Overview
We understand that every student is different; your career journey is shaped by the many experiences you have. The Engineering Co-op & Career Services team is here to prepare you for your future. Our approach allows you to have the flexibility to make your own decisions and choices, with the support of our team and subject-matter experts. We are here to guide, support, coach and offer expertise, resources and options.
We run the second-largest engineering co-op program in Ontario. In 2022/23, over 2,500 students completed over 4,000 co-op work terms across the globe. McMaster University is one of the only engineering co-op programs in Canada to offer co-op at the Bachelors, Masters and Ph.D. levels.
Students can go on OscarPlus to book in-person and virtual appointments and reserve a spot in workshops and employer networking events.
Did you know?
83% of students choose the co-op option upon entry to McMaster Engineering.
In 2021/2022, 79% of students graduated with at least 12-months of co-op experience. 46% of students completed more than 12-months of co-op experience.
99% of co-op students felt their co-op employer provided a diverse, ethical and equitable work environment.
Over 5,000 student career development appointments were held with our staff in 2021/2022.
General Inquiries
Engineering Co-op & Career Services now services students in-person and virtually.
If you have a question related to co-op and career support, feel free to contact one of the email addresses below.
Hours of operation: Monday – Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Office Location: JHE H301 (3rd floor of Gerald Hatch Experiential Centre)
T: 905-525-9140 x22571
E: engcar@mcmaster.ca (students); engcoop@mcmaster.ca (employers)
Directions to McMaster University; Campus Map
Meet the Team
Leadership & Administration

Stephanie Harper
Associate Director, Engineering Co-op & Career Services – JHE H301
Rachelle Ireson
Manager, Talent Partnerships & Employer Relations, Engineering Co-op & Career Services

Rachelle Ireson
Manager, Talent Partnerships & Employer Relations, Engineering Co-op & Career Services – JHE H301
Ashley Chimenti
Manager, Co-Curricular & Student Engagement, Engineering Co-op & Career Services – JHE H301
Monica Darroch
Manager, Career Education & Professional Development, Engineering Co-op & Career Services

Monica Darroch
Manager, Career Education & Professional Development, Engineering Co-op & Career Services – JHE H301
Paula Davies-Barlow
Administrative Assistant lll, Engineering Co-op & Career Services – JHE H301
Genevieve Neilson
Administrative Assistant ll – Engineering Co-op and Career Services – JHE H301
Kimberlee Killman
Administrative Assistant II, Engineering Co-op and Career Services – JHE H301
Amanda Sly
Project Manager, Systems & Technology, Engineering Co-op & Career Services – JHE H301Career Education & Professional Development
Our student career education takes a thoughtful and personalized approach that ensures students have access to the resources and people to guide them, help them make informed decisions for life-long career development. Our team assists students and co-operative education supervisors through 1:1 workshops, virtual and in-person appointments and career courses on topics that include: on-the-job success, resume building, career planning, interview skills, leadership, and much more. We have over 200 weekly available appointments; book this on our University career portal Oscarplus.

Elizabeth Clark
Career Resource Coordinator, Engineering Co-op & Career Services – JHE H301
Hala Sulaiman
Career Resource Coordinator, Engineering Co-op and Career Services – JHE H301
Katie Gadawski
Career Educator (Engineering I), Engineering Co-op and Career Services – JHE H301
Christine Rich
Career Educator (Masters & PhD Programs), Engineering Co-op and Career Services – JHE H301
Pamela Lauren
Career Educator (Masters & PhD Programs), Engineering Co-op and Career Services – JHE H301
Elysia (Ellie) Somogyvari
Career Educator (Computer Science & Software Engineering), Engineering Co-op and Career Services

Elysia (Ellie) Somogyvari
Career Educator (Computer Science & Software Engineering), Engineering Co-op and Career Services – JHE H301
Lisa Keenan
Career Educator (Civil Engineering; Mechatronics Engineering; Materials Engineering), Engineering Co-op and Career Services

Lisa Keenan
Career Educator (Civil Engineering; Mechatronics Engineering; Materials Engineering), Engineering Co-op and Career Services – JHE H301
Milic Kovacevic
Career Educator (Mechanical Engineering; Civil Engineering Technology (DCP); Power & Energy Engineering Technology (DCP); Manufacturing Engineering (DCP)), Engineering Co-op and Career Services

