront.  

Resources and support 

• Resume and cover letter support: Book an appointment with a trained peer leader on OSCARplus, under Student Success Centre > Appointments > Career Counselling and Job Search Coaching. 
• Career drop-ins: Meet with our careers team and ask about careers, employment, further education or experience building. Available Tuesdays, 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., in Gilmour Hall 110. 

I have landed a full-time position as a Community Engagement Coordinator with a non-profit organization. I volunteered at the organization during the summer, so getting your foot in the door and working hard really does pay off! The position requires organizing and executing free programs and services for members of the community such as, workshops, volunteer events, and project management and it has allowed me to apply my love of multimedia to design and market my workshops and programs. I could not be happier and just wanted to thank you for giving me further insight into realizing my interests that have made me think hard about my future and have helped me get to where I am today.

Melisa F., BA Sociology, 2016 

Here are seven ways to gain experience

1. Schedule informational interviews with MacConnect

You can prepare questions such as, how they got into the field and what skills could help set yourself apart from others?

2. Register for free programs designed for new grads, to help with skill and experience building

For example, ADaPT (Advanced Digital and Professional Training) is a program that helps develop digital skills such as, UX design, business financials, professional skill development, navigating the job market and more. Additionally, it can potentially lead to a paid work placement with a 90% placement rate.

3. Hone your leadership skills by volunteering for a board

This can be at a local organization where you can influence decisions in your community for a cause you care about. 

4. Actively try and seek opportunities

A former grad once called up a video editing company and after an informational meeting; she ended up with a short-term internship offer. This offer allowed her to figure out if the new field was for her without having to quit her day job prematurely.  

5. Find a volunteer centre in your area using a database

Identify potential social service organizations using community databases. A quick Google search of “community database and your city/region” will find out if there is one in your area. This is an opportunity to strategically offer your skills. Other recommended sites include, Charity Village and Talent Egg.

6. Research paid internships

For example, Career Edge’s internship program is a great place to start for grads with no or little career experience.  

7. Be open to unplanned opportunities

Often, there is much value to be gained from building relationships from the inside to get access to internal postings. 

Final thoughts

No matter what your strategy is, intentionally develop relationships with people and take initiative to build your professional reputation. Chances are, you will find insider information such as internal positions. There are valuable additions that can be added to your resume, to gain your skills and experience for your next opportunity.

There are many benefits to networking: 

• Build professional networks that could support your career development now and in the future. 
• Learn about application processes, job opportunities and in-demand skills to help specify your job search. 
• Gain valuable insights into company culture and industry trends. 
• Learn real-life examples of how graduates from your program have used their degree and university experiences in the real world. 
• Continue improving your communication skills. 
• Increase your chances of landing an interview. 

Acknowledge that networking doesn’t always have an immediate impact 

It’s important to recognize that the benefits of networking don’t always happen right away. However, if you approach it thoughtfully, including preparation and follow-ups, networking can set you up for future opportunities. In some cases, McMaster students find jobs from networking job fairs! 

Take time to do your research and attend networking events 

When preparing for networking events like job fairs, take time to do your research about the companies, positions, industries and career paths you’d like to learn about. Remember, Connect to Careers Job Fair is happening March 5, 2024!  

For tips on how to prepare for career fairs and networking events, including how to introduce yourself, questions to ask and generally how to interact with employers, read Career Fair Preparation.  

If you want to practice your approach and talk about your skills, experiences, values and why you’re great, drop-by and say hi at our career pop-ups, happening every Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in PGCLL. You can also book one-on-one appointments on OSCARplus, under Student Success Centre > Appointments. 

If you need support overcoming barriers to networking and making career connections, email careeraccess@mcmaster.ca to learn about Career Access Professional Services (CAPS) and book an appointment (online or in person). 

Leverage McMaster networks to make connections 

Did you know you can find a mentor and sign up for career conversations through OSCARplus? Opportunities exist for one-on-one career conversations or long-term mentorship programs. You can explore career pathways, expand your network and gain more insight into the field you are interested in. Request a career conversation by visiting OSCARplus > Student Success Centre > Mentorship and Career Conversations. Learn how to prepare and what to expect at a Career Conversation. 

