EXPLORE: Experiential Learning Opportunities Resource

There are so many ways for you to gain experience and get involved at McMaster. Use this tool to explore and filter your options based on your goals and interests. There are opportunities for undergraduate students in any level or Faculty, ranging from courses for credit to experience-building programs, community engagement and more. Plus, explore options to take your learning outside your discipline, or area of study.

Scroll down to learn how it works and browse all the opportunities.

  • Scroll down on this page to view all the opportunities.
  • If you want to narrow down your options, select a filter from the drop-down list of opportunity types and themes.
    • Tip: Remember to select “submit” after you’ve picked a filter. Select “view all” if you want to go back.
  • Find opportunities that interest you. Save them using the “favourite this item” feature. You can view all your favourites by selecting the “my favourites” filter.
  • Check the year level and eligibility.
    • Tip: Don’t get discouraged if you’re not eligible for something you’re interested in. Instead, make it part of your longer university plan. And continue to browse for opportunities you can get involved in.
  • Make sure to read the descriptions and visit the provided link to learn more.
  • Connect with your academic advisor if you have questions about degree requirements.
  • Keep exploring other opportunities to build experience, get involved and learn.

Pay it forward: Did you find a rewarding opportunity through this tool? Consider telling your peers.

When exploring the opportunities included on this page, you can use a filter feature to customize the results based on these types and themes. When reviewing the types, think about how you want to get involved or participate. For the themes, think about what interests you and the impact you want to make.

Opportunity types

  • Curricular: You receive course credit by completing these courses and opportunities, which often include build-in support from instructors, teaching assistants, etc.
  • Co-curricular: Instead of course credit, you get to learn and engage outside the classroom and across campus. McMaster staff, mentors and other individuals are available to provide direction and support.

Opportunity themes

  • Community engagement: Learn how to understand and consider issues impacting local and global communities. Learn with and within communities and participate in advocacy, research, service, teaching and more, to create collaborative change (McMaster, 2022).  
  • Sustainability and climate action: Learn what makes communities and human settlements inclusive, safe and sustainable. Plus, get involved in the change-making process to combat climate change and its actions (United Nations, 2015).
  • Innovation: Explore ways to scale your creative ideas to make an impact on a local and global scale. This includes inclusive and collaborative learning, thinking and research.
  • Global studies: Gain an interdisciplinary, in-depth understanding of societies, cultures, communities and issues around the world.  
  • Social justice: Develop a thorough understanding of equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility. Plus, learn why these principles are essential and how to apply them to real-world social issues.

“Experiential” and “interdisciplinary” — what do these learning types mean, and how can they benefit you?

Experiential Learning provides a structured learning opportunity to apply academic knowledge in a hands-on environment with an intentional focus on developing skills and knowledge, encouraging reflection and the development of self, and preparing students to make a difference in the world.

Benefits include:

  • Build skills such as leadership, intercultural competency, teamwork, communication and more
  • Create a professional network or Make peer and campus connections
  • Explore career options
  • Enhance academic learning
  • Strengthen your resume or further education application

Interdisciplinary: You get to learn and gain experience with opportunities offered outside of your Faculty, Program or academic background. These opportunities provide a meaningful learning space that encourages you to explore and experience different ways of knowing and learning.

Not sure where to start?

  • Connect with an Experiential Learning certified staff member about opportunities and how to get involved. Book an appointment: OSCARplus > Student Success Centre > Appointments > Employment and Experiential Learning.
  • Have questions? Email experiential@mcmaster.ca.

Learn more about the McMaster Experiential Framework. If you have questions about EXPLORE and inclusion of curricular or co-curricular opportunities, contact Anna Magnotta, Manager Employment and Experiential Learning, Student Success Centre (nealean@mcmaster.ca).

“The experience provided insights into industry practices, which broadened my understanding of professional expectations and standards. This exposure fosters my ambition to excel in roles that require strategic thinking, creativity and a proactive approach. Completing this experience also cultivated my problem-solving and time-management skills. These personal attributes are integral to overcoming challenges and achieving long-term goals as I progress in my career.” — Career Trek participant.