Fall Career Fair is the largest recruitment event hosted on campus. This year, the fair features 120 employers who are interested in hiring McMaster students for part-time, full time, co-op, internship, contract, summer and volunteer roles, spanning industries like health care, environment, technology and more.  

We know it’s a busy time, and some people are more comfortable at these events than others, but here are some key reasons why you should attend. 

1. It’s a great way to explore careers and companies 

Use this opportunity to make connections and do some research with real people to learn about career paths, recruitment practices and company culture. Avoid judging whether a company relates to your area by the company name alone — it can be misleading because many large companies attend and have opportunities in other divisions. You can also use the opportunity to learn about career paths within companies and industries of interest. Not every company may seem like an ideal fit, but engaging with them can broaden your knowledge and help you practice your networking skills.  

2. Learn from recruiters how to leverage your graduate-level experience and skills  

Employer events like Fall Career Fair and company information sessions happening throughout the fall term (check the Events Calendar on OSCARplus) are an opportunity to have more conversations with employers and learn about the recruitment process directly from the source.  As a graduate student, you can learn which key skills are considered valuable and communicate them effectively to companies you’re interested in, even if the organization doesn’t have a specific job opening that matches your qualifications. Additionally, you can learn how application processes work, typical recruitment cycles and how to differentiate your application.   

3. Make a connection, build your network 

Attending in person allows you to make a personal connection and a professional first impression that recruiters will remember when they go through the applications received online. Employers want students to attend Fall Career Fair in person. Sure, they may also indicate an online application (it does save paper), but the real reason they are at the fair is to get a sense of the person behind the resume that is submitted online — you!  

The earlier you start to network and make connections, the more you will build along the way, and it will pay off in the future. Plus, it is much easier to have conversations, ask questions and network when there’s less pressure to find a job.  

Remember: It’s also important to follow up with your new contacts after the fair to solidify the connection. Read more about our After Career Fair tips. 

4. Learn about different work cultures and work environments that align with your values 

Career fairs are a great opportunity get to know company culture and work environments that align with your values and preferences. Whether your preference is a small–medium sized company, a large corporate organization, somewhere fast-paced, team-oriented or something else, consider what work environments interest you and keep that in mind during your conversations.  

If you’re still in doubt about attending, keep an open mind and consider stopping by for even a few minutes to get the feel for these types of events.  

There are often employers who get more traffic than others, so warm up by approaching an employer who is not talking to other students. Use the opportunity to ask questions about their career path and what attracted them to the company. Regardless of whether you’re interested, it’s a great way to build up your confidence and learn about someone else’s path. Plus, you never know where there might be similarities or who could lead you to your next job offer. Remember, most career paths aren’t linear, and connections play a key role in leading people on their career journey. 

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background? How did you become interest in your field of study? 

I’ve been a member of the MacIntroPsych Team for 10 years, but I’ve always been interested in psychology. From a very young age I wondered about how our brains worked and how we made choices. I knew this was the field for me during the introduction to Psychology courses in my first-year. They were by far my favourite and my best grades.

What inspired you to become an instructor? How did your journey lead you to where you are now? 

Teaching wasn’t initially something I wanted to do. Like most science students, my plan was med school. About halfway through my undergrad, I realized that didn’t really interest me anymore and I became a little lost. During my fourth-year thesis, I discovered I really liked research, so I followed that path to graduate school. My Ph.D. supervisor, Dr. David Shore, was incredibly passionate about teaching. He helped me develop my presentation skills and near the end of grad school, I had a few sessional teaching gigs. I really enjoyed everything about it. I knew that whatever job became my career would need to have a teaching component.  

How would you describe your teaching philosophy? What methods or approaches do you use to engage and inspire your students? 

Lectures need to be informative, but they also need to be reasonably fun and entertaining. A little bit of humour goes a long way! When something is fun, students are more engaged, if they are more engaged, they learn more. Durable learning is the goal and an entertaining lecture stays with you more than a boring one. 

What do you enjoy most about teaching? Is there a particular aspect of your job that brings you the most satisfaction? 

I love being in front of a classroom, especially in the larger classes. When you are teaching a really good lecture and you can tell that everyone is listening and engaged, it’s just so rewarding. The energy of a big class that is not only learning, but also having a good time is amazing.  

Can you share a personal challenge or obstacle you faced during your academic journey? How did you overcome it, and what did you learn from the experience? 

