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.

Visit the Arts Internship Office: https://www.mcgill.ca/arts-internships/

Read about Colette’s experience: https://www.mcgill.ca/arts-internships/article/arts-internship-spotlight/internship-spotlight-colette-anton

And read about other BA students who did internships: https://www.mcgill.ca/arts-internships/stories

Institute for Human Development and Well-being: https://www.mcgill.ca/ihdw/

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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!

ECC: https://www.mcgill.ca/careers4engineers/

TechFair: https://www.mcgill.ca/careers4engineers/techfair

Explore our Engineering programs: https://www.mcgill.ca/engineering/students/undergraduate/undergraduate-programs

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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!

To learn about the Application Process, the Applicant Categories, the Requirements, and Submitting Your Application, check out the website: https://www.mcgill.ca/medadmissions/applying

Thinking about Medical School? Check out the resources for how to prepare for the interviews: https://www.mcgill.ca/caps/students/gradschool/medinterview

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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).

Take a look at the BCL/JD Admissions Guide: https://www.mcgill.ca/law/bcl-jd/admissions-guide

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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. 

Instagram: McGill Admissions and Outreach

Events: McGill Undergraduate Events

YouTube: McGill Future Students

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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. 

Get to know the Student Wellness Hub:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8l343cSg98

For more information, visit the Student Wellness Hub website: https://www.mcgill.ca/wellness-hub/about

Music by TimMoor from Pixabay

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. 

Learn French: https://www.mcgill.ca/learnfrench/

Tech Fairs: https://www.mcgill.ca/careers4engineers/techfair

Alumni Associations: https://myalumni.mcgill.ca/s/1762/gid2/start.aspx?gid=2&pgid=61

Engineering Order: https://engineerscanada.ca/

Actuarial Science: https://www.mcgill.ca/mathstat/undergraduate/actuarial-science

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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). 

For more information, visit their website: https://www.mcgill.ca/sustainability/

Follow them on social media platforms:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SustainMcGill

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SustainMcGill

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sustainmcgill/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/McGillSPF

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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:

Upper Residences at McGill: https://www.mcgill.ca/students/housing/residence-options/downtown-undergrad/bmh

Concentrations at Desautels: https://www.mcgill.ca/desautels/programs/bcom/academics/course-information/concentrations

Case Competitions: https://www.mcgill.ca/desautels/students/case-competitions

Music by TimMoor from Pixabay

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)

Learn more about Residence Life: https://www.mcgill.ca/students/housing/life

Discover the Residence Options: https://www.mcgill.ca/students/housing/residence-options/downtown-undergrad

https://www.mcgill.ca/students/housing/residence-options/macdonald

For students joining us Fall 2021, do not forget to complete the application process: https://www.mcgill.ca/students/housing/fees-applying/undergrad-admissions/assignment

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