Career Stories - Human Resources

McMaster University is only as successful as the employees that make it all possible. See how our employees have achieved career success through working for the university.

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Diane Gauthier

Manager, Family Medicine, HNHB Organization of Palliative Care Physician Services/Enhancements (HOPE)

Faculty of Health Sciences

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Diane Gauthier

Manager, Family Medicine, HNHB Organization of Palliative Care Physician Services/Enhancements (HOPE)

Joined McMaster in 1990

Diane Gauthier works as a Manager of Family Medicine with the Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Organization of Palliative Care Physician Services and Enhancements (HOPE). HOPE is a clinical organization formed in 2008 and funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health (MOH). In this role, it’s Diane’s responsibility to develop and implement program growth, provide strategic leadership in system planning and lead and facilitate negotiations on behalf of HOPE with its numerous stakeholders and partners.Diane started working at McMaster in the Department of Clinical epidemiology and Biostatistics, working as an administrative assistant. She moved through various administrative and coordinator roles, gaining new skills at every opportunity.Even though Diane’s background and education are in Travel and Tourism, Diane developed career strategies early on that lead her to the work she does today. Embracing change and opportunity was key to Diane’s career progression. Once she became comfortable in a role, she always started to look for something new – whether it be new responsibilities or a new position all together. She also made it a priority to find mentors and teachers. She was great at identifying skills she could improve on and sought out someone who excelled in that area. By doing this, she not only developed great relationships but new abilities as well.

For those seeking a role or career similar to Diane’s, she recommends taking advantage of every learning opportunity that comes your way. “Whether it be an assignment outside of your comfort zone, or a course offered by the organization, or a new position that could help you grow – jump at the chance to learn something new.” says Diane. “You never know where it could lead.”

Reach out to Diane to learn more about her role, or career path by emailing gauthier@mcmaster.ca.

Jeff Chuchman

Associate Director Advancement Services

University Advancement

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Jeff Chuchman

Associate Director Advancement Services, University Advancement

Joined McMaster in 2005

Jeff Chuchman is the Associate Director, Advancement Services within University Advancement (UA) at McMaster. He is responsible for leading a team of five people who maintain our vast Alumni Database and process donations. Another important aspect of his job is to ensure the University maintains its’ charitable status. In addition to these day to day responsibilities, he provides input into UA’s strategic direction and contributes to the vision of the overall department.

Jeff’s history at McMaster dates back to his days as a student and teaching assistant within the Faculty of Humanities. After graduation, Jeff worked in pension administration for the Government of Ontario. After five years there, he began eyeing job postings at McMaster and hoping to one-day return.He started working as a Pension Administrator within Human Resources Services, and during this time had two opportunities to have the role of Acting Manager, Retirement Support Services. Working in HR for 12 years, Jeff had six different roles – each came with added responsibilities, skill development and experiences.After some time in HR, he began to think about other opportunities within the University where he could use his skills in a different capacity. He met with a career coach in Employee Career Services (ECS) to talk more about making a career move. Meeting and working with ECS helped Jeff revamp his resume and confidence. He learned how to leverage the skills he had in an area he had little or no experience in. Jeff credits ECS for the role he’s in today with University Advancement.

Advice he’d share with those looking for a change or considering a new career plan is to take control of your own development. Even if you aren’t sure where you want to go next, think about what you’d like to get better at, and come up with a plan to do it. “Get help from your leaders, but understand you are ultimately accountable for your own success,” says Jeff.

If you’re interested in learning more about University Advancement or Jeff’s experiences, contact him at chuchj@mcmaster.ca.

Russ Ellis

Lab Coordinator, Integrated Science Program

Faculty of Science

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Russ Ellis

Lab Coordinator, Integrated Science Program

Joined in 1992

Meet Russ Ellis, Lab Coordinator for the School of Interdisciplinary Science.

Russ manages the day-to-day operations of the Integrated Science teaching lab, co-leads research projects, supervises students and leads lectures within the program.He was always interested in the sciences, and enjoyed physics, chemistry and biology in high school. After completing his undergraduate degree in biology at McMaster, he completed a diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology. He then started his career as a research technician in the Department of Medicine at McMaster University.

For almost 20 years he investigated models of airway diseases and developed lab management skills. Russ found this role very rewarding, as it provided the opportunity to see studies through from inception to publication. While working full time, he completed his Master’s Degree in Health Research Methodology within the Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics. With the hands-on experience he gained in research and managing a lab, and the desire to teach and mentor students, he was ready to take on a new role – that’s when the position he now holds became available. He enjoys working with students every day, and received the President’s Award for Outstanding Service in 2012 in recognition of his contribution to the Integrated Science program.

His advice for students and those in search of their ideal career, is to develop transferrable skills in every role or position you hold. They will no doubt help with your success and allow you to become a valuable contributing member of any team, “Being open to opportunities is also very important,” says Russ. “You never know where an opportunity will lead, or what skills you’ll develop along the way.”

If you are interested in the field of research, lab coordination or teaching, you can contact Russ to learn more about his experience and progression in this area.

Contact Russ at ellisr@mcmaster.ca.

Venessa Hayward

Admissions and Recruitment
Officer

School of Graduate Studies

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Venessa Hayward

Admissions and Recruitment Officer, School of Graduate Studies

Joined in 2003

Meet Vanessa Hayward, Admissions and Recruitment Officer with the School of Graduate Studies.

She’s a member of the team that recruits prospective graduate students, issues admission offers to program applicants, and supports faculty members and staff on campus with all things related to graduate admissions.She interacts with different people and different situations daily, and flexibility is a key attribute in her role, as demands and priorities are constantly changing.Vanessa loves her role but wasn’t always working in this area.

After graduating from McMaster in 2001 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology, like many new grads, she was unsure and somewhat overwhelmed by the decision of what to do next. After working for a short time in reception at a local company, she realized it wasn’t a long-term fit and decided to spend some time reflecting on her interests, strengths and what kind of environment she wanted to work in.

After a long search, she was hired as the Placement Assistant in the Science Cooperative Education (SCE) office and supported the co-op programs in the Faculty of Science at McMaster. In this role, she found herself engaged in conversations with students about their career paths and what opportunities they might pursue after graduation. This work became her passion, so she enrolled in a post-graduate program focussed on Career Development at Mohawk College. This started Vanessa down a new path.

She progressed through a few roles at Mac related to Career Development, developing new skills and abilities along the way. Her most recent role as Admissions and Recruitment Officer has given her the opportunity to work closely with others in a collaborative environment. This was very rewarding and eye-opening for Vanessa. “Now I will always seek to collaborate, engage other perspectives and talents because I know the outcome will exceed what I can produce on my own,” says Vanessa, whose teamwork and contribution was recognized by the McMaster Community through the 2013 President’s Award for Outstanding Services.

As a student and now a staff member at McMaster, Vanessa has learned that it’s ok to ask for help, building relationships is critical in almost any role, and a positive attitude can help achieve even the most daunting tasks.

She loves to help others progress through their own career development and is happy to connect with anyone who has questions about her field or their own path.

Reach out to Vanessa Hayward at haywarv@mcmaster.ca