Deciding what I really wanted to do with my life was very hard. I was so med school minded when I started that when I realized that wasn’t what I wanted anymore, I really struggled. Eventually I discovered new things I was interested and followed that path to where I am now, but when I think about all the different “plans” I had, it makes me laugh a little. I think I am currently living my “Plan E” at this point becayse Plan A through D did not work out, and to tell you the truth, I can’t picture myself being happier doing anything else. This taught me that the road to happiness and success is not a straight one and sometimes something not working out can be the absolute best thing in the world.  

Can you recall what your transition from high school to university was like? What advice would you give students who may be struggling to adjust to university life?  

I was a top performing student in high school. While I worked hard, everything just sort of came naturally to me and things generally worked out. In first year, I became surrounded by other high achievers, and I really struggled to keep up. My grades in first-year were okay, but in second-year, they were mediocre at best. To tell you the truth, I really didn’t know how to properly study or manage my time with my newfound freedom and much more extensive social life. I figured things out in my third-year, but it was a messy one. My advice would be to understand that university is fundamentally different than high school. The workload is larger, and the expectations are higher. A lot of the strategies I used in high school just didn’t work at this level. You need to be willing to let go of old habits and adapt to new requirements.  

Are there any extracurricular activities or hobbies that you enjoy outside of your work as a professor? 

I love to cook, read and play video games. I love to prepare a meal for others. Creating new recipes and seeing my family enjoy them is a real passion for me. When it comes to reading, I enjoy science fiction and fantasy novels. I read about a book a week and it really helps me relax at the end of the day. For video games, I own a Switch. Right now, I’m playing the new Zelda game (Tears of the Kingdom). I think I’ve logged over 150 hours at this point.

How do you stay connected with your students and build relationships with them outside of the lecture hall? Do you have any advice for students on how to approach their professors? 

This can be harder for me since I teach such a large class. However, I always remember the students who regularly come to my office hours. I enjoy students who ask me questions that show they are really trying to understand the content on a deeper level. My advice would be, don’t be afraid of your professors. We really are here to help. We host office hours because we want to meet you. I know it can be intimidating, and that some of your professors will be more approachable than other, but just give it a try!  

How do you continue to grow and learn as a professor? 

I really try to stay connected to the other instructors and coordinators for the large science classes at McMaster. Just by knowing what they are doing and what they have tried, that either worked or didn’t work, is huge. I also love working with Dr. Joe Kim. Between the two of us, he really is the creative one. Keeping an open mind when he proposes an ambitious project is important. It helps keep the course fresh and exciting! 

Signing off: Is there a piece of advice or life lesson that you would like to share with students? What is its significance to you?  

It’s okay not to be perfect. When we are used to success it can be hard to accept failure. This is particular true for most McMaster students who were all pretty much high achievers at the high school level. Expecting a perfect transcript or to get every opportunity you apply for just isn’t realistic at this stage. I’m not staying that you shouldn’t strive for greatness or to achieve your dreams, but if you encounter challeges along the way, that’s okay. That’s life. It’s important to learn from your mistakes and move on to the next thing.  

Nabeelah (she/her) is the program support assistant for the Student Success Centre’s (SSC) academic skills team. She has recently graduated from the Biology, Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour program here at McMaster University. Outside of school, she loves to play tennis, bake and hang out with friends and family. 

Switching careers is difficult, especially when you are seeking culturally sensitive career advice. For myself, as a child of immigrants, switching careers was not easy. With the fear of family and financial pressures, I felt guilty that I may have disappointed my family and myself. I also felt like I wasted time and money, which was not the case. The time of uncertainty can feel isolating and overwhelming, but you are not alone. With the right support system, time and self-reflection, there are ways to feel a sense of relief and joy while exploring your career. 

At the event, three McMaster alumni shared their experiences as children of immigrants or international students and how they navigated switching careers. 

Abdo Habbani was born in Sudan and grew up in Saudi Arabia. He graduated as a McMaster’s Master of Mechanical Engineering program in 2019. Two years later, he quit his corporate job to pursue his passion for community and culture through filmmaking and digital storytelling. He has recently returned to McMaster as a multimedia communications assistant with the Student Success Centre.

Zeinab Khawaja graduated from the McMaster Bachelor of Health Sciences program in 2017 and made the difficult decision of quitting the MCAT, an M.Ed. Program, a full-time job at CMHA National and an MSW program. She is now working as a health promoter at McMaster’s Student Wellness Centre and focusing more on self-awareness, vulnerability, connection and rest. 

