Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies

Grad Students' Words of Wisdom

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!

Bhoomi Gandhi

Bhoomi Gandhi

Advice for funding your studies...

Professors at the University of Guelph are exemplary in their professional acumen. Over and above this, there are plenty of opportunities, like Teaching Assistantship (GTA) and Research Assistantship (RA), for an international graduate student to help fund their studies. 

Portrait of Nicole Prudenciano in the lab

Nicole Prudenciano

Words of wisdom for someone considering grad school...

My advice would be to not be afraid to try anything. Take any opportunities you have for new experiences because you never know what you will end up liking! If I had not tried a wide variety of courses during my time at the University of Guelph, I would not have discovered my interest in reproductive biology. Also, take any opportunity you can to speak with other graduate students; everyone is extremely friendly and always willing to lend a hand if you need it. Your peers are a great resource and are always willing to offer some advice on school, research, or life.

Portrait of Emma Harris

Emma Harris

Words of advice for someone considering grad school:

There's no "right time": just do it! The time will pass anyway. You may as well be accomplishing big goals. 

Portrait of Gabriella Salvadore

Laura Dawson

Some words of advice...

Talk to your professors and TAs! They are there to help you and I wish I reached out to them sooner in my undergrad.

Portrait of graduate student Katherine Keary

Katherine Keary

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

Don't be afraid to reach out and ask potential advisors about their research and if they have any graduate positions available.

Jayson Capistrano in the Hagen Aqualab

Jayson Capistrano

Tips for prospective grad students...

To future graduate students, it is important to keep a clean, legible, and logical lab notebook! Also remember that your brain is your best weapon to succeed in graduate school and it functions best when it is well-rested; only pull all-nighters if necessary. Learn to manage your time and try not to do multiple things at once; multi-tasking in the lab can lead to errors in experiments. Finally, enjoy your time and get all the food and freebies from conferences and other events!

Dendra Hillier

Dendra Hillier

Thoughts about UofG...

At the University of Guelph, they care about your education; you will never be just a number.

Portrait of Lindsay Plater

Lindsay Plater

Being a Graduate Student at Guelph… 

A graduate student at the University of Guelph is a lot of work, but it is very rewarding. My schedule was even more flexible now than when I was an undergraduate student, which is very important because you have to make time for everything. There are classes and seminars, research, meetings, Teaching Assistantship(s), mentoring, and readings happening constantly. If you plan things well, you can get involved on campus or have a social life, too! 

Portrait of Ishrat Zahan

Ishrat Zahan

Advice for prospective grad students... 

Grad school is demanding, but it's also an incredible opportunity for intellectual growth and discovery. Be prepared to work hard, face setbacks, and constantly learn. Find your passion. A strong foundation in your area of interest will fuel your motivation throughout the programme. Seek guidance, embrace the journey, and remember that your path is unique.