Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies

Grad Students' Words of Wisdom

Portrait of graduate student Olivia Grafinger

Olivia Grafinger

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

I would advise a prospective graduate student to do their homework before contacting prospective advisors. Check out their profile on the University website, read their most recent paper, and even reach out to a senior graduate student currently in the lab!    

Portrait of graduate student Sonya Leigh Ogilvie

Sonya Leigh Ogilvie

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

Pursue research that you truly believe has the potential to improve life. Knowing you are working toward something more than just a degree can help you find the drive to make it through the difficult or dry aspects of your time in graduate studies. 

Your time in graduate studies will provide many opportunities, but don't lose touch with yourself. Take the time to do what you need to in order to maintain your sense of purpose and direction, then live out of that. Don't be afraid to try new things, but remember that no one can do everything. Be selective.

Andrew Harris

Andrew Harris

 

About the Campus...

U of G has a fantastic intramural program. I played ice hockey and dodge ball, but there are many other sports offered. In addition, the University has a new physical education building and every student has access to basketball, gyms, the pool, and hot tub.

U of G Grad Student Mostafa Elkurdy

Mostafa Elkurdy

Advice for prospective grad students...

I found being in a graduate university environment to be very beneficial for having access to experts on many topics. I would encourage new graduate students to not be afraid to reach out to various professors and other graduate students that can help guide you and offer advice.

Graduate student Ashley Stegelmeier (PhD, Pathobiology) in the atrium of the Albert A. Thornbrough Building, University of Guelph

Ashley Stegelmeier

Advice for Prospective Grad Students… 

I loved being a PhD student here. My advisors and labmates were all very supportive of my research endeavors. I enjoyed being in charge of my own research project.

Portrait of graduate student Katherine Keary

Katherine Keary

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

Don't be afraid to reach out and ask potential advisors about their research and if they have any graduate positions available.

U of Guelph Integrative Biology PhD candidate Michael Lim

Michael Lim

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

Although I think most prospective grad students have been told about the importance of picking a study/project that interests you, I think it's also really important to take some time to see how you interact with your supervisor and lab. These will be the people you work the closest with for the next several years, and help provide support to you in some of your toughest moments.

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.

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.

Portrait of graduate student Nick Nunn

Nick Nunn

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

Take advantage of the many resources available to you at Guelph - go to seminars, networking events, connect with your colleagues.