Milic Kovacevic
Career Educator (Mechanical Engineering; Civil Engineering Technology (DCP); Power & Energy Engineering Technology (DCP); Manufacturing Engineering (DCP)), Engineering Co-op and Career Services – JHE H301
Margaret Moscardini
Career Educator (iBioMed & Engineering Physics; HESE), Engineering Co-op and Career Services

Margaret Moscardini
Career Educator (iBioMed & Engineering Physics; HESE), Engineering Co-op and Career Services – JHE H301
Rachel MacMurchy
Career Educator (Automotive & Vehicle Engineering (BTech); Automation Engineering (BTech)), Engineering Co-op and Career Services

Rachel MacMurchy
Career Educator (Automotive & Vehicle Engineering (BTech); Automation Engineering (BTech)), Engineering Co-op and Career Services – JHE H301
Shannon O’Connell
Career Educator (Electrical Engineering & Computer Engineering), Engineering Co-op and Career Services

Shannon O’Connell
Career Educator (Electrical Engineering & Computer Engineering), Engineering Co-op and Career Services – JHE H301
Sophia Lourenco
Career Educator (Biotechnology (BTech); Chemical Engineering; Software Engineering Technology (DCP)), Engineering Co-op and Career Services

Sophia Lourenco
Career Educator (Biotechnology (BTech); Chemical Engineering; Software Engineering Technology (DCP)), Engineering Co-op and Career Services – JHE H301
Sam Stewart
Project Manager, Career Curriculum, Engineering Co-op and Career Services – JHE H301
Valerie Preston
Career Educator, Engineering Co-op and Career Services (On Leave) – JHE H301
Elisa Bozzelli
Career Educator, Engineering Co-op and Career Services (On Leave) – JHE H301Talent Partnership & Employer Engagement
Our employer relations team supports student success through creating strong, productive, and engaging employer partnerships. Our team supports employers and engineering alumni to recruit engineering students and access partnership opportunities in the Faculty of Engineering. This includes support for recruiting for co-op and new graduate roles, engaging through events and brand opportunities, and connection to industry-academic collaborations.

Tolulope Oyetunji
Recruitment Assistant, Engineering Co-op and Career Services – JHE H301
Tiago Lourenco
Recruitment Assistant, Engineering Co-op and Career Services – JHE H301
Adam Pepler
Talent Partnership Consultant, Engineering Co-op and Career Services – JHE H301
Megan Donohue
Talent Partnership Consultant, Engineering Co-op and Career Services – JHE H301
Alannah Saccone
Talent Partnership Consultant, Engineering Co-op and Career Services (On Leave) – JHE H301
Madhuri (Maddie) Lad
Talent Partnership Consultant, Engineering Co-op & Career Services – JHE H301Co-Curricular & Student Engagement
As a student, outside the classroom, engagement is crucial to developing your competencies, skills and competitive advantage. Are you a student interested in learning how to get involved in a club, team, hackathon, research or campus association? Our Student Engagement team meets 1:1 with students to plan and support their outside the classroom experiences, assisting you in having the best McMaster Engineering experience and cultivating a strong resume. Book an appointment or attend an engagement event by going to McMaster’s Career Portal and sign up for events or book an appointment.

Samuel Adeboye
Student Engagement Specialist, Engineering Co-op and Career Services – JHE H301
Jodi-Anne Buckley
Black Student Recruitment and Career Advisor, Engineering Co-op & Career Services – JHE H301
Louise Gazzola
Experiential Program Coordinator, Engineering Co-op and Career Services – JHE H301
Melanie Waite
Events & Communications Specialist, Engineering Co-op and Career Services – JHE H301
Victoria (Tory) Kenny
Program Coordinator, Student Engagement, Engineering Co-op and Career Services (On Leave)

