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

Graduate student Trust Katsande (MSc, Plant Agriculture) in the atrium of the Albert A. Thornbrough Building, University of Guelph

Trust Katsande

About My Advisor… 

My advisor was more like my mentor. He is very open, honest and helpful, which made me very comfortable to express my ideas and also to discuss different issues concerning my academic life.

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.

Portrait of graduate student Carrie McMullen

Carrie McMullen

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

Sometimes as an undergrad it's easy to stay 'behind the scenes' and just go to classes and complete what's required of you. But grad school has SO much to offer, and there are opportunities to gain new experiences around every corner that contribute to both personal growth and look great on a CV. I think getting involved is so important, and creating new relationships with faculty/other students is key.

Portrait of graduate student Katie Francis

Katie Francis

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

Make your research project/thesis something you're passionate about. If you have a great idea, take it to a professor and see if you can make it into a project.

U of G graduate student, Anastasia Stellato (PhD - Epidemiology) in the Science Atrium at the University of Guelph

Anastasia Stellato

About Being a Grad Student at U of G… 

There are animals everywhere, from seeing eye dogs in training to horses and cows at the research barn.

Safia Mahabub Sauty

Safia Mahabub Sauty

Some words of advice...

Get involved in the community. Grad school is more than your research project; expand your contributions beyond your field of research and into the community where you are working.

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

Tracy Bento

Advice for Prospective Grad Students… 

I would tell prospective students that pursuing graduate studies at UofG is a good choice, as they provide students with the opportunity to learn in a classroom, along with research opportunities. The research opportunities give you an opportunity to put the knowledge you learned in the classroom into a real-life situation. The research that you will pursue will add valuable information to the academic and industry community.

Portrait of graduate student Danielle Julien-Wright (PhD, Population Medicine) in the Albert A. Thornbrough Building, University of Guelph

Danielle Julien-Wright

Advice for Prospective Grad Students… 

Identify your passion and reason(s) for wanting to become a graduate student. Write them down, type it up, post it large and visibly on your desk or wherever you do your work so that it remains a constant reminder of why you are doing what you are doing and will motivate you through the hard times that every graduate student has and does go through, so that you can always see the light at the end of the tunnel.

U of Guelph Geography grad student Bryce Miller

Bryce Miller

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

Don't worry if you're feeling overwhelmed, truth be told, everyone is feeling that way - just take it day by day. 

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.