Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies

Grad Students' Words of Wisdom

Portrait of Faham Khan

Faham Khan

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

Be informed. Always make sure that you understand each and every step of what you're trying to accomplish, but at the same time don't be afraid to plunge into the unknown. Be mindful of what makes you happy, and pursue your goals with a passion because at the end of the day, when we look back at our accomplishments, the gratification from that is what keeps us going.

Portrait of graduate student Stephanie Lam

Stephanie Lam

Advice for prospective grad students...

I think a Graduate program is filled with opportunities for self-growth and self-improvement in a facet of skills, including research, academics, management, teaching, mentorship, public speaking, and networking. On top of that, it exposes you to a variety of workplaces including academia, research and development, industry, and government.

Most importantly, I believe it's not easy to do a graduate program and many others will agree. There will be many challenges and struggles throughout it but this is a normal part of your program and part of the beauty of science and research! I suggest to keep your mind open and find the opportunity in every situation, because your graduate program will only help you improve yourself both personally and professionally!

MSc Organic Chemistry at the University of Guelph graduate student Scott Sammons

Scott Sammons

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

Networking is essential when considering graduate studies. I met my research advisor at an informal chemistry meet-up in Brass Taps two years prior to working for him. You'll never know when opportunities present themselves, so it's important to take chances and meet everyone you can.

Justine Hobbins

Justine Hobbins

Words of advice for prospective grad students...

Workshops offered through the library and OpenEd are so beneficial to help with your research goals and teaching tips/tricks. Definitely be sure to check these out! 

U of Guelph alumna Carleigh Johnston

Carleigh Johnston

Advice for future grad students... 

Graduate school is an incredibly enriching experience. Focusing on what interests you most brings a whole new level of richness to your learning. In addition to your courses there are also opportunities to refine presenting skills, attend conferences, and work as a teaching assistant for undergraduate courses which blends education and work experience together to prepare you for a fulfilling career.

U of Guelph Food Safety & Quality Assurance MSc candidate Andrew Peeples

Andrew Peeples

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

Make sure your decisions are based on a meaningful purpose. The phrase “What you put in is what you get out” is what I return to repeatedly. It applies to you as a person, the work you do, and the food you make. You need purpose to make anything of consequence happen. It’s been over a decade since I made my first decisions to enter the field of food safety, and I’m even more committed to it today than I was then.

Amal Roy

Amal Roy

About the City...

“Since I immigrated to Canada from Bangladesh in 2001 I have been living in Guelph. I cannot think of a city better than Guelph. People here are very friendly and dedicated to making their city a better place Guelph has a nice blend of rural and urban atmosphere; it's not too big or too small.”

Christie Brodie MCL, Master of Conservation Leadership at Guelph

Christie Brodie

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

I have always followed my gut and trusted my instincts. I truly believe I wouldn’t have had the opportunities I have had if I didn’t trust that what was meant to happen, would happen at the right time for me. From the short internship that has become a career, to waiting for this program to exist to pursue my masters – timing is everything.

Portrait of graduate student Sierra Rosiana

Sierra Rosiana

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

Remember that research never goes as planned and to not let failed experiments or unwanted results keep you from working hard on your degree. No one gets through graduate school without failed experiments and huge changes in their project plans.