"I loved my time at McMaster. ... The faculty at the Economics Department were genuinely interested and cared about me and my research interests and ambitions."

What do you like most about your program?? 

I loved my time at McMaster. I truly felt like a part of a community, at both the Economics Department and McMaster more generally. The faculty at the Economics Department were genuinely interested and cared about me and my research interests and ambitions. Without their support, as well as the friendships that I made with other students, I would not have had such a wonderful and successful experience at McMaster.

What do you find beneficial about your program?? 

• Ability to work closely with faculty
• Variety of courses
• Excellent preparation – in terms of course work as well as job application and interview tips – for the academic job market and other careers
• Many opportunities to work as an RA and TA and collaborate with faculty and other researchers

In your opinion, what is the value of an Economics degree?

A degree in economics gives you so many options, in both the public and private sectors. The Economics Department does a truly amazing job of providing students with information about their job opportunities and how best to prepare for the job market.

What advice would you give to a current student interested in career options?

Talk to your professors! They have a wealth of knowledge and would love to help.

What advice would you give a future student interested in the department or programs? 

McMaster is a great environment to learn. If you are interested in pursuing a degree at the Department of Economics, reach out to current or former students as well as faculty for more information.

“If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” – Sir Isaac Newton.

Colin completed his undergraduate studies in Economics and History at the University of Toronto. He earned his Ph.D. in Economics from Lancaster University in the UK. Before joining McMaster University, Colin worked at Wilfrid Laurier and Toronto Metropolitan University. Colin’s research focuses on a variety of economic topics including technology adoption, earnings and labour market outcomes, international financial flows, and education.

At Mac

Fall 2023, Colin began teaching our first-year microeconomics course. Colin enjoys teaching introductory economics since it is often the first time students are introduced to economics and business theory. His decision to study economics was influenced by taking this course when he was a first-year student! Some advice he offers to undergraduate students: “With a degree in economics, you have many options. Think about where you want to be in 10 years, in your career and in your life in general. Make a plan, whether it’s finding the right job or going to grad school, that will put you on a path to achieving that vision”.

As part of his current research, Colin is looking at international remittances, including their effects on income inequality and how they affect participation in the labour force. On the subject of research, Colin says: “I’m the kind of person who likes to learn new things. I’m also the kind of person who likes a challenge. Research is an opportunity to build new knowledge and solve challenging problems. The more you know, the further you’ll go.”

Outside of the University

Aside from his role as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics, he is also the President and Board Chair of Stonegate Community Health Centre in Etobicoke, which provides inclusive and accessible health services to the local community.
A little-known fact about Colin that may surprise you: he used to be a choral singer and classical musician, playing over a dozen instruments.
A favourite quote of his is: “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” – Sir Isaac Newton.

"What I like about Social Science is the balance of industry-specific technical know-how with career-critical soft skills"

What have you found most beneficial about the specific degree program you completed at McMaster?

Learning at McMaster within the School of Earth, Environment, and Society, I was exposed to the plethora of challenges that humanity faces – whether that be socio-political resource access issues at the local level or the worsening global climate crisis. Motivated to make a positive impact, this program equipped me with the skills necessary to perform research, think critically, and identify solutions to these issues.

In your opinion, what is the value of a Social Sciences degree?

Throughout high school, I was encouraged to pursue a career in STEM and so when I started my post-secondary education in Environmental Science I was confused as to what was missing – for me it was a focus on people. The human element that was centred in all conversations within my specialization in human geography compelled me to relate and connect better with content. What I like about Social Science is the balance of industry-specific technical know-how with career-critical soft skills: written and verbal communications, research and dissemination, time and conflict management, etc.

What advice would you give to a current Social Sciences student who is exploring?career options?

Research labour demand, specialize, and gain practical experience. University allowed me to explore at a high-level the theories, worldviews, and concepts across several disciplines. In this sense, being in university can easily make you a generalist so I would encourage you to find your specialization or niche within your interests. I strongly recommend enrolling in your program’s co-op to gain the experience that employers are looking for while helping inform your career path in a low-risk environment.

How did completing a Social Sciences internship help shape your career planning or your post-graduation journey?

Through the connections I made at McMaster and within the Hamilton community, I became involved with municipal civil engagement working at the City of Hamilton in Planning and Economic Development. It was that experience that awoken a passion for urban planning, leading me to pursue a Masters in Planning from Toronto Metropolitan University, and eventually working as a Planner in transportation and housing. The faculty and career resource staff empowered me to get involved in the community and started me on my career path.

"To future students: Try more industries and more possible opportunities. Stay simple and stay naive."

The study at McMaster made me truly interested in macroeconomic and development issues. It helped me develop a wealth of knowledge in international economics and the ability to look at problems from both theoretical and practical perspectives, which I appreciated a lot.

The best experience I had was meeting such wonderful classmates, teachers, and alumni. They provided strong support in my study and life. We have spent hard times together.

