Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies

Happy Holidays! The Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies will be closed for in-person and phone services from December 20 to January 5 at 8:30 a.m. During this time, please contact us by email.

The University will be closed from December 24, reopening on Friday, January 2 at 8:30 a.m..

Grad Students' Words of Wisdom

Portrait of graduate student Valencia Gaspard (PhD, Rural Studies) in the atrium of the Albert A. Thornbrough Building, University of Guelph

Valencia Gaspard

About Being a Grad Student at U of G… 

Being a graduate student at U of G means being part of a commitment to improve life.

Michael Lever

Michael Lever

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

If you are considering graduate studies, I suggest that you take your research interests and see who on campus is pursuing something that aligns with them. Given the wide range of topics and fields of study here, I would not be surprised to see at least one other individual or faculty member engaged in some research that closely mirrors the interests of the student. 

U of Guelph Integrative Biology grad student Kayley Head

Kayley Head

Advice for a prospective grad student:

My advice for someone who would like to follow in my footsteps is that if you have a passion, have the science mould around your passion as opposed to moulding your passion around the science. For example, my main passion in science is aquatic Species at Risk conservation and ecology, while prior to my thesis I had no interest in molecular biology. It was only when my passion could only be obtained through the lens of molecular biology that DNA became exciting to me!

Also, I recommend one to take every opportunity as it presents itself and to continuously seek out new opportunities. Every relevant job, course, and volunteer work that I have had in my academic career has provided connections and experience for the next opportunity. If you work hard and are passionate about what you do, your day job feels a lot less like work ;)

Portrait of Thalia Goncalves in the lab

Thalia Goncalves

Some words of advice...

My best advice for prospective grad students would be to not be afraid to put yourself out there to the individuals you want to work with or those you believe to be the best sources of information. You are your best advocate! I would suggest doing as much research as possible on different graduate programs at various institutions, as well as the research being conducted to find the best fit for yourself. In my experience, asking current grad students how their experience was and how they achieved their goals was extremely helpful as they provided their authentic opinion.

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.

U of G Criminal Justice and Public Policy MA Candidate Annalise Kennedy

Annalise Kennedy

Advice for Prospective Grad Students… 

Making relationships with your professors in your undergraduate degree is one of the best decisions you can make.

Portrait of Megan Lalli

Megan Lalli

Words of wisdom for a prospective grad student

Lean in, stay curious, and be open to the opportunities that will come your way. Don't be afraid to reach out to your professors for ideas or support - the faculty affiliated with this program are well connected and eager to continue strengthening their existing networks. Your cohort will also become like family. Don't be afraid to open up and share, ask questions, and provide support for each other. Lastly, embrace all the prompts for reflection. Those are the opportunities to think critically about yourself, your work, and apply meaning to what you've learned. Enjoy the ride!

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 graduate student Sarah Robinson

Sarah Robinson

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

Graduate school is challenging and chaotic at times; don’t be afraid to seek guidance, whether it’s for academic advice, mental health support, or the best place in the city for live music. 
Imposter syndrome is real, but it can be overcome! Allow yourself time to adjust to graduate school; the dynamic will be very different from undergraduate studies.
Finally, don’t isolate yourself in your research. Reach out to colleagues, develop new friendships, make time for yourself!

Portrait of Rebecca Gordon

Rebecca Gordon

Advice for prospective grad students...

I feel lucky to have been able to be involved in many different projects at the University of Guelph. My advice to future grad students is to get involved in as many different things as you can and to not be afraid to reach out to people. A lot of the fun in a graduate degree is being able to collaborate and work with lots of different people.