Victoria (Tory) Kenny
Program Coordinator, Student Engagement, Engineering Co-op and Career Services (On Leave) – JHE H301Co-op Ambassador Program
Co-op Ambassadors are engineering co-op students who work with ECCS to help expand the co-op program, support the students in our Fireball Family, and engage with our employer partners.
Interested in becoming a McMaster Engineering Co-op Ambassador? Scroll down for instructions on how to apply.
2022-23 Co-op Ambassadors
Click on the photo of your program’s ambassador to learn more about them. And see further below for more information about the ambassador program.
Lead Ambassadors
Fabiola Gonzalez Rios
“Going on co-op allows you to find an identity outside of being a student and going to class. It not only enhances your technical skills, but your ability to make connections with others at different stages of life. It’s a glimpse of what post-grad life could be like, and a great way to explore different industries before full-time opportunities. “
Hi there! I’m Fabiola (she/her), and I’m going into my final year of Chemical Engineering. I was born in Mexico, raised in the Middle East, and have come to Canada for my studies.
I’m really passionate about making connections with others, creating a sense of community, and advocating for student resources throughout our university journey. It’s why I’m very excited to be one of the two Lead Co-op ambassadors for this year! We hope to continue to expand the accessibility of the ECCS services to the Mac Eng community and help students kick-start their career with co-op experiences. Here’s to a great year!
Sarah Rassenberg
“I’ve learned that Co-op fosters both professional and personal growth while also helping us explore fields we are passionate about! I’m excited to part of this amazing team and help motivate others to share their Co-op experiences and network with their peers.”
Hello! My name is Sarah (she/her) and I’m ecstatic and honoured to be one of the Lead Co-op Ambassadors for ECCS this year!
Throughout my experiences at McMaster Engineering, I’ve been fortunate to be supported by uplifting, forward-thinking, and compassionate teams – one specifically being the Engineering Co-op and Career Services group. Whether that’s Co-op events, interview practice, career knowledge, or sharing opportunities – this community is what makes me so proud to be a part of McMaster Engineering.
I decided to join ECCS for these reasons, but also because I’m passionate about supporting others through their journey from Co-op searching through to reflection and sharing experiences with others. My previous Co-ops with the University of Guelph (Research Technician, 2018), Latulippe Research Group (Research Assistant, Chemical Engineering, 2019-2021), and Septodont Pharmaceuticals (Supply Chain Intern, 2022) have fostered both professional and personal development. They have taught me to never hesitate when expressing interest in something you’re passionate about, ask for support if you need it, and that unique skills will develop when you least expect it. Looking forward to an exciting year back in-person full of new opportunities, connections, and collaborative learning!
Program Ambassadors
Ainslie Forbes
“I love co-op because it teaches you what school can’t! You also get to meet great people with similar interest to you, who will hopefully help build your career.”
My name is Ainslie, I am currently in Biotechnology. I’ve done 2 different co-op to date, totalling 24 months! I like hiking, cooking and tasting coo things.
Michael Nelson
“Co-op is an incredible opportunity to enter the real world while still enjoying the supportive environment of being a student. You get to experience different fields of work, make mistakes, and complete meaningful work, all while learning about your field of study. There isn’t any better way to prepare yourself for life after school!”
Hello! My name is Michael Nelson (He/Him) and I’m a second-year student studying civil engineering. I am delighted to be on the Co-Op Ambassador team with the Engineering Co-Op and Career Services department this year!
I joined the co-op ambassador team because I wanted to help more students get better access to the benefits a co-op job can provide. It can be difficult to transition from being a student to a job application, which is why we’re available to provide a myriad of services to help make achieving career goals a reality. During the summer of 2022, I spent four months on a co-op with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation. During my time there I learnt a great deal about how our provincial highway system functions and how critical effective communication skills are in a professional workplace. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone, so feel free to ask me any questions about civil engineering or my co-op experiences!
Hannah Gillgrass
“Co-op is an amazing experience and everyone should have the opportunity to get out of their comfort zone and try something new. It is a great way to apply knowledge learned in class to gain technical skills. There are so many pathways a co-op can fit into from industry to research, which gives you the opportunity to explore different work environments and potential careers.”
Hi I’m Hannah and I am excited to be one of the Co-op Ambassadors for Engineering Co-op and Career Services this year! I just finished my first work term over the summer with Groundbreaking Foundations, a civil based company.
