Your Future @ McGill

Student Series:

A discussion about internships from the student’s perspective!

We tend to link internships and work opportunities to Engineering and Management students, but let’s not forget about the amazing opportunities that exist for our Faculty of Arts students! Through the Arts Internship Office (AIO), Arts students can explore paid jobs in and out of their domains and start building their career while at McGill.

In today’s episode, we chat with Colette, a recent BA graduate who majored in Sociology and minored in Political Science and Hispanic Studies. Colette shared her thought process regarding internships (3:35), finding one through the AIO (4:30) and working with them. She received advice on how to put together her CV and application letters (8:15) and discussed the position she held for the Institute of Human Development and Well-Being/Participatory Cultures Lab (11:05).

Taking a step back from the position, we discussed the transferable skills one builds in a BA program (15:42) and shared some advice about looking for internships (23:10).

Now that Colette has graduated, we found out what she has been up to (24:33) and how she looks back at the experience she got at McGill (26:35) and through the AIO (28:30).

For the chance to learn more about Colette’s experience and other opportunities, visit the webpages below.

Campus Series:

Want to learn about Internships in the Engineering world? You are in the right place!

Listen to the conversation we had with two members of the Engineering Career Centre Team. We discussed workshops, activities, and events that the ECC hosts (8:30), the importance of networking (12:00), and we spent a bit of time talking about the TechFair – a great opportunity for Engineering students (16:35)! We also explored how advantageous the Alumni Service is for our Engineering grads – support is always available (22:35).

When looking at Engineering Majors at McGill, a few programs are called co-op programs (Materials, Mining, and Software Engineering are the three co-op programs). Meaning internships are mandatory parts of those degrees. For our other Engineering programs (Bioengineering, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Mechanical, and Bioresource Engineering), internships are optional. We had a good discussion about what these differences mean (24:40) and how internships are recognized in all our programs (33:15). Good advice was shared for international students looking for these opportunities (35:20) and how the French language plays a role (or doesn’t!) in Montreal positions (39:20).

Because the ECC team are such good advisors, we discussed the importance of having a good job search strategy, using the available resources (44:28), and how looking at smaller companies can be the best thing to start your career (50:52).

The episode ends with a chat about Bioresource Engineering – the only Engineering program offered at Macdonald Campus (51:55), career difference for those interested in Computer, Electrical, and Software Engineering (54:00), and why you shouldn’t overlook Mining and Materials Engineering (57:03).

A ton of great advice was shared, and we hope you enjoy the conversation!

Student Series:

At the time of this recording, our guest, Dylan, was enjoying his last day of summer break as he was starting the MDCM program the next day. Therefore, we could not discuss the ins and outs of the MDCM program, but instead we discussed Dylan’s process and journey to Medical School.

To start, I briefly introduce the Medicine programs at McGill, specifically the Med-P and the MDCM programs (until 1:30). This is followed by Dylan discussing his experience applying to the Med-P program from CEGEP and how he prepared the needed supporting documents (3:25) and thinking about other schools and programs (7:15).

For the first time on this podcast, we have an in-depth view of a science major at McGill as Dylan shares what it was like being a Physiology student (9:00). He explains what physiology is (13:40) and talks about some of the advanced courses in the program (19:45).

In between parts of the conversation, we cover how Dylan prepared the CV as an undergraduate student (14:25) and how it was important to not over do it.

One big piece of the application process to Medicine is the interview. We cannot go into great detail about how the interview works, but Dylan shares what he could, like how he prepared and what resources are available (27:40).

While preparing his application, Dylan talks about how he considered other options, like graduate programs and other Medicine Schools (32:20), and he gives a brief shout-out to bioengineering (34:20).

We also have a chat about the benefits of doing an undergraduate before Medicine School (35:45) and how each student has their own path to follow. To conclude, some final advice to both CEGEP students and to students who will do an undergraduate degree first is shared (37:15).

And remember folks, Reddit is not always your friend!

