The graduate life experience is great! There are a ton of activities and ways to get involved on campus. The administration, faculty and fellow student truly provide a supportive environment to learn, grow and be challenged.
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.
This is a program that is very responsive to student needs, so if you have a question or want to pursue a line of discussion, be sure to ask! There is a considerable commitment to participants' career and personal growth, as well as to the more formal education elements. I appreciated that "all-around" approach.
Life as a graduate student at UofG is always exciting! Every day brings new experiences, learning opportunities, and challenges. One day, I could be conducting lab work, another day I could be attending classes and finishing assignments, while the next day I could be running sensory tests. At the same time, I am surrounded by smart, curious, and enthusiastic students who are all actively looking for ways to improve life.
Always ask for help. When in doubt, ask; When not in doubt, ask. Enrolment in graduate courses can be very small, and grad life can sometimes feel isolating; so, try to form great bonds with other grad students. You have a lot in common! Try to take some time off to have fun, and when you inevitably encounter students pulling a tractor in September, do the opposite of what I did; and be cool! If you can, participate in the 3-minute thesis competition (3MT); it's a lot of fun!
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 ;)
I have found success in graduate studies by having a solid group of people supporting me. Academia can be daunting and difficult, but having friends and colleagues who are like-minded, engaged, and generally supportive has made my journey possible. Pick your department and supervisor with care, seize opportunities, explore new and old interests, maintain hobbies outside of research, and most of all: stay curious.
Absolutely take the time to reach out to current students, alumni, and faculty members affiliated with the grad programs of consideration. Your grad school experience will very much be influenced by the people you are surrounded by during your education and the culture of the program. Hearing from other's experiences and talking to current students is one of the best ways to find the right fit for you.
