Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies

Grad Students' Words of Wisdom

Portrait of graduate student Sidra Sarfaraz (MSc, Human Health & Nutrtional Sciences) in theScience Atrium at the University of Guelph

Sidra Sarfaraz

Advice for Prospective Grad Students… 

We have AMAZING faculty for cardiovascular research, as well as nutrition, exercise and food science. If you're trying to choose universities and advisors, come drop by Guelph- chat to the professors, other lab members, our support staff. You'll see the difference yourself and be able to make an informed decision!

U of Guelph Political Science MSc student Taelor Reid

Taelor Reid

Words of wisdom for prospective grad students...

While it's true that you should work hard to reach your goal, burnout is real. Allow yourself to take breaks when needed; take a nap, play video games, and laugh at some memes. Life will feel less annoying.

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. 

Portrait of graduate student Ramazan Onkollar

Ramazan Onkollar

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

Finding your passion will take you to the right place at the end of the road. Just keep doing your best and appreciate all the opportunities provided along the way.

Benjamin Hayden Wildlife Biology

Benjamin Hayden

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

TAKE initiative. REACH out. LEAD boldly. This program affords you opportunities and connections that you will not receive anywhere else and if you take advantage of these you will become “that” person. “That” person who helped you, “that” person who was proud of you, and “that” person who you wanted to be.

Portrait of graduate student Sarah Ranby (MSc, Family Relations and Human Development) in the atrium of Mac Donald Stewart Hall at the University of Guelph

Sarah Ranby

About the City of Guelph… 

I came from a small town, so when I first moved to Guelph I was kind of intimidated by the transition due to leaving a rural area to come to a city. I have lived in Guelph for almost eight years now and even though it is a city, it has that small town feel which I like.

Portrait of graduate student Alicyia Walczyk - Mooradally

Alicyia Walczyk - Mooradally

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

Guelph is an amazing school academically and socially. You will be able to conduct cutting-edge research, surrounded by people who passionate, intelligent and supportive. There are so many social events and opportunities so don't be nervous to join clubs, teams or come out to social events!

Portrait of graduate student Keely Kavcic

Keely Kavcic

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

I would tell any prospective grad students to visit the campuses they are applying to, and talk to students in their program(s) of interest! A major factor in my staying at Guelph was the campus community, and knowing that I would be supported throughout my studies in not only my academics, but also through the social atmosphere on campus.

Portrait of U of G MSc Management student, Tyler Tap Young

Tyler Yap Young

Words of wisdom for a prospective grad student...

Do not be afraid to engage with your professors and fellow students. Professors want to help you succeed so do not be afraid to reach out to them. The people who best know what you are going through are you fellow students. Ask how they are doing, ask if they have any tips for the upcoming assignment. Doing this will help make you a part of the LANG community.

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.