I highly recommend University of Guelph graduate studies for the prospective grad student who is looking to build their skills and improve their knowledge. This great learning experience will make students more employable in the labor market. The best thing in grad studies is the working opportunities offered to students while studying which improves their networking and can prepare them for the labor market.
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.
U of G has a fantastic intramural program. I played ice hockey and dodge ball, but there are many other sports offered. In addition, the University has a new physical education building and every student has access to basketball, gyms, the pool, and hot tub.
Volunteering and trying out different career experiences is essential to knowing what you like/what you are good at. I often volunteer my time to entomological societies or writing blog posts for the public so I can gain more skills in scientific communication. Practicing your skills is what helps build them up.
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.
My advice for someone who would like to follow in my footsteps is that if you have a passion, have the science mould around your passion as opposed to moulding your passion around the science. For example, my main passion in science is aquatic Species at Risk conservation and ecology, while prior to my thesis I had no interest in molecular biology. It was only when my passion could only be obtained through the lens of molecular biology that DNA became exciting to me!
Also, I recommend one to take every opportunity as it presents itself and to continuously seek out new opportunities. Every relevant job, course, and volunteer work that I have had in my academic career has provided connections and experience for the next opportunity. If you work hard and are passionate about what you do, your day job feels a lot less like work ;)
There are so many ways to pursue your passions and interests. I'd recommend that prospective grad students be certain that they are ready for the rigour and commitment required by graduate studies. Be open to new ideas, critiques, and other ways of seeing the world. Learn from your peers, students, university staff, and the wider community, in addition to your professors. Be generous with others and build community. Don't forget where you come from.
Guelph offers great graduate programs for students that may or may not have research experience. What I have found is that faculty members are very willing to meet with students, and are available to talk about their research and to provide insight about what graduate school encompasses. In addition, getting to meet with current graduate students to talk about what their research is about is definitely an option here at the University of Guelph. I have found that many students are afraid to contact faculty members, but I found it to be very easy and helpful to reach out to the Faculty at Guelph. The University of Guelph definitely has the support system to help students get of glimpse of what graduate school has to offer.