To future students: Try more industries and more possible opportunities. Stay simple and stay naive.

"My advisors played a crucial role in my success in the program...They coached me on how to compete globally, and I owe them my deepest gratitude."

What do you like most about your program?

My advisors played a crucial role in my success in the program. They paid close attention to my overall well-being, including research and financial support. They coached me on how to compete globally, and I owe them my deepest gratitude.

In your opinion, what is the value of an Economics Degree?

One of the key values of an Economics degree is the increased job opportunities it provides.

What advice would you give to a current student interested in career options?

Have a mindset of competing globally. Keep your advisors regularly updated on the progress of your work.

What advice would you give a future student interested in the department or programs?

Identify a potential supervisor among the faculty members before entering the program.

"What I liked best about my program was that the real-world relevance of studying economics was always expressed throughout each course."

What do you like most about your program? 

What I liked best about my program was that the real-world relevance of studying economics was always expressed throughout each course. I also appreciated having extremely well-trained professors who were clearly enthusiastic about the topics they were teaching. As the years passed, these factors only bolstered my passion for economics.

What do you find beneficial about your program? 

The specialist option has been the most beneficial aspect of my program. I believe that the additional training in econometric theory has helped me progress along the career path I want to pursue. It has also given me an advantage in the job market.

In your opinion, what is the value of a Social Science degree? 

 The value of a social science degree, or any degree, is what you make of it. If you have goals you want to pursue, it’s about finding the right path to achieving them. What makes a social science degree unique is the ability to incorporate subjectivity and human behaviour into our studies. It enables us to see the world as it is. That, in and of itself, is a humble perspective to gain that distinguishes you from most other disciplines.

What advice would you give to a current student interested in career options? 

 My advice to current students is to be proactive. Opportunities rarely present themselves randomly you must work to get them. If you are interested in research, stay, and talk to your professors outside of class and go to office hours. Make connections wherever you can and network with peers and professionals in the field you see yourself in.

What advice would you give a future student interested in the department or programs? 

If you are interested in economics, don’t be afraid to take extra math and computer science electives. They will only bolster your ability to get a job or pursue further training in the field.

"An economics degree provides students with not only a unique perspective but the analytical skills necessary to succeed in the workforce."

What do you like most about your program? 

I love that the MAEP has such a strong focus on public policy as opposed to the MA which is much more theory-based. The required courses and electives all have a focus on the implications for public policy and they provide answers to interesting policy questions. The MAEP also has a small cohort – everybody in the program knows each other, we all take mostly the same classes, and we are all pretty close and get together outside of classes.

What do you find beneficial about your program? 

The required MAEP courses provide the tools and techniques to analyze public policy using the economic theory learned in undergraduate economics. These courses along with econometrics provide the statistical tools to analyze and derive insights from data. I love the interesting selection of economics elective available in the fall and winter terms. These electives allow students to gain a deeper understanding of different strands of economics beyond micro and macro.

In your opinion, what is the value of an Economics degree? 

An economics degree provides students with not only a unique perspective but the analytical skills necessary to succeed in the workforce.  Econ teaches you how to better understand what is happening in the world and in the media as it relates to the economy, government spending and finance. An economics degree provides the flexibility and the skills to work for the public sector, the private sector or continue in academia.

What advice would you give to a current student interested in career options? 

Apply to any and all jobs that align with your skills, interest and education. The worst thing you can do is not apply to a job you think you are underqualified for. Practice extrapolating and expanding on your skills and experiences. Continually update your resume and LinkedIn so when you apply to jobs you have the most recent skills and experience information.

What advice would you give a future student interested in the department or programs? 

Stay organized – write down your assignments, due dates and other deadlines at the beginning of the term so you always know what’s coming. Find a study method that works for you and stick with it but be flexible in the approach. Adapt your study style based on the style of the course (microeconomics vs. econometrics). Keep track of your assignment grades so you know where you stand heading into final exam season.

The program is focused more on application and not just theory. It exposes students to what they will meet in the labour market, a vital tool for success.

What do you like most about your program?

The program is focused more on application and not just theory. It exposes students to what they will meet in the labor market, a vital tool for success.

What do you find beneficial about your program? 

It is a discipline that offers broad opportunities, ranging from the public to the private sector.

In your opinion, what is the value of a Economics degree? 

The value of an Economics degree can not be quantified because its value runs in the long run and for some generations to come. Aside from its financial benefits, it has a positive externality to society that can not be fully quantified.

What advice would you give to a current student interested in career options? 

When you have a dream, chase it, follow it like it with passion because someday you will look back and be proud of what you will have achieved.

What advice would you give a future student interested in the department or programs? 

McMaster is home for all and not just a school. It has an enabling environment that integrates students and lecturers and forms a bond beyond the classrooms. If you need a family and an enabling environment, McMaster is the right home.