I encourage prospective graduate students to embrace interdisciplinary learning and seek out mentorship opportunities. Graduate school is about more than just coursework—it is about developing critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and building professional relationships. Stay open to new perspectives, actively engage in discussions, and take advantage of the research and networking opportunities available at U of G.
While it's true that you should work hard to reach your goal, burnout is real. Allow yourself to take breaks when needed; take a nap, play video games, and laugh at some memes. Life will feel less annoying.
Be patient with yourself. As a student your job is to learn, and by necessity, fail. Solving the problem and having the right answer isn't always the same thing.
Guelph will provide you with a supportive and stimulating academic environment. My advisors provided me with the freedom to explore my research interests and the support and mentorship to help me become a better scientist. Their positive attitudes and confidence in my abilities allowed me to achieve success in my research goals. There are loads of clubs one could join (e.g. qualitative journal club, welfare and behavior group, dairy journal club, graduate student social committees, art clubs, etc.). In addition, my graduate program provided me with a safe and interactive social environment (e.g. intramural sports, city leagues, department socials).
For my non-native English-speaking friends, there is a plethora of support from the international office! In addition, the library provides lots of writing and technical support!
I couldn't imagine a better fit than the University of Guelph. The opportunity to work within a dynamic, interdisciplinary team of graduate students across campus as an inaugural Arrell Food Fellow was an extremely enriching experience on both academic and professional development fronts that sets U of G apart. Under the leadership of the world renowned food scholar Dr. Evan Fraser, the Arrell Food Institute supported my aspirations to develop an innovative food product for student nutrition programs by connecting me with industry partners off campus in addition to the plethora of researchers and staff on campus to enhance my doctoral research. The Arrell Food Institute, CBaSE, the Catalyst Centre, the Accelerator Program, the Guelph Food Innovation Centre and the close proximity of OMAFRA across the street from the university are world-class resources that enhanced my U of G experience everyday. U of G invests in its students both academically AND professionally, offering a large suite of programs and specialized resource centres that assist students in developing research as well as business skills which accelerate their alumni post-graduation.
Advice for a prospective grad student or someone who would like to follow in your footsteps...
My biggest advice is to follow what truly excites you. My passion for equine reproduction started as a vet student, and every challenge and success since then has only made me more certain of my path. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, make mistakes, and learn from them — that’s where the growth happens. Surround yourself with people who support and inspire you, and remember why you started. There will be tough days, but if you love what you’re doing, it will all be worth it.
In graduate studies, you will work harder than you have ever worked, but it is going to be so rewarding. There are experts in every field at the University of Guelph, who will support you and offer so many resources that are available to help you succeed. You are also going to meet some incredible people along the way, especially since there is such strong comradery among fellow graduate students. I know this is a cliché, but I think you get out of your time here what you put into it, and there are so many opportunities available to take advantage of, to ensure you have a great experience.
Choose a supervisor who makes you excited about your project. There will be times when your project does not go as planned and reminders of that enthusiasm and why you are doing the work are crucial to continuing through the hurtles.
“I like the fact that you can go out to the Arboretum and walk during lunch. The flowers and the trees provide such a beautiful and serene outlook to the campus. I like how the buildings are not congested into one area but are separated by trees and pathways.”