The MacConnect is a database of McMaster alumni who are interested in helping members of the McMaster community succeed. Explore alumni profiles and easily set up an informational interview. For tips on how to conduct an informational interview, including how to prepare and what questions you might ask learn more about, visit Informational Interview tips.

My name is Anika Kina Kudaka, first-generation Peruvian, fourth-generation Nikkei (Japanese descendant) and third-year Life Sciences (Co-op) student at McMaster University. Growing up, I’ve always been aware of the responsibilities I bore as the eldest in my generation of the family. To not only graduate from a reputable university but also to expedite my path, and eventually help my Peruvian relatives also immigrate to Canada. My family, like many from the Asian diaspora, places immense value on higher education. With the context of my family’s history, it became evident why. Despite enduring persecution during the Second World War and navigating decades of economic instability, my Peruvian-born grandparents, armed with education, managed to forge generational wealth, affording their descendants a comfortable life. 

This struck a chord with me, fueling my determination to surpass their achievements and success — especially in a country like Canada, where there seems to be so much more opportunity. In navigating this, here are three lessons I’ve learned through the lens of a first-generation university student in Canada and a daughter to immigrant parents. 

Lesson one: Nurturing self-confidence 

In first year, I dreaded the idea of venturing outside of Hedden Hall alone. I was self-conscious, believing that showing up to social events alone, or anywhere on campus, might make me the odd one out. I heavily relied on the company of my first few friends on campus. On top of that, as the first in my family to study at a Canadian institution, I lacked many of the connections and academic role models that some of my peers had. Many of them were already equipped with established connections with older relatives or family friends who were alumni or already working within their chosen fields of study.  

However, the experience of moving off campus in my second year taught me to get comfortable with my own company. Although I had amazing housemates, I spent most of the summer living alone. With that, I learned to go all in when it came to attending social events solo, pretending to have the kind of confidence I aspired to have. Even if things didn’t go as planned, I saw the humour in it, knowing it could fuel a funny tale to tell another day. Admittedly, shifting my perspective to find positivity or productivity in these moments was a lot easier said than done. Yet, gradually my growing self-assurance made creating new friendships and networking professionally a much more natural process for me.    

Lesson two: Keeping the culture alive 

As I moved away from home for university, I wasn’t prepared for the effort required to keep the parts of my family’s culture in my everyday life. Speaking Spanish with my parents and extended family had been my norm, but the shift to an environment with fewer opportunities to speak the language resulted in a decline of my proficiency. After noticing this, in my second year, I put in the effort to bridge this gap. My musical tastes evolved to encompass the songs from my childhood and from my parents’ old CDs. I joined the Organization of Latin American Students (OLAS) as a means to preserve my Latinidad, allowing me to create amazing friendships and connections. In this space, I felt so seen as someone who identifies as Latina. It truly felt like a home away from home.  

This experience, of being away from home and from those who share the same culture as me, underscored the importance of intentional effort in upholding the essence of my heritage, reminding me that even among new experiences, this part of my cultural identity stays with me.  

Lesson three: Getting out of my comfort zone 

Growing up, I often observed my immigrant parents avoiding financial and career risks, likely to safeguard the foundation they had painstakingly built for our family. Reflecting on this, I realized that their cautious mindset had unconsciously influenced me. 

During my early years at McMaster, I found myself hesitating to venture beyond my comfort zone and embrace risks within my undergraduate journey. I often thought about how my academic and personal life might have unfolded differently had I chosen unconventional paths or pursued my less mainstream passions — ones that might not promise immediate financial success or security. 

Having recognized this ingrained mindset, I have consciously shifted towards being more open to taking educated risks. For instance, I’ve blended my interests in Communications and Science to focus on Science Communication within my degree. I believe this change in perspective has enabled me to live without regret, actively exploring various experiences to discern what resonates with me. These lessons, whether positive or negative, contribute to shaping my preferences and choices for the future. 

The journey continues 

My journey as a first-generation university student in Canada has been a remarkable ride, filled with lessons that extend beyond my personal growth. This journey is not solely about my individual experiences; it’s about building a robust foundation of connections, resilience, and shared knowledge. Through my experiences, I hope to contribute to a narrative of determination, cultural preservation and the courage to venture beyond comfort zones — a narrative that transcends time and resonates with others on their unique journeys. 

