Humanities internships are paid, part-time or full-time work placements of 4, 8, 12 or 16 consecutive months. Interns are successful working in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors within a variety of fields, including community development, fundraising, graphic design, research, policy, culture and heritage, and more!
Internship students focus on professional development and expand employment-related skills while exploring career options and building professional networks. We encourage you to develop intentional learning goals and reflect on your experience to gain a deeper understanding of how your internship experience and academic studies have fostered personal and professional growth.
As an internship student, you can:
- Gain on-the-job experience and get a head start on your career.
- Test out different jobs so you have a better idea of your career options.
- Figure out how the skills you’re learning in the classroom translate to the workplace.
- Build a network of professional contacts.
Information Box Group
Humanities-Cultivated Internships
Humanities Cultivated Internships are opportunities cultivated by the Faculty for undergraduate students. These opportunities are posted on McMaster’s online job posting system (OSCARplus) and are eligible for the Humanities Internship Program.
The details and application deadlines for these roles are determined by the employer. Some postings may require students to apply directly with the employer, in addition to applying via OSCARplus.
Many employers begin recruiting students about four (4) months prior to the start of the work term, but positions may be posted up until 3-4 weeks prior to the start date.
Student-Initiated Internships
Students can secure an employment opportunity on their own and still participate in the Humanities Internship Program. After securing a position, students should complete the application form, which asks for student information, employer information, a description of the position, and permission for staff to contact the employer.
The application form must be submitted to hmcareer@mcmaster.ca prior to the dates outlined below:
- Winter work term deadline: January 13, 2025
- Spring/Summer work term deadline: May 12, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
To participate in the Humanities Internship Program, students must meet the following criteria:
- Registered either part-time or full-time in an undergraduate degree program within the Faculty of Humanities
- In good academic and financial standing with McMaster University
- Currently in Level II or above
- Eligible to work in Canada for the full duration of the internship work term. Students are responsible for ensuring that they are authorized to work in Canada. International students should contact International and Exchange Student Experience (IESE) located in MUSC B118. Email: immigration@mcmaster.ca
- Returning to McMaster University to complete full-time study after completion of an internship work term (Full-Time Internships Only)
All Humanities internships are paid for hours worked. Employers must offer at least minimum wage. However, the average wage is $19.50 per hour. Payment via honoraria or stipend is not permitted.
Part-time internships range from 5 to 25 hours per week. Full-time internships range from 26 to 40 hours per week. Internships must be a minimum of 12-weeks in duration.
The hours and length of the work term are determined by the employer.
Fees are collected only upon securing an internship placement. There is a $200.00 administrative fee for each 4-month work term. The fee will be processed via your student account and is associated with enrolment in HUMAN 3IF0, HUMAN 3IF1, HUMAN 3IP0, or HUMAN 3IP1 as it applies to the internship position. You will register for an internship course only once you have secured an internship placement.
Students complete four assignments as part of the Humanities Internship Program.
Within four weeks of starting your internship, you will complete a Learning Plan in consultation with your employment supervisor. This will help you set goals and monitor your progress.
At the midpoint of the internship, you will complete the Midpoint Check-In by responding to a series of questions.
Finally, two weeks prior to the end of your internship, you will complete a Final Reflection and a Student Evaluation as a way of analyzing your overall experience.
Your employment supervisor will also be asked to complete the Employer Evaluation, which they should review with you.
Humanities internships are intended to utilize the skills that you are developing as part of your degree (e.g. critical thinking, communication, etc.). Interns are successful working in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors within a variety of fields, including community development, fundraising, graphic design, research, policy, culture and heritage, and more! Our employers have included postsecondary institutions, museums, financial institutions, and marketing agencies.
The Humanities Careers & Experience team is here to support you throughout the internship process. Humanities students can request a one-to-one appointment for support with job searching, resumes, cover letter, LinkedIn, interviews, and career portfolios. Click here to complete the online appointment request form. Staff will respond to your request within 24-48 business hours.
You can also access a variety of career-related tip sheets and videos.
Upon successful completion of your internship, you will receive 1-unit of academic credit. Also, you will receive a notation on your transcript describing your internship position.
If you have more questions, please complete the online appointment request form. The Careers & Experience team is happy to meet with you one-to-one to answer any further questions.
We also offer virtual information sessions where you can meet program staff, ask questions, and learn more about how to incorporate a Humanities internship into your studies.
Virtual Information Sessions
To learn more about the Humanities Internship Program, register for one of our virtual information sessions:
- October 2, 2024 at 10:30 AM
- February 4, 2025 at 11:30 AM
- February 25, 2025 at 1:30 PM
- March 6, 2025 at 11:30 AM (Level I Students)
Register to attend on OSCARplus > Humanities > Events. Select your date of preference from the list above and be sure to sign up to attend the info session. Only registrants will be allowed into each virtual event. Registered students will receive a Zoom link prior to the event.
New! Humanities Internship Program – Student of the Year Award, 2024
The Humanities Internship Student of the Year Award recognizes exceptional students who have participated in the Humanities Internship Program at McMaster University. This award provides the opportunity to highlight student contributions in the workplace, to McMaster University, and to our greater community.
Candidates can initially be nominated through a self-nomination with support from their internship employer or their internship employer from a work term with a start or end date within 2024. For more information, please contact hmcareer@mcmaster.ca.
I highly recommend the Humanities Internship program because it offers a valuable opportunity to bridge academics with real-world experience. The program encourages students to apply their classroom knowledge within practical settings, enhancing their critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills that employers seek. I had the opportunity to receive course credit, explore a related career, and develop a professional network that steered my post-grad career path. While the job was rewarding, I was also constantly supported by my colleagues who valued my education first. As someone actively involved in extracurriculars, the flexibility allowed me to live a balanced life. The Humanities Internship program is an enlightening step towards a successful and fulfilling career.
— Sydney, Communication Studies