Katherine Tang graduated from McMaster’s Bachelor of Health Sciences Honours program in 2020 to pursue Occupational Therapy. She then discovered her interest in holistic health care and redirected her studies toward rehabilitation science. Katherine is currently completing her master’s at McMaster.  

6 key pieces of advice 

Know that you are not alone.  

Each panelist shared how they felt, like they disappointed their family and themselves when they made the decision to change their path. This is very common. It is important to normalize these feelings and take inventory of your emotions. Pay attention to your feelings. They are valid and part of experiencing life.  

Seek a support system.  

When news is difficult to share with your family, it is important to find a support system that is willing to make space and support you as you process your feelings.  

Value culturally sensitive advice.  

Take time to seek culturally sensitive advice that respects your perspective, experiences, values, intersectionality and more. You care deeply about your future, so find resources that have the same level of care in the support they offer. 

Here are some on-campus options to explore, in addition to the Student Success Centre:

• Black Student Success Centre  
• Indigenous Student Services  
• International Student Services  
• Spiritual Care and Learning Centre  
• Student Wellness Centre  

Identify your transferable skills.  

When thinking about switching careers, you may feel like you are starting all over again. This is not the case. Transferable skills demonstrate your ability to be adaptable and versatile. Our career staff can help you identify your transferable skills, realistic career options based on your current resume, and opportunities for professional development based on your goals. 

Try low-commitment opportunities related to your career passions and interests. 

Attending free events, volunteering or asking questions can help you experiment and try roles you are curious about or interested in. One tool that might help get you started is networking and informational interviews resource.

Allow yourself to grieve the “dream” career path you once had. 

At the event, Zeinab shared the importance of taking time to reflect and grieve your dreams. This really resonated with me. Finding time to grieve (what you thought was) your dream job is valuable. 

Where to go from here? 

McMaster University is here to support you. You don’t need to know where you want to go before seeking career advice and booking an appointment.   

How to book a career counselling, further education or job search appointment: OSCARplus > Student Success Centre > Appointments > Career Counselling and Job Search Coaching. Learn more about our career services. 

If you need support navigating barriers in your career, email careeraccess@mcmaster.ca. 

Learn about our leadership development programming and awards to help you become the leader you want to be. 

Getting started

1. Go to app.mysparkpath.com/
2. Click on “Get Started.”
3. A sign-up box will appear to create your own account. Sign up as a student.
4. When prompted for the code, enter “macssccareers.”
5. Create a password with at least eight characters. This will be the password you use to return to the account to review your results or try the sort again.

When sorting your Challenge Cards:

1. Consider what might be meaningful for you or what might give you a high level of engagement.
2. Go with your first reaction to each card on the first sort.
3. When you’re asked to select your top three cards, read more about the challenges in the details.
4.  Pay attention to your inner dialogue and sort based on what is true for you.

What’s next?

You may be used to thinking about your career in terms of which job title you want to have. However, according to Jules Shroeder, author and founder of Unconventional Life podcast, job titles don’t matter as much anymore. But what does this mean for your career planning processes?

You can use the results from your Digital Challenge Cards to develop a plan for what’s next — one that takes into account the fast-paced, ever-changing nature of work today. This way, you can learn to grow and adapt to new environments and roles that aren’t as clearly defined by focusing on the challenges that interest you most.

This initiative is supported by the McMaster Okanagan Special Project Funding.

Learn more about Okanagan special projects and initiatives to improve health and well-being in the McMaster community.

Check with the organization you are interested in volunteering with to find out if you will require any of the following:

Work Permits

• Some volunteer placements may require you to have a work permit
• Visit this page for more information: Volunteer work conducted by foreign students: When is a work permit and an ESDC confirmation required?
• If you still have questions about your eligibility to volunteer in Canada, please contact immigration@mcmaster.ca.

Police check

In Hamilton, you can visit Central Station (155 King William St., Hamilton, ON, L8R 1A7) to obtain a police
check. You must bring:

• Proof that you are a student at McMaster (e.g., student card, transcript).
• Proof that you currently reside in Hamilton (e.g., rental statement showing your address).
• A letter from the agency you plan to volunteer at, which proves you will be volunteering with them.

If you have tried this and cannot obtain a police check in Hamilton, you will need to obtain one from the
RCMP. Visit this page for more information: Royal Canadian Mounted Police – Criminal record checks.