My co-op taught me the importance of dedication, communication and detail-oriented work. I am looking forward to connecting with anyone who may need any assistance in finding resources to get a co-op position. Feel free to reach out anytime through email (gillgrah@mcmaster.ca) and I’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have about the co-op process.
Rafay Talpur
“Co-op allows for gaining real-world work experience, valuable connections and opportunities to apply your learning while completing the requirements of your degree. The co-op program at McMaster allows you to combine traditional learning with workplace experience. The most important thing about co-op is to discover your interests and get a glimpse of what your future could look like.”
Hello! My name is Rafay Talpur, and I am excited to be part of the 2022/2023 Co-op Ambassador team representing the Computer Engineering Program.
Elizabeth Keane
“Co-op is a wonderful opportunity that allows you to apply your skills and education in real-world situations. You get a sense of what your field actually entails.”
Hello, I am Elizabeth Keane, and I am excited to be a Co-op Ambassador for ECCS again this year!
I am looking forward to being able to help students on their journey to securing a co-op position this year. I believe that co-op is a very valuable experience, and ECCS has plenty of services available to help students. My co-op experiences were research assistant positions with professors on campus – Dr. Hoare (Summer 2020 and 2021) and Dr. Selvaganapathy (Summer 2019). Both of these positions I was able to get with the help of the ECCS services and previous co-op ambassadors. One of the most important lessons I have learned through co-op is the importance of using the resources available to you, whether that is through ECCS, personal connections, or just asking questions. I look forward to working as Co-op Ambassador this year!
Jatheeshan Raveenthiran
“Co-op is an eye-opening experience because it finally allows you to apply whatever you learned in University to an industry-based setting, all the while learning new skills that you cannot learn at University. It also allows you to grow as a person while you harbor new responsibilities.”
Hello! My name is Jatheeshan Raveenthiran and I am excited to be a Co-op Ambassador for the iBiomed program.
I decided to join the ambassador team because I found co-op as an amazing experience that allowed me to gain valuable skills, and I want other students to experience the same. I also wanted to give tips for students applying to a co-op position and point them to the excellent ECCS services that are offered to ensure a seamless application process. I had the opportunity to complete my first co-op experience as an Undergraduate Student Research Assistant under the supervision of Dr. Christopher Anand. Recently, I finished a year-long co-op at AMD as a System-on-Chip Design Verification Engineer. From both of my co-op experiences, one valuable lesson I learned was to never be afraid to ask questions because that’s the only way you could push yourself forward. Feel free to raise questions anywhere and anytime! I look forward to connecting with you this year and share my co-op story!
Brian Ren
“Students who went through internships or co-ops were fully transformed. After completing the work terms, these students know what to look for as well as know what to improve. You will have a fulfilling and meaningful undergraduate life by completing the co-op terms.”
My name is Brian Ren. I study heat-resistant materials at McMaster. I have completed 20 months internship before I finish my undergraduate study. I was unconfident and insecure because I made a lot of mistakes during my internships. However, I also learn & grow the most by reflecting on my mistakes.
Right now, I am a graduate student at McMaster material engineering and science. I am thankful by completing internships during my undergraduate.
Sarah Simionescu
“McMaster was my top choice because of its excellence in research. If you want to break into the career space of your dreams or test whether or not a particular career path is right for you, McMaster co-op is the place to be. The McMaster co-op experience will expand your opportunities and develop your skills, all while supporting you financially.”
Hello, my name is Sarah Simionescu. I first discovered my love for computer science when I attended a science fair, and I met other kids, like myself, interested in changing the world with their skills in STEM. Since then, I have grown my passions for computer science and entrepreneurship through clubs, volunteering and running my own business!
Through the McMaster Co-op program, I have had the incredible opportunity to be a Technical Writer and Privacy Analyst as part of Professor Wenbo He’s research team working on privacy-preserving machine learning. As a first-year student, I was over the moon yet very overwhelmed to be working on such a complex topic. By the end of my term, I had co-written and submitted a new academic paper, pushing the boundaries in a subject I knew absolutely nothing about four months prior. As a co-op leader, I strive to support and inspire students to pursue experiences that enrich their passions and careers despite their fears and anxieties. If you have any questions or are feeling overwhelmed, do not hesitate to reach out! I am only an email away!
Abdul Rehman Iqbal
“Getting a co-op experience early on not only gives you a chance to test the waters and see if it is your cup of tea, but you also get to work on impactful projects with diverse teams.”
