Many labs across campus take students on as volunteers. Although you
may not be extracting enzymes or studying the influence of architecture
on urbanization the first month you are working, you will gain valuable
experience and most importantly, you will be building a positive
working relationship with the professor.
Often, you may get discouraged going in three – four times a week to
wash beakers, but keep in mind – when you do go to find a thesis
professor or a summer lab job, you have already a potential thesis
supervisor who knows who you are or you can confidently say, yes I do
have experience working in a lab. After a couple of months of doing
routine maintenance around the lab, you may be given an independent
project to work on, provided the lab coordinator is confident with your
abilities.
Research experience does not only come from working in a lab. If you
are interested in child development, and hope to do your thesis work on
that topic, volunteering in an interactive environment with children
will be an asset. Keeping in mind your goal, remember that direct
experience is not necessarily required. Focus more on the transferable
skills that will make you a successful candidate when applying for a
research position.
Contacting a professor to volunteer for is similar to the process of
contacting a professor to work for. However, you are not restricted to
volunteering only at McMaster University. The Hamilton and surrounding
community have many programs that you may take a part of. Check out the
links below.
Aids Network - located in Hamilton, the Aids Network works to offer a range of support and educational services within the community
Charity Village - dubbed Canada's super site for the non-profit sector. Find volunteer opportunities in Hamilton and more
Environment Canada - lists potential opportunities locally and across Canada
Green Venture - works with the city to improve local environment and economy by
affecting changes in citizen behaviour and encouraging sustainable
development
Hamilton Area Eco-Network - a network of environmental organizations from Hamilton and surrounding communities
McMaster Student Union - opportunities include everything from childcare to environmental committees
McMaster Students for Literacy - match student volunteers with learners of all ages and backgrounds in community-based programs
Ontario Environment Network - a directory of links to information in the environment sector including volunteer opportunities
Peer Helper Program - volunteer 5 hours a week in Career Services or the Centre for Student
Development. Opportunities include working in the ESL department or in
Outreach and Marketing, to name just a few
Planet Volunteer - offers volunteer opportunities locally, across Canada and internationally
Relocate Canada - lists a variety of charitable organizations as well as what to look for when volunteering and questions to ask organizations
Smiling Over Sickness - a McMaster club who's mandate is to help sick kids smile, through
volunteering, fundraising and raising awareness of children's illness'
across campus
Volunteer Hamilton - Volunteer postings in the Hamilton area ranging from event planning to health care, sports and education
*They also have an office in Career Services (GH - Rm 110) with part-time staff that can assist you
Wellwood - Opportunities include volunteering in peer support and group facilitation to name just a few
The
list above only states some of the many opportunities for students to
gain valuable experience in the research field. Visit your faculty’s
Career Services department for more information.
Get Involved 
Volunteering