This message was reinforced at this year’s Career Symposium hosted by the Graduate and Postdoctoral Development Network (GPDN) and sponsored by the School of Graduate Studies.  The GPDN aims to educate and inspire Canadian grad students and postdocs to develop and take action to achieve current and future career goals.

In case you missed the conference, here are three takeaways to help you integrate career planning activities into your graduate studies.

1. Parallel planning

Phil Miletic, PhD, career advisor at the University of Waterloo described that parallel planning involves exploring various career options at the same time, deepening your understanding of strengths and interests, intentionally expanding your skillset and preparing for a range of scenarios. Parallel planning can help you feel less pressured about making the “right” career choice and focus on a more strategic and adaptable approach to your professional journey. This self-awareness can help you can tailor your academic pursuits, research projects and extracurricular activities to align with your career objectives.

2. Strategic networking

Within your graduate program, you have a unique environment to connect with professors, industry professionals and like-minded peers who share your interests. Conferences, workshops and seminars are great opportunities to expand your network and gain insights into real-world applications in your field.

Joanne Lieu, a PhD candidate at the University of Toronto, shared the significance of effective networking and provided practical tips for graduate students to maximize their opportunities at events and conferences. Lieu proposed a three-phase approach: (1) preparation, (2) connection and (3) growth. This begins with setting intentions, considering the event context and identifying key individuals to connect with. Reviewing attendee lists and inviting people to meet up during the event can be effective strategies to make the most of networking opportunities. Then, following up after the event and staying connected over time are crucial in nurturing professional relationships that can open doors to mentorship, internships and potential job opportunities.

3. Investigate labour market information

Regularly investigating labour market information, industry trends and emerging technologies allows you to align your academic pursuits with the evolving demands of your chosen field. Drawing from her experience as a former PhD student and recruiter in the private sector, Rebecca Maymon advocated for graduate students to explore the employment sector using their research skills — identifying questions, researching public information, participating in informational interviews and engaging in work-integrated or experiential learning opportunities.

By integrating labour market information with insights about your interests, values and skills, you can strategically navigate potential career paths and identify options within specific employment sectors.

In conclusion

By integrating career planning into your academic journey, you are not only maximizing the value of your education, but also setting the stage for a successful and fulfilling career. So, embrace the challenges, seize the opportunities and chart a course toward a future where your passions and expertise lead to a rewarding professional journey.

You don’t have to navigate alone — the SSC career counselling and job search coaching team is here to support you.

Additionally, the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) provides opportunities for graduate students to attend the symposium every Fall. Be sure to follow the SGS events page for details about the GPDN and other career and professional opportunities for grad students.

1. Understand your own capacity. Don’t take on more than you can handle.

There is a saying, “don’t pull more than your own weight,” which urges you to understand your own capacity. Take care of your well-being by figuring out how much work you can reasonably handle. As you begin to figure this out for yourself, try not to compare your capacity to others. Everyone is different. Only you can determine what works best for you. 

2. Create a balance between working and studying. 

The best way for me to balance working and studying is to prepare for the week ahead using a planner. I input all my classes, tutorials and schoolwork into a calendar or agenda. Any space left over, would be dedicated to free time. For instance, if you have an hour or two before class, you can use that time to have lunch. Just ensure all of your tasks are spread across the week. 

3. Prioritize your mental health and well-being.

Sometimes, we can get so consumed by our studies and work that we fail to make time to do other things. Your mental health should be a priority because if not, this will affect your performance and health. Taking care of your mental health can appear differently for everyone. How I choose to take care of my mental health is to sketch or watch a Netflix show. Make sure to include mental health breaks in your daily routine. 

4. Communicate with managers or supervisors if needed.  

For students who are working during their studies, remember you are still a student. If you need time off for whatever reason, make sure you communicate this effectively and in advance. Having a conversation with your managers or supervisors can ensure that they understand your situation and are able to accommodate. 

5. Take advantage of student services  

You can visit the Student Accessibility Services (SAS) if you need any accommodation for a test or assignment. Remember to review the qualifications for an accommodation and complete the necessary documentation beforehand. At the Student Wellness Centre (SWC), you can book one-to-one appointments to speak with a counsellor about your situation as well.   

Having a work life balance does not have to feel unachievable. As long as you create and follow a solid routine, you can find your own balance. I hope these few tips help you during this busy semester.  