Hi everyone! My name is Abdul Rehman Iqbal, and I am delighted to be one of the Engineering Co-op and Career Services Co-op Ambassador for this academic year!
I am a Final year Mechatronics Engineering student at McMaster University, graduating in April 2023, with a keen interest in Software Development and Product Management. I have over 20 months of co-op experience working in Research and Development at Ericsson Canada and Product Engineering at an EdTech company called Paper.
I am always looking for excellent opportunities and talented peers to work with. Feel free to reach out for any inquiries!
Abdul Mannan Mohammed
“Co-op is the best way for you to choose a career path you truly enjoy working in. By taking co-op, we learn new skills through numerous roles at various companies, and this is the only way we can discover what we genuinely enjoy. It enables us to work and transition into so many different industries and develop strong connections.”
Hello everyone! I’m in my 2nd year of Automation Engineering at McMaster, and being an Engineering Co-op Ambassador for the Engineering Co-op and Career Services this year is nothing more than exciting. I’ve been a part of numerous clubs here at Mac and thrilled to be a part of the ECCS now, to help students grow & progress. Feel free to reach out at anytime with your questions! I’m always happy to share my experiences and provide some useful insight.
Sharjil Mohsin
“I believe that every engineering student should have a co-op experience at least once during their student life. Not only do you get a chance to showcase your technical skills in the real world, but you also get to network with amazing people in your industry while developing other skills that will play a significant role in your career development!”
Hello, my name is Sharjil Mohsin and I’m excited to be one of the Co-op Ambassadors for Engineering Co-op and Career Services this year! I’m currently in my fifth and final year of the Software Engineering and Management program here at McMaster University.
I’ve had previous co-op experience with IBM as a Software Engineer Intern for 8 months, and with RBC as a Software Developer Intern for 4 months. I joined the Co-op Ambassador team this year as I’m really passionate about sharing my experiences from my co-op term with others. Feel free to reach out to me anytime if you have any questions!
Our Services
The Engineering Co-op & Career Services Office helps undergraduate and graduate students find valuable engineering work experiences before they graduate. We also connect with employers and faculty and build relationships that help get McMaster students hired.
Information Box Group
Services for Students
From helping you develop your resume and cover letter to giving you tips on how to ace an interview to posting job opportunities and much more, we do everything we can to help you find and secure a co-op job. For more information on our services, visit Why Co-op?
Services for Employers
We can connect you with students as well as post your jobs and help arrange your interviews. For more information on all that we offer, visit Hire Students.
Services for Faculty
We will help you connect with employer and community partners, arrange classroom participation talks and guest speakers and provide research partner support. Please contact our team at engcar@mcmaster.ca.
Events & News
Want to Host an Event?
Career Workshops for Engineering Student Clubs/Teams
Are you looking to host a career workshop for a group of 20 or more? The Engineering Co-op and Career Services (ECCS) team is here to help you meet all your planning needs!
Our team of professionals is your first point of contact for requesting a workshop and here to support all our MES clubs/teams on any of the below topics.
Our workshop topics include:
- Exploring Career Options (e.g., Job Shadowing, Careers by Degree/Industry)
- Employer Engagement Strategy (Seeking Sponsorship, Request for Partnership, etc.)
- Engineering Undergraduate Research 101
- Why Join a Faculty of Engineering Club/Team?
- Job Search Strategies (e.g., Finding Work, Networking)
- Job Applications (e.g., Resumes, Cover Letters, Interviews, LinkedIn)
- Experiential Learning Support (e.g., Navigating the Workplace, Work-Integrated Learning, Reflective Practice)
Expandable List
Submit your workshop request at least 3 weeks prior to your scheduled event date. Requests are prioritized based on staff availability.
Please note: Our busiest times are September, October, November, January, and February.
To ensure success, your responsibilities include:
- Ensuring a minimum of 15 – 20 students in attendance.
- Coordinating event registration with our team and sharing attendance list with ECCS staff for tracking purposes.
- Providing appropriate technology for facilitation either online or in person
- Booking suitable space (for in-person events as applicable)
- Providing a point-person for day-of support (both in-person and online events)
What can you expect from us?
- Appropriate technology for online delivery (if required)
- Professionally crafted and delivered presentation tailored to your audience.
- Trained subject-matter expert will deliver the session and address questions from your group.
- Recording of session to be available to all attendees after the workshop.
To submit a request please fill out the below form and someone from our team will get back to you within 24 – 48 hours.