I really encourage undergraduate students to undertake an undergraduate research project. This gives you a lot of experience doing research before committing to graduate school. Volunteering in a lab is also a great idea, or chatting with current graduate students about what their day-to-day life looks like can help give you a better idea on what to expect! Focus on finding a lab and a supervisor that does work that you're interested in.
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.
Being a graduate student was a great experience! UofG supports its students in making the program accessible to people of all capacities. I found myself engaging with people from different countries, stages of life, and experience. I really loved the different perspectives that was brought to my classes each week since the people in my program came from all walks of life.
The University of Guelph is a small family in itself with a lot of support to facilitate different types of lifestyles. My ability to feel safe and learn without worry is something I have admired.
I am 30 years old and am only now embracing being Metis. This is an emotional, and at times perplexing, journey. However, there is ample support these days for Indigenous people who are ready to take on this journey and many others who understand what you are going through and want to see you succeed. The U of G community has blown me away in terms of the cultivation of awareness, support and resources available to help students and this extends to services tailored for Indigenous students. Reach out to the community and ask for help or get involved, even in small ways. It might feel intimidating at first, but you will find there are many who understand you or are very willing to help you with your path. Have courage!
I would ask them to follow their interest when faced with a career choice. My Master's thesis was in quantum physics. In my experience, a Master’s thesis and research do set a precursor for one’s Ph.D. but one can still explore other fields if the opportunity arises. Another piece of advice would be never to be afraid of asking. I applied for my current position past the deadline date but I would have lost this opportunity if I had not mailed my professor and asked him if I could still apply. And the last thing, never think you do not deserve to be where you are, it's your unique journey that exactly makes you worthy of where you are.
Do your research: on the lab, on the faculty, on the department and on the city itself. There are so many different programs/departments and it's imperative you know what you're getting into. Speak to students that are currently in the lab or have recently graduated to get an idea of how things work. There are going to be some tough times in your program and you want to make sure you're surrounded by people that want to support you and help you get through, to be successful.
Graduate studies at the University of Guelph is unique because of the vibrant and friendly community environment, the access to outstanding resources and training, and the many opportunities on campus to develop important career and life skills.
