Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies

Grad Students' Words of Wisdom

Headshot of University of Guelph Graduate student Jamie Armstrong

Jamie Armstrong

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

Try your best to reach out to faculty and make connections with people who share the same passions as you. Everyone at the University of Guelph is happy to share their expertise and provide guidance, and those connections are very valuable in expanding your knowledge and reaching your goals.

Emily Vis

Emily Vis

About My Advisor...

“My advisor has allowed me to grow as an independent researcher, and ensures I stay on track. I have had a wonderful experience growing into the student I am now. ”

Ashley Millar

Ashley Millar

Words of Wisdom… 

If you come to Guelph, your program will be full of like-minded students who have the same passion that you do for your research. The environment you will be in is the most supportive environment you can have for when you are pursuing something that you love.  

U of G PhD candidate Deborah Pine

Deborah Theresa Pine

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

The advice or words of wisdom is simple, do whatever you think you want to do. I mean I had to really figure out if this is what I wanted to do and why. When that was settled, I did my research on programs and such but for me I talked with other academics from different disciplines. I needed to hear what it would be like emotionally and mentally and then think about how I would handle those ups and downs. Once, I had the basics of what I needed, and I knew what I could control, I put my best effort forth and then I felt content with results. This has been my mindset, to understand the coursework, to learn and adapt, and do my best. And once you’re in a program, they want you there, otherwise they wouldn’t have accepted you.

Portrait of graduate student Caleb Sawh (MSc, Marketing & Consumer Studies) in the atrium of MacDonald Stewart Hall at the University of Guelph

Caleb Sawh

About being a grad student at Guelph...

Being a graduate student was a great experience! UofG supports its students in making the program accessible to people of all capacities. I found myself engaging with people from different countries, stages of life, and experience. I really loved the different perspectives that was brought to my classes each week since the people in my program came from all walks of life.

Portrait of graduate student Kaitlyn Lawson

Kaitlyn Lawson

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

Pursue research that you are passionate about and that inspires you. Graduate studies are a lot of work and can be difficult, and if you're not passionate about your research then you probably won't enjoy it. That being said, don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and experience new things, whether that be academically or personally. Also, don't be afraid to get involved, some of my greatest experiences at the University of Guelph have been outside of the classroom.

Portrait of graduate student Samantha O'Leary

Samantha O'Leary

Advice for prospective students...

I would encourage all prospective graduate students to research their program of interest and speak directly to faculty prior to applying as this can ensure that your research goals align with your prospective advisor/program of choice.​

Dendra Hillier

Dendra Hillier

Thoughts about UofG...

At the University of Guelph, they care about your education; you will never be just a number.

Gary Csöff

Gary Csöff

What makes Guelph Unique… 

World-class facilities with world-class professors! In addition, the atmosphere of campus and being able to spend each day with truly genuine people!