Student Series:

Interested in learning a little bit about McGill’s Law program? Come and hear what Ommu has to say about her path to the Faculty of Law, coming from CEGEP and a Bachelor of Arts degree at McGill.

Following a brief introduction to the Faculty of Law and how the application works (until 1:25), we get into Ommu’s process of putting together an application to McGill. She shares what it was like preparing the supporting documents needed to apply to Law as a CEGEP student (3:50), and what she was considering as a second option, like a Bachelor of Arts (10:58). She also mentions how she stayed motivated during her undergraduate degree while still having an eye on a Law degree and being open to other career paths (13:30).

Ommu then shares her tips on building a CV, forming connections, and preparing the Personal Statement as a university student (18:50). Spoiler! You will have more than one draft of your Personal Statement. Listen to know what Ommu’s “lucky” number was! We also quickly talked about grades (33:10).

It is important to know about the Law program itself! Not to give everything away, but Ommu explains the bilingual aspect of the program (34:30), the amount of reading you do (37:20), and how testing works (38:50).

Before concluding with some highlights about McGill and Montreal, Ommu shares her thoughts about the transition to Law School (41:15) and some final tips for all students interested in a career in Law (46:20).

Thanks for listening!

We will be back in the Fall semester with more content and until then join us on Instagram and register for any undergraduate events that appeal to you! You can also find recordings from previous events on our YouTube channel. 

Campus Series:

Join us for an in-depth view of the Student Wellness Hub with one of their Access Advisors, Monique. We talk about the Hub and the diverse professionals that are available, how scheduling an appointment works, online resources, workshops and volunteering opportunities, as well as the services that are available through McGill and in the greater Montreal community. 

Student Series:

Laurence is an alumna from McGill who graduated from our Chemical Engineering program. We talk about her time at McGill and how she has used her Engineering degree to work in areas outside of the Engineering world. It is important to know how to sell the skills you acquire through your undergrad and Laurence's story is just one example. 

We refer to a lot of interesting material, so refer to the links below for more information about any subject that interests you. 

Campus Series:

Whether you are a student or a staff member of the university, sustainability matters. Hear from Stephanie and Kelsey and learn how McGill defines Sustainability (1:55), how the team is put together (5:38), and the goals of McGill's Office of Sustainability - MOOS (10:28). 

We also discuss how MOOS works with the community through funding opportunities (20:20), workshops (25:05) and how they are initiating positive change throughout the university (29:00). For future students interested in gardening, we share some resources (35:45) and talk about available jobs and internships offered through MOOS (38:55). 

Nick's cat also decides to join the conversation (42:00) and do not forget to check out what Stephanie and Kelsey have to say about their own experience at McGill and living in Montreal (44:30). 

Student Series:

Come and listen to a conversation with Samantha, a student in the Desautels Faculty of Management. She shares her experience deciding between business programs in Canada (3:20), her transition to McGill, how important it is to develop a support system (13:30), and her time at McConnell Hall and living in Montreal (17:00).

We also dive into the Bachelor of Commerce at McGill (31:20) and talk about the Concentrations offered at Desautels and the professors at McGill (44:00). Outside of the classroom, Samantha talks about clubs (48:30), the Mentoring Program (50:25), and sports (and school spirit!) at McGill (51:45).

Of course, internships and job opportunities are huge topics, and we discuss a bit of Samantha’s professional life (54:45), her involvement in case competitions (58:30) and she shares a lot of great advice for future students thinking about studying and working in Montreal.

For more information about some of the talking points:

Campus Series:

There is a lot to say about McGill residences and living in Montreal and this is just a taste. Hear Anthony talk about his time as a Residence Life Facilitator from August 2020 to April 2021. Although there were covid restrictions, Anthony and the rest of the team worked hard to help new students meet new people and form connections.

In our Residences, there are other people there to support new students – Floor Fellows and the Residence Life Managers – and we talk a little about them here as well.

