Since graduating in 2007, Ryan has found his groove selling bespoke timepieces, developing marketing strategy for clients, and cultivating supportive spaces for new business ventures. Yes, he’s busy; and yes, it is (seemingly) a far cry from his political science/theatre and film degree. But, as Ryan outlines in this week’s episode of Unconventional, it’s all led to the experience and skills needed to build a deeply meaningful career.

Gabriel ’17 is determined live a life of adventure. Since graduating, he’s tended bar in Germany, backpacked through India, and ran a 400-kiometre multi-marathon in Tajikistan. Armed with an anthropology degree, a lot of grit, and a joy for trying new things Gabe has followed a career journey that would be a thrilling documentary (but he’s already been there, done that). In this week’s episode of Unconventional, Gabe tells his incredible story of how he found himself running around the world as Director of Midnight Runners, an organization that plans loud, colourful, and exciting running events in major cities across the globe.

For Kirsten, graduating high school without a master plan caused a lot of stress. But when she followed a journey of what seemed interesting to her, she discovered a world full of possibilities she never considered. Now she adds a creative edge to her communications degree as an interior designer, specializing in both residential and commercial spaces.

Devin chose to go to McMaster because it was close to his home in Toronto but had a very community-based feel to it. But after a difficult first-year experience, Devin had to re-think how he approached university life. The result is a lifelong career journey that would see him travel the world and discover entirely unexpected opportunities he never thought possible.

Parm ’17, started his educational journey thinking he would find his dream career in computer science, but nothing in the program seemed to click for him. It wasn’t until he started working that he discovered the possibilities of a career in PR and communications. After graduating with a Masters in Communication Management from Mac, Parm launched a career that would bring him insurmountable joy.

For Sandra (’18), starting a nursing career at McMaster was the beginning of a long educational career that would see her refine her journey bit-by-bit. Now, armed with a BEd from York University and a certificate in Health Informatics from the University of Windsor, Sandra has found a way to cultivate a career that balances a joy for nursing practice, a passion for teaching, and dedication to providing care to individuals across Ontario.

Alvin, ’09, knows there is value in understanding yourself, but it took him a lot of work to get to this point. It’s a process he started while he was still a student at Mac and was looking to face his social anxiety head on. While trying a wide variety of classes at the athletics centre, Alvin stumbled into salsa dancing where he learned more than just some fancy footwork. Since then, he has fostered a career that no longer relies on his engineering skills but instead celebrates relationship building in the workplace.

When he moved from Eastern Canada to Ontario to attend McMaster, Andrew Edwards (BEng, ’07) thought that’s where he would build his career. But a needed move home saw him staying longer than planned and put him on the path of working in marine technology. Now he’s a senior engineer for a company leading the pack on sustainable seabed mining.

For Peter, the master plan was to help change the world. But after graduating with a combined honours in political science and classics, figuring out how to change the world felt a bit vague. After landing a life changing career opportunity with the Salvation Army, Peter and wife found a passion for helping people all around the world. Now, as Executive Director at BethanyKids International, he’s helping paediatric doctors in Africa through specialized training programs.

Frank Scremin is the Chief Executive Officer of LaGuardia Gateway Partners New York and was part of the team involved with the overhaul of the infamous Terminal B at one of America’s busiest airports while it was still in operation. Join us to hear more about this Mac grad’s journey to the Big Apple; transforming LaGuardia into a gateway befitting New York; and taking full advantage of opportunities when they arrive.