Experiential Learning Tips

Four volunteers wearing light blue shirts work together in a park to plant a small shrub. One person digs a hole with a shovel while two others position the plant in the soil. Another volunteer uses a rake in the background. Green grass, young trees, and landscaped garden areas surround the group, with buildings visible in the distance on a bright day.

Why volunteer? Opportunities, skills, experiences

Why volunteer? Volunteering is more than just giving your time—it’s a way to build skills, explore interests, and get involved...

Several volunteers wearing white T-shirts labeled “VOLUNTEER” pack food and supplies into brown paper bags at a table. The table contains canned goods, bottled water, and fresh produce, including apples, as volunteers assemble donation packages for a community food drive.

Volunteering in Hamilton

How to get started Tip: Start small. You can always build your involvement over time. Local volunteer opportunities Skills you...

Student in the library on a laptop

How to secure a research opportunity: Getting started

Finding research experience at McMaster Many students are interested in research, but opportunities—especially paid or formal positions—can be limited. The...

Three students standing close together outdoors beside a narrow water feature on a landscaped campus walkway. Each person is holding folders or notebooks, and all are facing the camera. Trees, shrubs, stone pathways, and a building entrance appear in the softly blurred background, illuminated by warm sunlight.

Experience building: Find opportunities on OSCARplus

Volunteer and Experience Building   The Experiential Team at the Student Success Centre have events and opportunities on OSCARplus that...

A person standing outdoors in front of a campus-style building holds a blue binder and wears a backpack. Several other students carrying notebooks and folders stand nearby in the background. The scene is brightly lit by warm sunlight, with the central subject in focus and the surrounding students softly blurred.

Experience building: Get involved and get experience

Experiential Opportunities  Experiential opportunities offer meaningful ways to build personal, academic, and professional skills. Through short-term and ongoing micro-engagements, you...

Experience | Setting goals for experiential learning

Use SMART goals to prepare to make the most of any experiential learning opportunity When setting goals, using the SMART...

Reflect | Understanding your experiences

Ask yourself these questions to guide your reflection and make the most of your experience 1. Skills and knowledge gained:...

Act | Making an experiential learning action plan

What to consider when creating a post-placement action plan Your action plan checklist Career counselling appointment: Book a one-on-one career...

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Experience building: Career conversations

Request career conversations on OSCARplus Go to OSCARplus. Then, on the sidebar, follow Student Success Centre > Career Conversations. Tips...

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A guide to EXPLORE: Experiential Learning Opportunities Resource 

The Student Success Centre can help you navigate your career. A career isn’t something you find — it’s something you...

Hand holding digital challenge cards.

The Digital Challenge Cards

Get excited about the impact you can make in your career. Use the Digital Challenge Cards to explore what has...

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Experience building: Career Treks

One great way to build not only your resume but also your experience and professional skills is to get yourself...

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Police checks for volunteering

Criminal Record Check, Police Information Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening The organization you are volunteering with will specify what kind...

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Accessible involvement: clubs and volunteering

Benefits of volunteering One in five hiring managers have offered jobs due to a candidate’s volunteer experience! Meet like-minded people!...

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Where to volunteer on and off-campus

On-Campus Clubs and Services  McMaster offers a wide range of volunteering opportunities from student-run clubs to services provided by the...

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Skills: Working virtually

Communication It is important that you continuously work to keep open channels of communication with your team through videoconferencing software...

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Create your side gig: Monetize your passion

The COVID-19 pandemic may have limited the activities and opportunities that are available to you. However, you can invest your...

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Volunteer requirements and opportunities for international students

Are there requirements for volunteering in Canada? Check with the organization you are interested in volunteering with to find out...

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The value of volunteering for international students

Why should you volunteer in Canada? Experiencing Canadian culture Expanding your network Developing advanced skills You will develop critical skills...

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Experience building: Career Treks for international students

One great way to build not only your resume but also your experience and professional skills is to get yourself...