Tuberculosis (TB) test

McMaster students can obtain a TB skin test through the Student Wellness Centre (PGCLL, enter through
the McMaster Children’s Centre entrance). Call 905-525-9140, extension 27700.

You must have UHIP coverage or other Canadian provincial health insurance in order to access the services at the Student Wellness Centre. Visit this page for more information: McMaster Student Success Centre – International Student Services – Health Insurance (UHIP).

Ideas to get started in volunteering

Introducing: Big Interview

Whatever your interviewing skill and comfort level, the right preparation and support can help you feel better prepared and more confident. To provide you with support, we’ve subscribed to Big Interview software for McMaster students and recent alumni (within five years of graduation).

Big Interview is a comprehensive interview practice tool that will help you develop your interviewing skills based on your situation and industry of interest. Take advantage of Big Interview to prepare for work interviews, professional school interviews, clubs, volunteer opportunities and more.

Some features include:

• Written and video lessons to support every part of the job search and interview process
• A large database of interview questions based on different industries or skills (teamwork, time management, etc.)
  • Tip: Create your own practice interview with questions that fit the opportunity, occupation or interview type you’re preparing for.
• Mock interviews — practice, record, review and share your progress
  • Tip: Virtual interviews are becoming more and more common, so it helps to get familiar with this style of interviewing with as much practice as possible.

How to get started

1. Visit the McMaster Big Interview website.
2. Register for a free account using your first name, last name and McMaster email. (If you’ve graduated and don’t have access to your McMaster account, email acs@mcmaster.ca.)
3. Watch the overview video.
4. Start developing your interviewing skills with practice, practice and more practice.

Note: Big Interview is provided by a third-party service.

Additionally, your career development doesn’t come with a map to outline your career path and direct you from point A (career planning) to point B (an established career).

How can you navigate your career journey with more confidence?

The Planned Happenstance model can help. It’s a career development theory that focuses on your attitudes and actions during the process. The theory founders, John Krumboltz, Al Levin and Kathleen Mitchell, describe it as “the view that you can create opportunities by taking action on your curiosity and on chance events. It is not just luck or being in the right place at the right time. It is a conscious, purposeful, and on-going process that will help you to build a more satisfying and fulfilling career.”

Planned Happenstance outlines five key traits to navigate your career:

1. Curiosity

Explore new opportunities and follow your interests by talking with people and learning new things. Create opportunities for chance events to occur by going to a networking event, chatting with a professional in your field of interest or trying out a new activity. Be curious about the opportunities and consider all the possibilities.

2. Persistence

Expect that there will be obstacles in your path. Stay persistent and surround yourself with supportive people who can help you overcome challenges. Throughout this process, you’re building grit and awareness of your strengths.

3. Flexibility

Keep an open mind and be flexible with changing attitudes and circumstances. It’s okay to change or adapt plans and create new plans!

4. Optimism

View new opportunities as attainable and assume that good things will happen. Focus on thoughts like “How can I do this?” instead of “I can’t do this because…” There’s value in every experience, paid or unpaid. Be confident and know how to explain the benefits of each experience.

5. Risk-taking

Expand your comfort zone to learn as much as possible. When faced with uncertainty, pause to evaluate what you need to feel more certain, but also recognize that everything has uncertainty to it. Try not to let the uncertainty stop you from taking action. This will help you create new opportunities and possibilities. Not taking action will guarantee no opportunities.

Career development is an ongoing process — what’s next?

After reviewing these key traits, how confident do you feel in your approach to career development? Do you need to work on a few in order to fully embrace Planned Happenstance?

Check out this activity to put everything into perspective so you can effectively navigate your career path. For more activities to support your career development, check out the Career Planning Essentials online course. For information on the course, visit our Career Decision-Making page.

Transitioning from university has been one of my biggest challenges. I absolutely could not have done it without you all at the Student Success Centre. You all have helped me to develop valuable job search strategies by reflecting on my strengths, values and interests. With your highly interactive workshops, I developed how to engage in career conversations, prepare for job interviews and write highly effective resumes and cover letters. I even had the opportunity to connect and cultivate professional relationships while exploring careers of interest through the Success Centre’s job shadow program.

As a proud McMaster grad, once again thank you for encouragement and support.

Happy tenth Anniversary!

About Samuel

Samuel Asare is a proud McMaster grad.