Accept your low grade and learn from it

Sometimes you might be compelled to brush off your grade. For myself, I was ashamed and disappointed. But I knew if I wanted to improve, I had to accept my low grade. Try percieving your low grade as a learning opportunity. My advice would be to understand the what and the why. For example, what was incorrect? Why was it incorrect? Then, take time to review the correct answers and feedback from tests or assignments, if they are available to you.

Connect with your Professor or Teaching Assistant (TA)

Office hours are designated times to meet with your professor or TA outside of the classroom. This is a great opportunity to ask them about your grade and any advice on what you can do to improve. Always be respectful and show up with a willingness to learn.

If you cannot make it to office hours, you can email your professor or TA to set an appropriate date and time to meet. When you meet, I highly recommend taking notes on the advice they give and how to do better in future. From there, review your notes and relearn the material. 

Assess your studying or writing habits 

Are your current studying or writing habits working for you? If not, there are ways to improve them. 

1. Reconsider your priorities: Focus less on distractions and put more time into studying or upcoming assignments. Ensure that any type of distraction is as far away from you as possible.
   • My advice, if your phone is a huge distraction, put it on silent mode and lock it in a drawer. If you are sensitive to noise, find a quieter study area. This helps you to focus on the current task. 
2. Make a solid plan to work on studying and assignments in advance: Create an agenda for yourself to outline when and how you can complete your work.
   • For example, choose a specific task you want to complete for the week. Break up the task into smaller tasks. If you choose to work on a research paper, I would divide the task as so: brainstorm ideas > choose topic > research > outline > draft paragraphs > edit. For each specific task now, determine how long it takes to complete each of them. Be realistic with each judgment. From there, allot different dates and times during the week to work on it.  
3. Seek help from trained individuals aside from your TA or professor: There are options available for further support such as writing advisors, academic peer mentors, and academic coaches from the Writing and Academic Skills Hub on the second floor of Mills Library.
   • Book appointments on Oscar Plus under the Student Success Centre tab. You could also find a tutor. I highly recommend checking out the Undergraduate Peer Tutoring Network available for undergraduates in the student success centre. 
4. Use more effective learning strategies: If your current studying and writing habits aren’t working for you, then you should change it up.
   • My advice, try finding or creating study groups or using flashcards for better retention of the course material. I suggest reviewing the Studying and Taking Exams Academic Skills guide from the McMaster LibGuides. There are a lot of studying strategies here for you to use, teaching you to study actively rather than passively. Additionally, for assignments, you can have a friend review your work. These are just some ways that you can make the best out of your learning. 

Believe in yourself! 

Try not to create unrealistic expectations, especially with grades. Understand that these mishaps are a part of learning and remember, you are not alone. Even though there are many students who appear to be smarter than you, there are some who struggle just as much as you do.  

References 

• Chang, S. (2018, November 19). Don’t let lower grades discourage you. Student Services. https://students.ubc.ca/ubclife/dont-let-lower-grades-discourage-you   
• Disappointing grade? Learning Development & Success – Western University. (n.d.). https://learning.uwo.ca/disappointing_grade.html  
• IvyPanda. (2023). How to deal with bad grades in college: Do’s & dont’s. IvyPanda® Blog. https://ivypanda.com/blog/how-to-deal-with-bad-grades-in-college/  
• Jerema, C. (2022, November 15). Your grades will drop: Maclean’s education. Your grades will drop | Maclean’s Education. https://education.macleans.ca/study-tips/your-grades-will-drop/  

When I review the amount of work I need to complete, I feel reluctant. I had to change my perspective and break each task into smaller, easier tasks. This helps me feel at ease and reduces my stress.  

2. Add breaks to your daily routine 

When we’re preoccupied with studying and getting everything done, we might forget to rest or take breaks. Remember to add breaks in between your work periods and after you complete all your tasks. Take a few of minutes to move around and stretch or grab a tea/coffee.

3. Find a mentor to connect with

Find time to research and sign up for mentorship programs through your faculty or through the Student Success Centre, such as Academic Peer Mentoring or the Black Student Mentorship Program. Joining clubs can also inspire you and allow you to find individuals who you can share common goals, experiences and interests with.  

