Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies

Grad Students' Words of Wisdom

Sara Wilbur-Collins MCL, Master of Conservation Leadership at University of Guelph

Sara Wilbur-Collins

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

This is a program that is very responsive to student needs, so if you have a question or want to pursue a line of discussion, be sure to ask! There is a considerable commitment to participants' career and personal growth, as well as to the more formal education elements. I appreciated that "all-around" approach.

Portrait of graduate student Abdalla Albeely

Abdalla Albeely

Advice For Prospective Grad Students… 

I'd tell them that at U of G you'll benefit academically and you will get to enjoy being part of such a great community.

U of Guelph grad student Jonathan Khosravani

Jonathan Khosravani

Advice for someone considering grad school...

My advice to any prospective grad student is to not rush into graduate school without some self-reflection about your passions, what you love doing and what you would like to study. This is because grad school can be a challenging place but also incredibly rewarding as it teaches you how to read critically, learn systemically, and think deeply. As such, I invite potential students to engage in some introspection and self-reflection about your motivations, desires, and commitments as this is a weird (but wonderful) experience distinctive from both undergrad and from other jobs so its important to not rush into anything without thinking.

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.​

Portrait of MBIOT Biotechnology at U of Guelph grad student Nathaniel Hoffman

Nathaniel Hoffman

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

Soak up as much knowledge as you can from the talented faculty members at the University of Guelph!

Portrait of Dr. Yazmin Osornio Maganaz

Yazmin Osornio Maganaz

Advice for a prospective grad student or someone who would like to follow in your footsteps...

My biggest advice is to follow what truly excites you. My passion for equine reproduction started as a vet student, and every challenge and success since then has only made me more certain of my path. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, make mistakes, and learn from them — that’s where the growth happens. Surround yourself with people who support and inspire you, and remember why you started. There will be tough days, but if you love what you’re doing, it will all be worth it. 

Kaitlin Patterson

Kaitlin Patterson

Being a Graduate Student at Guelph… 

The graduate life experience is great! There are a ton of activities and ways to get involved on campus. The administration, faculty and fellow student truly provide a supportive environment to learn, grow and be challenged. 

Portrait of Andrew Nixon

Andrew Nixon

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

I've been very privileged and lucky since coming to Guelph for my undergraduate degree back in 2010 as all of the opportunities I have been given have been gained through building strong relationships with faculty and staff on campus and finding mentors that have helped guide me along my career path. I've always found that the people on campus are incredibly giving and willing to devote their time to help out students. I've also found that simply starting with expressing an interest to be more involved and showing initiative can go a very long way to opening doors to new opportunities.

Jonathan Samson

Jonathan Samson

Other Thoughts...

“The only limits on your research are those which you impose yourself. It truly is a free thinking environment.”

Stephanie Croyle

Stephanie Croyle

Words of advice...

Guelph will provide you with a supportive and stimulating academic environment. My advisors provided me with the freedom to explore my research interests and the support and mentorship to help me become a better scientist. Their positive attitudes and confidence in my abilities allowed me to achieve success in my research goals. There are loads of clubs one could join (e.g. qualitative journal club, welfare and behavior group, dairy journal club, graduate student social committees, art clubs, etc.). In addition, my graduate program provided me with a safe and interactive social environment (e.g. intramural sports, city leagues, department socials). 

For my non-native English-speaking friends, there is a plethora of support from the international office! In addition, the library provides lots of writing and technical support!