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.
Objectives
With this new initiative, students can expect to:
- connect and learn from McMaster alumni
- learn about non-academic career pathways
- engage in work-integrated learning opportunities
- develop and employ important skills such as resume and cover letter writing, networking, and more
Events Calendar
We are excited to bring new career development programming to science graduate students. Below is our programming for the Winter 2023 term. Check this space often for updated registration links.
Event Name | Description | Date and Location | Registration |
---|---|---|---|
Employer Event: Everest Clinical Research | Meet Professionals from Everest, a contact research organization specializing in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical devices. In partnership with the SSC. | February 1st: Details TBA | Register for Employer Event Here |
Personal Branding for Scientists Part 1: What is Personal Branding? | An introduction to personal branding and creating visibility for yourself as a researcher. | February 7th: Virtual | Register for Personal Branding P1 Here |
Developing a Teaching Portfolio for Science Graduate Students | Learn the components of a teaching portfolio, from teaching philosphy to discussing your teaching practice. | February 21st: MUSC 313/311 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM | Register for Teaching Portfolio Here |
Personal Branding for Scientists Part 2: LinkedIn for Scientists | Create your perfect LinkedIn profile and use LinkedIn to connect with other scientists and employers. | March 7th: Details TBA | Register for Personal Branding P2 Here |
MIRA Trainee Network Information Session | Learn about the McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA) and the unique opportunities they provide to trainees. | March 23rd: Virtual | Registration coming soon |
Personal Branding for Scientists Part 3: Build and Maintain Your Network | Build connections and turn those connections into new opportunities. | April 19th: Details TBA | Registration coming soon |
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.
In-person and online options available.
Drop-In Hours
Join us every Monday from 2-3pm in MUSC 203 for on-site resume, cover letter, and career support.
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.

Michael Adebo, Graduate Mentorship and Career Coordinator
As a recent graduate student myself, providing career development opportunities feels very personal to me. Graduate students can be unsure about the career options they have, especially if they are considering employment outside of academia. I hope to give students a chance to explore the different pathways available to them by providing personalized support and instilling the confidence to reach their goals.
In addition to my personal experience, I have work experience in the non-profit adult education and career services space. I supported a lot of people who felt that they were out of options when it came to pursuing their goals. One of my favourite parts of this role was getting people excited about their future and the opportunities available to them. I’m looking forward to bringing that same excitement to graduate students here at McMaster.
Career Services Newsletter
Science graduate students are invited to subscribe to the Graduate Career Services newsletter. The monthly newsletter includes resources, workshops, and supports for students in one easy to find place, directly to their inbox. Each newsletter also features a theme covering a different aspect of the job search. Subscribe and view past installments below. A new newsletter is circulated at the beginning of every month.