Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies

Grad Students' Words of Wisdom

MA in English at the University of Guelph graduate student Maude Stephany

Maude Stephany

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

Take the time you need to do your work, but also to enjoy life.

Ted Cogan

Ted Cogan

About Financial Support...

In addition to providing a stable funding guarantee, the department and college offered a number of additional travel and research funding opportunities that contributed substantially to the quality of my work. 

Headshot of University of Guelph Graduate student Olubiyi (Mark) Ariba

Olubiyi (Mark) Ariba

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

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!

MSc Organic Chemistry at the University of Guelph graduate student Scott Sammons

Scott Sammons

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

Networking is essential when considering graduate studies. I met my research advisor at an informal chemistry meet-up in Brass Taps two years prior to working for him. You'll never know when opportunities present themselves, so it's important to take chances and meet everyone you can.

U of G MBS student Ainsley Rooney in the lab

Ainsley Rooney

Advice to prospective grad students

My advice to prospective graduate students is to stay curious and open to new opportunities. Grad school is a journey of discovery, and being open-minded can lead to unexpected and rewarding experiences. Through working in a laboratory setting, you learn a plethora of new skills and techniques that not only could be useful in future careers but enhance your knowledge in the field. 
It's also essential to build relationships with peers, professors, and mentors. These connections can offer invaluable support, guidance, and opportunities for collaboration. Surround yourself with people who inspire you and challenge you to grow.
Lastly, remember that graduate school can be demanding, so take care of your mental and physical well-being. Balance is key to sustaining your energy and focus throughout your program. Stay motivated and persistent, and don't lose sight of your long-term goals.

Safia Mahabub Sauty

Safia Mahabub Sauty

Some words of advice...

Get involved in the community. Grad school is more than your research project; expand your contributions beyond your field of research and into the community where you are working.

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! 

U of G graduate student, Anastasia Stellato (PhD - Epidemiology) in the Science Atrium at the University of Guelph

Anastasia Stellato

About Being a Grad Student at U of G… 

There are animals everywhere, from seeing eye dogs in training to horses and cows at the research barn.

Portrait of graduate student Mason Stothart (MSc, Inttegrative Biology) in the atrium of Mac Donald Stewart Hall at the University of Guelph

Mason Stothart

About Being a Grad Student at U of G… 

There was a great graduate student community in my home department of Integrative Biology. As a group, we organized events ranging from salsa lessons and weekly communal meals, to wilderness retreats and a 'March Mammal Madness Bracket' pool.

Stephen Tatarchuk portrait

Stephen Tatarchuk

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

Never hesitate to ask more questions.