Experiential Learning

Your experiences and learning opportunities beyond the classroom help shape who you are and the impact you want to make on the world. Through experiential and co-curricular learning, you receive hands-on experience in real-world settings that complement your classroom learning, allowing you to apply your knowledge and gain valuable skills.

We have programs, resources, one-on-one support and more to help guide you as you experience, reflect and act. When connecting you with opportunities and support, our priorities include accessibility and flexibility, interdisciplinary learning and campus-community connections. 

NEWS AND EVENTS

Ribbon graphic with hands holding heart icon.

Women in Entrepreneurship: Pathways and Possibilities

Women in Entrepreneurship: Pathways and Possibilities Event

Celebrate International Women’s Day at this exciting panel event designed to inspire, connect and empower Learn from women entrepreneurs as...

Apply for the Renaissance Award — up to $25K to work on a meaningful project

About the award The Renaissance Award is highly personal. It’s a chance for you to work on a project that...

Shaking hands at job fair.

Fall Career Fair

Fall Career Fair Event

Make job connections at McMaster’s largest campus career fair  Are you searching for your next full-time, part-time, co-op or internship...

Community Engagement and Volunteer Fair booths

Community Engagement and Volunteer Fair

Community Engagement and Volunteer Fair Event

Grow your experience beyond the classroom Whether you are volunteering for personal or professional development, the benefits are valuable, and...

TIPS AND RESOURCES

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...

EXPLORE

Work-integrated learning is much more than a buzzworthy topic. It’s a chance for you to get on-the-job experience so you can develop skills and learn what working in the field’s actually like.

We designed this guide on Avenue to Learn to help you learn…

  • About the benefits of work-integrated learning
  • How to prepare for these experiences
  • How to get the most from this type of learning

Work through the content at your own pace to discover informative content like videos, graphics, text content and more, plus quick assessments to help you digest and recall the key points.

OSCARplus is an online platform you can use to engage with Student Success Centre services. These services include events, appointments and workshops to support your academic, personal and professional development and success.

On the experiential learning end, some highlights of OSCARplus include:

  • Appointments
  • Workshop and event registration
  • Volunteer and job postings (we add new opportunities every week!)

The Student Success Centre’s Career Access Professional Services (CAPS) are for students and alumni (up to five years after graduation) who identify as a person with a disability or someone who has been forcibly displaced 

Our goal is to help you overcome employment barriers. We’ll help you access opportunities and support in ways that work for you, regardless of where you are in your career journey. 

The CAPS team will work with you to develop an individualized plan that respects your intersectionality, academic path and hopes for the future. We can help with career exploration, further education, job search preparation and navigating accommodations and disclosure while building skills and confidence. Our CAPS employer team has relationships with supportive and inclusive employers and community partners to support your career development and workplace experiences. 

Email careeraccess@mcmaster.ca to book appointments (virtual or in person) for specialized career, job search and further education support. Let us know in your email if someone at McMaster referred you to us.

Our Career Planning Notebook, developed by our career counsellors and team, will guide you to:

  • Reflect on your interests and identify your personal skills
  • Explore your career and education options
  • Connect with people and opportunities
  • Develop skills and gain experience

VIDEOS

Value of Volunteering

How Volunteering Helped Me Reach My Goals