4. Maintain your health

Taking action to maintain your health keeps you alert throughout the day, which is helpful for tasks like completing assignments or concentrating during lectures. Try to get enough sleep, eat healthy foods or exercise to take care of your overall health. 

5. Reward yourself  

At the end of the day or after completing a task, take time to do something you enjoy. Having these rewards visible in your calendar can also motivate you to get started on your schoolwork earlier in the day.  

These are just some of the ways for you to stay motivated throughout the semester. They may not apply to everyone, but it’s important to discover strategies that work for you! 

Check out our LibGuide on Motivation for more information as well: https://libguides.mcmaster.ca/c.php?g=718525&p=5130837  

The first part of asking for help, is to seek someone who can answer your questions. You might be surprised to find the many services available to you at McMaster and staff willing to help you throughout the year. These services range from academic support (e.g., Academic and Writing Skills, Academic Advising (Faculty), etc.) to personal support (e.g., International Student Services, Office of Registrar, etc.).

2. Enhance your knowledge and learning experiences

Asking for help can provide you with a lot of valuable information. This should also allow you to accept new information and revise previous beliefs. Each question can lead to a response that can shift your perspective. You can also learn a new skill or concept, especially the ones you struggled with. Taking the initiative to seek help shows your willingness to learn and grow as a student.  

3. Develop transferrable skills

After seeking support or asking for help, you can reevaluate your skills and apply your knowledge elsewhere. That one appointment with the Writing Centre could improve and enhance your approach to writing in the future. Applying knowledge to future tasks is a part of your learning experience and shows how much you learned. You can also share your information with others and encourage them to seek the same support. 

 4. Build your connections and network

There are times when asking for help may lead you to someone who could direct you to an open position in their department or another opportunity. You could also be directed to an event where you can meet others. For instance, if you are struggling to find a career in your area of study, a career counsellor can recommend visiting a career fair, especially one specific to your faculty or program. This is a chance to network and talk to people who have experience working in a field related to your degree. 

 5. Alleviate stress or worries

I feel a huge wave of relief after someone answers my questions, and I am ready to progress from where I left off. The stress and confusion you feel subsides when you seek support. Having someone there to relieve any worries or doubts you feel is better than enduring it alone. 

The next time you have a question or concern, don’t be afraid to ask for help and search for someone willing to assist you. You never know what the result might be.  

Figuring out what career you want to pursue is difficult, especially when you probably do not know what your interests are or where you fit in the world. When I was a second-year student in the Hons. BASc Human Behaviour program, specializing in Early Childhood and Education, I was planning to become a teacher but I questioned this path. I dealt with my worries and questions by writing in a journal. I wrote about my likes, dislikes, research interests and what I enjoyed learning about. From there, I narrowed it down to specific career paths.

What to research?

I chose to continue my passion for cognitive behaviour therapy and counselling. I searched for information about counselling and what a day in the life of a counsellor looks like. During this time, I stumbled on a YouTube video on counselling psychology. There were counselling psychologists who discussed their job and what counselling psychology means to them. My decision to study counselling psychology grew.  

Now what?

Now that I knew my end goal, I had to determine how to get there. Deep down, I wanted to follow my first-year plan to join the Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour (PNB) program. To finalize my decision, I went to see the PNB academic advisor and learned about the PNB program, and job opportunities after graduation. Since my intentions were to go to graduate school, I joined the PNB program to broaden my options. From there, the PNB advisor told me everything I needed to do to switch my program and the deadlines I had to keep in mind when doing so. 

On the day of program selection, I had one choice to make. When the results were released, I got in! I was very excited to be part of PNB, the following semester. Today, I am in my fifth year of PNB with a thesis to complete. I have no regrets and I am happy with where I am right now.  

Are you having thoughts about wanting to switch your program?

I recommend taking time to research. You may be thinking about how this affects your academic plans and feel worried about extending your degree including financial concerns. I had these same thoughts.

Make use of SSC’s academic skills supports to help achieve your goals and reach out to a faculty academic advisors to learn more about program requirements and the best approach for switching programs. SSC’s careers supports are open to students from all faculties.

Final thoughts and advice

I will leave you with something that the PNB advisor told me, which resonated with me as I made my decision, “once you get on that stage and hold that degree, it wouldn’t matter how long it took you to get there. As long as you tried!”