Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies

Grad Students' Words of Wisdom

Shannon Klingel

Shannon Klingel

Advice for Prospective Grad Studies...

If I were to speak with someone considering Guelph, I would tell them that although it may not be a very lucrative venture, it is an incredibly fulfilling experience. Additionally, for those thinking about diving into graduate studies but are unsure about the difficulty or commitment, always remember: a little drive and determination can go a long way! 

Portrait of graduate student Samantha Allen

Samantha Allen

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

Do your research: on the lab, on the faculty, on the department and on the city itself. There are so many different programs/departments and it's imperative you know what you're getting into. Speak to students that are currently in the lab or have recently graduated to get an idea of how things work. There are going to be some tough times in your program and you want to make sure you're surrounded by people that want to support you and help you get through, to be successful.

Justine Hobbins

Justine Hobbins

Words of advice for prospective grad students...

Workshops offered through the library and OpenEd are so beneficial to help with your research goals and teaching tips/tricks. Definitely be sure to check these out! 

Angela Wilson

Angela Wilson

About Student Services… 

The library is full of resources to help with writing and research, and the staff are always helpful. 

Portrait of CJPP graduate student Becky McRae

Becky McRae

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

As a graduate student it is important to be flexible and adaptable to change as you work through your degree. Becoming a graduate student allows you to develop your professional brand, while contributing to academic literature.

Bhoomi Gandhi

Bhoomi Gandhi

Advice for funding your studies...

Professors at the University of Guelph are exemplary in their professional acumen. Over and above this, there are plenty of opportunities, like Teaching Assistantship (GTA) and Research Assistantship (RA), for an international graduate student to help fund their studies. 

portrait of Andrew Vowles

Andrew Vowles

Advice for Prospective Grad Students… 

Find what interests you. Many other grad students are much younger than I am and will be entering a life's career following completion of their studies. Looking back, I think it's important to pursue your passion and let the career, money, etc., come from that. During studies, stay on top of things. At the same time, don't neglect other outlets, pursuits, interests: things have a way of connecting in unexpected ways.  

Portrait of Emma Harris

Emma Harris

Words of advice for someone considering grad school:

There's no "right time": just do it! The time will pass anyway. You may as well be accomplishing big goals. 

U of Guelph Creative Writing MFA graduate student Erica Isomura in her studio

Erica Isomura

Advice for prospective graduate students...

There are so many ways to pursue your passions and interests. I'd recommend that prospective grad students be certain that they are ready for the rigour and commitment required by graduate studies. Be open to new ideas, critiques, and other ways of seeing the world. Learn from your peers, students, university staff, and the wider community, in addition to your professors. Be generous with others and build community. Don't forget where you come from.