If you are interested in hearing a brief conversation comparing Montreal and Toronto, you will not want to miss this! (40:22)

We wanted to give Anthony some time to talk about his experience in the Desautels Faculty of Management, and he chats about how flexible the degree is and getting internships during the summer. (43:45)

Campus Series:

Did you know that there are around 2000 students studying Psychology at the Undergraduate level? Well we did and that is why we are sharing a conversation we had with one of the professors from the Department of Psychology, Dr. Signy Sheldon. 

McGill is known for the research experience available to Undergraduate students, and Dr. Sheldon talks about how students can get involved in her lab and how to approach research in general. The advice Dr. Sheldon shares is beneficial to students in all fields who want to do research with a McGill professor. 

At 42:01, there is some academic guidance for those interested in applying to Psychology at McGill. 

Campus Series:

Student Series:

Today is a special episode as the conversation between Mélodie, our guest host, and our two students, Nicoletta and Sarah, takes place in French. Although McGill is an English university, it is located in Montreal, Quebec, a bilingual city in a Francophone province. We are excited to share this episode with you, whether you are a Francophone or just looking to interact with the culture of Montreal. 

Nicoletta is a Quebec student and is completing the Industrial & Labour Relations program with a Minor in Political Science in the Faculty of Arts. Coming from CEGEP, Nicoletta talks about her journey to McGill, how she enjoys the freedom when it comes to picking her courses, and how helpful her advisors have been!

Student Series:

Jonathan is a Canadian citizen from Houston, Texas and is a student in our Desautels Faculty of Management. Like many Canadian citizens growing up abroad, Jonathan had his eyes on Canadian universities. He has embraced the Montreal weather and has made the most of his time at McGill. From being the president of the Management Undergraduate Society and going on exchange in Thailand, Jonathan has a lot to share!

Campus Series:

This episode includes two separate discussions.

In the first one, Mr. Gift Tshuma, from the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD), explains the process of finding support through the OSD and what kind of assistance is provided. Importantly, he mentions that you can reach out to the OSD while you are still going through the application process.

Student Series:

Xavier is from New Jersey, USA, and is completing a Joint Honours program in Political Science and Philosophy in our Faculty of Arts. He shares his unique decision as to why he applied to McGill, dives into his academic experience, and discusses, among other things, Greek Life on campus, student clubs, and the importance of food in the decision-making process!

Student Series:

Kirsten is from Manitoba, Canada and is doing the multi-track path in our Bachelor of Arts and Science*, studying both Political Science and Biology. This a unique program at McGill and Kirsten is more than happy to share her experience combining two very different subjects and building an interdisciplinary degree.

Kirsten also discusses her experience in a McGill residence, reaching out to department advisors, getting involved in clubs like our tennis club, and much more!

At the end of the episode, we some general counselling for those interested in this degree.

Student Series:  

Imane is a local student from Quebec and is studying Software Engineering in our Faculty of Engineering.  

Is French your first language? Imane shares her experience with that transition. 

She also dives into the differences and similarities between Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Computer Science. 

If you are interested in learning about internship opportunities and the Engineering Design Teams, you have found the right podcast!  

Student Series:

Robin is an international student from France and is completing a Bachelor of Arts with a Major in International Development Studies. We chat about the transition from Europe to Montreal, Canada, getting involved in extracurriculars like journalism, Japanese cinema (albeit briefly), and so much more. 

Campus Series:

Are you an international student thinking about coming to McGill? Or have you already been accepted and need to know what the next steps are concerning your move to Quebec, Canada? Then this episode is for you! We chat with two representatives from our International Student Services who share some need-to-know information while recommending where to go when you have any questions or concerns. 

Following that conversation, we discuss the process with an international student from France who shares his experience about applying for the right documents and provides some good tips!

Welcome to Your Future @ McGill podcast, a project created by McGill University's Admissions and Recruitment team. 

Whether you are thinking about applying or have been accepted and want to learn more, this podcast is for you. Come and hear from students and staff that make up the McGill community.