Welcome
Following program completion, many graduate students will seek out employment opportunities inside and outside of academia. The Faculty of Science’s Graduate Student Career Services offers a range of career development supports to graduate students to help them utilize their skills towards an employment goal. We are committed to ensuring that graduate students are supported in finding meaningful career pathways and obtaining the skills that they need for a future career.
What Can Science Graduate Career Services Do For Me?
We offer many different supports tailored to fit individual student needs, such as opportunities for
- resume and cover letter writing
- mock interviews
- job searching skills
- learning about non-academic career pathways
- development of important employability skills such as personal branding, networking, and workplace communication
Need assistance with something not listed here? Don’t hesitate to ask. We’re happy to provide any kind of career-related support.
Current & Upcoming Programming
We are excited to bring you new and informative programming each term. Below is a look at what’s coming up for Fall 2024 programming and registration links for each. Registration for events is open to all science graduate students, regardless of their program. If you are having difficulty with registering through Oscarplus, please email us for assistance.
Information Box Group
Starting Strong: Chart Your Path with Individual Development Plans Register here
On Wednesday, September 25 from 2-3pm, join our workshop on Individual Development Plans (IDPs) designed specifically for new/early science graduate students. Learn how to set clear career goals, identify skill gaps, and create actionable steps to achieve your professional aspirations in a supportive and collaborative environment.
The location for this on-campus event will be shared with registered students via an Outlook calendar event.?
Questions? Email Tara Zabella, Program Manager (zabellat@mcmaster.ca)
Recruitment of Policy Leaders Program Information Session Register here
Looking for a challenging and rewarding career in the federal public service?
Join us online on October 16 from 2:00-3:00pm! Link provided upon registration.
By becoming a policy leader, you can help develop government policies to address today’s key challenges and prepare for tomorrow’s. This information will be facilitated by Dr. Amas Firas Khalid (MD, PhD, MMgmt, MED), a McMaster alumni and sessional faculty member who is a member of the 2023 Recruitment of Policy leaders program.
Starting Strong – Career Options for Science Graduate Students Register Here
Curious about where science graduate students end up in their careers?
Spoiler: Most don’t become professors. Join our seminar on Thursday, October 17th, 1-2, to explore a wide range of exciting career paths beyond academia and discover the opportunities that await you.
The Zoom link for this online event will be shared with registered students via an Outlook calendar event.?
Questions? Email Tara Zabella, Program Manager (zabellat@mcmaster.ca)
McMaster Student to McMaster Staff Register here
Attention, McMaster science graduate students! Join us on October 23rd from 1:00-2:30pm to hear from a panel of McMaster Staff who graduated from a McMaster Science Graduate program to illustrate non-academic career pathways within the university!
Networking for Science Grad Students: Elevate Your Impact: Personal Branding for Science Graduate Students Register Here
On Monday November 4th, 12-1, unlock the power of personal branding at our upcoming career development event tailored specifically for science graduate students!
Discover what personal branding is and why it’s crucial for your professional growth, no matter what career plans you have in mind.
Learn how to define and communicate your unique value, build credibility, and create opportunities in the competitive world of science.
This is #1 in a 3 part series. Check out the other events in this series on November 11th and 18th.?
Questions? Email Tara Zabella, Program Manager (zabellat@mcmaster.ca)
Networking for Science Grad Students: Connecting Science Minds: LinkedIn Essentials for Grad Students Register Here
On Monday November 11th, 12-1, join us for an insightful career development event designed specifically for science PhD students! Learn the essentials of LinkedIn and discover how to leverage this powerful platform to enhance your presence as a professional scientist.
Develop a strong LinkedIn profile, network effectively with industry and the science community, and showcase your unique skills and achievements.?
This is #2 in a 3 part series. Check out the other events in this series on November 4th and 18th.?
Questions? Email Tara Zabella, Program Manager (zabellat@mcmaster.ca)
Networking for Science Grad Students: How to Network: A State of Mind for Graduate Science Students Register Here
On Monday November 18th, 12-1, discover how to develop a networking ‘state of mind’ that goes beyond checklists and superficial connections. Learn to build meaningful, lasting relationships that can propel your professional growth. Gain insights into the importance of genuine engagement and strategic networking.?
This is #3 in a 3 part series. Check out the other events in this series on November 4th and 11th.?
Questions? Email Tara Zabella, Program Manager (zabellat@mcmaster.ca)
Starting Strong: The Importance of Experience From Outside the Lab… and How You Can Get It Register Here
Join us on Friday, November 29th, 11:30-12:30pm for an engaging workshop that highlights the importance of gaining experience outside the lab! Discover how teaching, volunteering, and all kinds of work experience can enhance boost your career prospects, enrich your personal growth, and expand your network.
Questions? Email Tara Zabella, Program Manager (zabellat@mcmaster.ca)
Design Your Science Career: Workview & Lifeview Register Here
Join us on, Tuesday November 19th, 1-2:30, for an enlightening workshop on ‘Workviews‘ and ‘Lifeviews‘ inspired by the?Design Your Life?program.
This session will help you align your career aspirations with your personal values, creating a fulfilling and balanced professional journey. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and tools to design a life you love!?
Careers Beyond the Clinic: A Panel of Non-Academic and Non-Clinical Careers for PNB Grad Students Register Here
On Wednesday, December 4th, 12-1pm, discover the wide array of exciting career opportunities available to PNB grad students outside of traditional clinical and academic settings.
This panel will feature diverse roles in industries such as business, technology, education, and more, helping you find a fulfilling career path that leverages your academic knowledge.
?Grad students from outside of PNB are encouraged to attend!
Questions? Contact Tara Zabella, Program Manager (zabellat@mcmaster.ca).
Book An Appointment
Are you looking for help with your next resume or cover letter? Maybe you’re just getting started with your job search? Or maybe you have questions about different career options? Wherever you are in your career journey, the Science Graduate Career Services team is here to help.
Please note these appointments are only for graduate students currently registered in the Faculty of Science.
In-person and online options available.
Meet The Team
Tara Zabella, Program Manager, Career Development
With over 20 years of progressive experience in human resources and career education, I am excited to support the professional goals of science students at McMaster. I am eager to work in partnership with faculty, students, and staff to develop career education programming that will empower our students with self-awareness, labour market knowledge, and opportunities to connect with employers and alumni. I am currently studying part-time for a Masters degree in Higher Education at the University of Toronto, where I am exploring the impact of social and cultural capital on work-integrated learning access and outcomes. I serve as Director at Large on the board of EWO, Experiential and Work-Integrated Learning Ontario.
I am eager to engage in conversations and knowledge sharing with our community about career education for graduate students.